Euro 2012: Television Cover-rage

To lighten the mood around here, decided to post a list of my top three pet peeves whilst I’ve been watching the championships, these are from Her Majesty’s BBC and Simon Cowell’s ITV1 in the United Kingdom.

Before that, I’ll give out a few honourable mentions. This article was very nearly called “Euro 2012: Tannoy-ances” the tannoy systems have provided two of the worst aspects of this tournament, the infuriating countdown to kick-off before every game. Just stop it. Then after each and every goal, music is played. Seven Nation Army to be precise. After. Every. Goal. What makes it worse is that “fans” appear to be dancing to the beat and shouting along. Don’t they realise the unified roar of a crowd is joy and can’t be manufactured. I didn’t include these though as it’s not really the BBC’s or ITV’s fault, but still needed to get it off my chest.

Along with this we have the BBC’s bizarre habit of cutting straight to the studio on the blow of the final whistle for the majority of the early games, something which someone clearly complained about as they have stopped doing it. I would much rather see Shevchenko run about and whip up the crowd then Alan Hansen being a bit miserable. If it was really that import to get his instant reaction, let him talk over the images.

Now onto the real ones, in no particular order

-There seems to be a bizarre pride or obsession over British officials and referees. This goes far beyond a simple name check at the start of the game. Seems like a desperate attempt to include ourselves in a party we’re not invited; talk about the footballers please. I mean if Howard Webb makes a terrible decision by all means make a quip about how he’s must be confused and think the team in red is from Manchester, but both he and his Scottish counterpart have had quiet games. Can’t help but remember the world cup final in 2010 which was officiated by Brits, Darren Cann the linesman got a mention each correct offside called, this is a trend which needs to stop.

-If I could of thought of a pun about referee’s I most certainly would have went with that, as they are the subject matter of bad commentary once again. The 5^th and 6^th official. Otherwise known as “those guys who stand behind the goal and make no decisions.” My response, which I tend to shout to my television every time this accusation is brought to them, they are wearing a headset and have an electronic “wand” to communicate with the Referee. Just because they don’t storm onto the pitch, point in someone’s face or wave their arms like mad men doesn’t mean they aren’t helping. Use some common sense and intelligence please.

-First of all, the premier league is a very good league and perhaps the best in the world, and we as a nation have every right to be proud of it. However, it does seem the commentators seem to forget that it isn’t the pinnacle of everyone’s ambition to play here and other leagues exist with a equal and possibly better standard (that’s an argument for another day however.) It seems to me that most players who have played in and left the premiership are being labelled as “having a point to prove.” Sorry to whom? You?
On the subject of ignorant clichés my all time favourite which has got a few outings with Messrs Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic, “ he has the hopes of a nation resting upon his shoulders.”  Only heard of one or two of the players in the team? Bring out this little guy and sound like you know what you’re talking about. Job Done.

That’s that. I’m also not as angry as reading this back made me seem. I’ll write something positive next time. Besides, the football thus far has been of a very high standard and made for a most enjoyable group stage despite the best efforts of the commentators.