Viewers of the BBC's University Challenge have sharply criticised a team from the London School of Economics (LSE), labelling them 'miserable' and in need of a 'lesson in sportsmanship'. The backlash followed Monday's episode, which saw the University of Manchester triumph.
A Gracious Win Meets a Frosty Reception
The quiz, presented by Amol Rajan, culminated in a victory for the University of Manchester, who scored 160 points against LSE's 135. As the credits rolled, Manchester's captain, Madgwick, led his team over to the opponents' podium to offer handshakes, a gesture of traditional quiz show courtesy.
However, the reaction from the LSE side, as perceived by the audience at home, sparked immediate controversy on social media platform X. Fans contrasted the animated and supportive demeanour of the winning Manchester team with what they saw as a glum and ungracious attitude from the runners-up.
Social Media Erupts Over Quiz Etiquette
One viewer posted: 'So glad Manchester won that round. Great to see a team so supportive of each other & animated! The LSE team were so miserable.' The sentiment was widely echoed.
Another comment read: 'Manchester have won tonight and they went over to shake the hands of the LSE team at the end too.' Praise for Manchester's conduct was plentiful, with one fan calling them 'possibly the most likeable team seen on the show in a long time'.
Yet, the criticism wasn't solely directed at LSE's demeanour. One viewer offered a more balanced take, noting: 'Tough for LSE tonight, quizmaster was extremely strict. (He's getting worse). Winners were Manchester but I feel their captain needs a lesson in sportsman like behaviour.' This suggested some perceived the handshake gesture itself as potentially patronising.
Not the First Time Viewers Have Been Distracted
This is not the first recent episode of the academic contest to generate chatter for reasons beyond general knowledge. Last month, viewers were concerned for a contestant from Imperial College London named Keung, who appeared to briefly rest his head on the desk during a complex astrophysics question.
Alarmed posts flooded X, with one user asking, 'Has something happened to Keung someone check he’s still alive there,' while another joked he was 'just recharging'. Keung lifted his head after about 20 seconds, and Imperial went on to win their match against Southampton with 190 points to 180, prompting the wry observation: 'Keung has woken up for the win.'
The debate over on-screen conduct continues to engage the show's dedicated audience. University Challenge airs on Mondays on BBC Two and iPlayer.
