A FOOTBALL commentator has sparked anger after making a disparaging remark about Scotland during STV’s coverage of England’s friendly with Austria last night.
Lee Dixon, a retired footballer who played for England during the 1990s, was co-commentating for ITV’s coverage of the match, which was also broadcast on sister channel STV in Scotland.
Meanwhile Scotland was playing the Netherlands, though this match was only available to watch on Sky.
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Late into Scotland’s match the Netherlands equalised, taking the score to 2-2 in the final minutes.
With the England game nearing its end, Dixon remarked: “I’d like to say I’m disappointed, but not really.”
His co-presenter responded: “You be on your best behaviour.”
The comment was picked up by unhappy viewers and Scotland fans. One viewer, Anonymous Scot, accused STV of broadcasting “anti-Scottish” content.
“[Lee Dixon] obviously forgot that the game was being broadcast in Scotland,” responded another fan.
Others felt the comment itself was not so concerning, but were angry that it was broadcast in Scotland while the national team’s match was only available for paying viewers.
“Whoever he was he is entitled to his opinion but viewers in Scotland should not have had to endure listening to it. Get a grip [STV],” wrote Russell.
Others who caught the clip suggested the comment would not fly under the radar had it been reversed. “Seriously though, imagine if a Scottish commentator said this in an England game,” @JacobiteJen tweeted.
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One journalist, Alan Campbell, said he was fine with Dixon’s remark, citing Scotland and England’s historic rivalry in football. “Scotland and England are the oldest rivals in international football and at least it's honest,” he commented.
But Dundonian Kevin Gallacher still felt there were double standards. “I am fine with it too but … just imagine a Scottish commentator said similar during live coverage of our friendly on ITV down there about a goal against England (on Sky).”
A spokesperson for STV commented: “STV will air 23 Euro matches after the competition kicks off on 11 June, with special live coverage of Scotland’s England and Croatia fixtures.
"These two matches will be presented by Raman Bhardwaj, with STV Sport’s presenter Sheelagh McLaren pitch side and Stefani Dailly reporting from the Euro Fan Zone in Glasgow Green. David Moyes, Kenny McLean and John Collins will provide expert analysis, with Rory Hamilton and Kevin Gallacher providing commentary.
"This is a hugely exciting tournament for Scotland, we’ve a fantastic line up of presenters and pundits and we can’t wait for the kick off.”
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