ITV has come under fire for their handling of the Euro 2024 opener featuring Scotland against Germany in Munich. As Steve Clarke’s men kicked off their campaign at the Allianz Arena, a sea of Tartan Army supporters made their presence felt in Germany.
It’s reported that a whopping four per cent of Scotland’s population have made the journey, yet millions back home tuned in to catch the action. Frustration brewed among the viewers when the broadcast, which began at 6.30pm BST on Friday, swiftly shifted focus to England, who wouldn’t be playing until two days later.
Gareth Southgate’s interview was aired much to the dismay of fans looking forward to the Scotland match, prompting them to express their annoyance on social media platform X. Tony Watt, the former Celtic striker and Scottish international, now with Dundee, took to X – previously known as Twitter – to question: “Turned ITV on and its coverage of England. Is it not Scotland Germany?”
Watt wasn’t alone in his disapproval; ex-St Mirren player Lee Mair also criticised the channel, tweeting: “Get a grip STVSport and @ITV. Shambles. Scotland playing the hosts in the opening game of the Euros and the whole build up is about England.”
Adding to the chorus of discontent, Callum McFadden remarked: “12 minutes into the Euros coverage if Scotland vs Germany on STV (provided by ITV across the UK) and already the focus is on England and Gareth Southgate. What an absolute joke!!!”
Another viewer expressed: “Scotland Germany, opening game of the competition… watching Gareth Southgate talk about England… ‘why do the Jocks never support England?'”
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Some viewers were not taken aback by this. Alex R commented: “ITV banging on about England during a Scotland game. No surprise there.” Andrew Staunton observed: “Tuned into ITV coverage of Scotland game and heard lots about England. Will that ever change? “.
The situation also led to complaints from viewers of other nations. Jay, @JuiCJ_NP20, remarked: “Germany v SCOTLAND on ITV. Build up is all about England. Seriously English people, take your rose tinted goggles off and you may understand why Scotland and Wales are sick of your mob.”
