Football Federation Australia has hit out at the ABC, declaring their coverage of Liverpool’s victory over Sydney FC as not up to the standard they and the fans deserve to expect.
Fans swarmed social media following the strange pre and in-game coverage from presenters Jules Schiller, Tegan Higginbotham and Steen Raskopoulos, with many stating it was the worst football coverage ever seen in Australia.
Is this the worst football coverage in the history of Australia? #ABC #ABC2 #livsyd #LFC #SydneyIsSkyBlue
— Satria Dyer-Darmawan (@Satria_Dyer_D) May 24, 2017
— Andrew Eales (@edeales) May 24, 2017
The studio normally kitted out with modern technology such as touch screens and tablets, was instead equipped with two sturdy whiteboards with cut-out faces depicting each side’s line-up.
“Pre-game, half-time & post-game coverage wasn't to standard expected by FFA & football fans. We've made that point to ABC management,” it said in a tweet on the official A-League Twitter account.
“Like many fans, FFA is disappointed with some aspects of the ABC’s broadcast of the Sydney FC v Liverpool FC match last night.”
Among those to lead the chorus of outrage was Fox Sports commentator and former Socceroo Robbie Slater who said the coverage was ‘unforgivable’ and embarrassed Australia in front of a worldwide audience.
This is what happens when people who have none or little knowledge of football make decisions ! Embarrassing #LIVSYD
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) May 24, 2017
I love our game and to have it bagged and disrespected by this coverage is unacceptable #LIVSYD
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) May 24, 2017
How can we work so hard for 12 years and allow this to happen in front of a world audience ! #LIVSYD
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) May 24, 2017