The ITV commentary by Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon of England V France was filled with incredible bias towards Gareth Southgate's side
In England's toughest test of the tournament, they faced a France side that contained many of the 2018 winning squad. Much of the talk in the lead up was how they would stop Kylian Mbappe, who is leading the race for the Golden Boot.
However, as shown through the game, England should have been worried about players all over the pitch. It was another bright young star who opened the scoring through Aurélien Tchouaméni.
🏴0-1🇫🇷
GOAL FRANCE!
Aurelien Tchouameni with a stunning strike as Jordan Pickford couldn't stretch his arms out long enough to save.
📝Live updates: https://t.co/ZpRyodB5Y2
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPrCaZ#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/eLux35i0nz— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
The Real Madrid midfielder scored with a great finish outside the box, but the ITV commentary was focused on an incident in the build up.
ITV commentators thought Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build up to the goal, but the referee dismissed England's protests. That didn't stop them to proceed the rest of the half by talking about the incident.
England also had a penalty appeal waved away when Harry Kane appeared to be dragged down in the box by Dayot Upamecano, but the referee waved play on.
While England got their deserved equaliser through Harry Kane, viewers couldn't get over the bias showed by ITV during the game.
Their joy wasn't long lived in the second half, with Oliver Giroud restoring France's lead.
🏴1-2🇫🇷
GOAL FRANCE!
Was it Olivier Giroud or was it a Harry Maguire OG? Anyway France retake the lead.
📝Live updates: https://t.co/ZpRyodk2W2
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/MCRAkz4Jub— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
England were gifted an opportunity to restore England lead when Theo Hernandez brought down Mason Mount, but Kane blazed the penalty over the bar.
Reaction To Bias Commentary
Viewers made their feelings clear through the game on twitter as they had enough of the bias showed by ITV. From overstating England's performance to the constant replays of Saka brought down, it didn't go down well.
Found the ITV commentary weirdly down on the performance. Think England have at least matched France. Haven’t created lots but these big knockout games aren’t replete with chances.
Difference between the teams is a couple of tight refereeing decisions and a brilliant strike.— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 10, 2022
The ITV Commentary are talking like the whole world’s against them, and they’d be absolutely right
— Tam sellic son (@TamseIIicsonIII) December 10, 2022
If ITV are picking on form - as is the way with successful teams in the World Cup - then Jon Champion & Ally McCoist should start preparing for the final. Best commentary team by a distance.
— Michael Calvin💙 (@CalvinBook) December 5, 2022
Still makes me crease that ITV have Sam Matterface and *checks notes* Lee Dixon on commentary for England games. Seriously, what is that?
— Lewis Browning (@Browning_Lewis_) December 10, 2022
Any chance you can do live commentary on YouTube for the game so we dont have to listen to the dross on ITV?
— Scott Broadbridge (@scottysbb) December 10, 2022
Little tip for ITV if you want to get a few viewers away from the BBC come the #WorldCup2022 final: Have Clive Tyldesley and Ally McCoist as your commentary team. I guarantee if people tune in and hear Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon they will immediately flick channels.
— Oi, Mario, Pipe Down (@JohnSlaterITFC) December 5, 2022
Lee Dixon & Sam Matterface on #ITV Commentary. #ENGFRA #FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/FI1fLaJc8W
— Mr Omega 3 (@MrOmega3) December 10, 2022
Someone needs to sit Lee Dixon down and tell him to move on from the bump on Saka.
— Ciaran Fleming (@is_mise_ciaran) December 10, 2022
As the English media hyped themselves up for winning a major tournament once again, the optimism from the ITV commentary was too much, even for the most passionate of England fans.
As the English media continued to believe in their own hype, it was once again heartbreak for the squad in Qatar.
SEE ALSO: England Fans Blame USA Performance On ITV Curse
