ABC concedes Football coverage failed to meet expectations of fans

The ABC has conceded its broadcast of last nights Liverpool Football Club and Sydney FC friendly clash failed to meet expectations of Australian Football fans after the broadcaster was inundated with complaints.

Televised on ABC2, the pre-game/post-game show was hosted by Jules Schiller, Tegan Higginbotham and Steen Raskopoulos and featured a light-hearted build-up to the game including comedy skits, which failed to amuse die-hard football fans.

The ABC has confirmed it will review the decision to present comedy programming around live sport coverage, with a spokesperson telling DeciderTV:

“The ABC was proud to broadcast the Liverpool FC versus Sydney FC last night at short notice, making it available to all Australians. While the game coverage and commentary was excellent, our decision to create a different offering for the pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage, was not supported by all football fans and we will consider this feedback for any future sporting events.”

The concession comes after the ABC was heavily criticised by both fans of the game and Football Federation Australia (FFA), which stated it was “disappointed” and stated the coverage, “wasn’t to standard expected by FFA”

tuned in to #LIVSYD and this was the first thing I saw. what an utter, complete disaster this @abc2 coverage is. switched straight off. pic.twitter.com/mX8NZNjXsM

— BC #fixisin (@scouse_roar) May 24, 2017

Fans were particularly critical of a segment hosted by comedian Aaron Chen where he appeared to mock the intelligence of supporters attending the game.

DeciderTV has learned the live broadcast was plaque by technical problems with presenters unable to hear what was occurring in their earpieces, and failures with autocue equipment

The ABC was also heavily restricted in how much access it had with players, particularly from the Liverpool side due to rights agreements.

Former Socceroo and Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater was particularly vocal in his criticism of the ABC coverage,

“Who thought this was a good idea FFA! This is unforgivable and I and every supporter of our game would like an answer! This is what happens when people who have none or little knowledge of football make decisions! Embarrassing. I love our game and to have it bagged and disrespected by this coverage is unacceptable. How can we work so hard for 12 years and allow this to happen in front of a world audience!”

The criticism of last nights coverage comes at a time when the FFA is considering awarding the ABC free to air simulcast rights for one A-League game per week. The ABC had been considered a front-runner to secure the rights with commercial broadcasters unwilling to invest in the low-rating code believing the broadcasts will be to difficult to monetise.