The BBC is set to persist with a controversial pundit after issuing an apology for an "embarrassing" blunder at the World Cup. The spotlight isn't solely on the players and managers in North America, but also on the broadcasters.
It hasn't been a perfect beginning to the tournament for BBC Sport, which was facing criticism even before kick-off for choosing to anchor the majority of its coverage from its Salford base. By comparison, ITV has established itself in New York, with a stylish Brooklyn studio that features a striking backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
There have been additional problems with production following a glaring graphics blunder before France's win over Senegal. The graphic, which was meant to display the faces of France's starting XI, featured the incorrect images of two members of their four-man backline.
Jules Kounde's name was wrongly matched with an image of Ibrahima Konate. Additionally, the picture of Dayot Upamecano was used twice - once accurately and once with William Saliba's.
After the error was labelled "embarrassing" by some social media users, a BBC spokesperson said: "We apologise for this mistake."
There have also been grumbles about pundits, particularly one, with some viewers demanding Olivier Giroud be axed. Social media users have branded the former Arsenal, Chelsea and France striker "disastrous", "absolutely abysmal" and accused him of sending viewers "to sleep".
That said, given the corporation's track record with other pundits who have faced scrutiny, Giroud is likely to be retained. The case of Phil Neville's performances during the 2014 World Cup serves as a telling precedent.
He was used on Match of the Day for the following Premier League season, despite widespread criticism of his co-commentary during England's opening tournament clash against Italy. Mark Cole, the BBC's head of football at the time, stood firmly behind the former Manchester United and Everton star and shed light on their private conversations.
Cole told The Independent: "He had a bad night at the office. He was really hurting that night when I spoke to him but he dusted himself down the next morning."
Despite this backing, the younger Neville brother's punditry career failed to gain much further momentum. ITV has not escaped scrutiny either, with the broadcaster caught up in a sexism row over its treatment of women's football managerial legend Emma Hayes.
During hydration breaks midway through each half, Hayes has been positioned in a separate area of the studio with a chalkboard to provide tactical analysis. Critics of the segment have argued it gives the impression that Hayes is broadcasting from a kitchen.
