ITV viewers were left furious after a significant mistake on the first night of the World Cup coverage. The network faced backlash when presenter Semra Hunter mistakenly identified Sweden head coach Graham Potter as former England boss Gareth Southgate.
Match Overview
Mexico secured a victory over Group A opponents South Africa in a match that saw more red cards than goals. Julian Quinones opened the scoring for the hosts in the ninth minute, followed by a Raul Jimenez header in the second half to seal a comprehensive win. South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, and Mexico's Cesar Montes also received a red card in stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Neither side finished with a full lineup.
ITV's Blunder
The match was broadcast live on ITV, but viewers were unhappy with the studio analysis after the final whistle. During a segment showing Potter wearing a cowboy hat at a training session, Hunter commented: "There are some people who really seem to be immersing themselves in American culture. Really enjoying themselves in all that American culture has to offer. Sweden coach Gareth Southgate decided to tell everyone there's a new sheriff in town."
Many fans were baffled by the error. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed their frustration. @glennsanderson wrote: "As soon as ITV switched over to the USA TV station I lasted 15 seconds then turned it off!" @Trickyred1 added: "As soon as I heard both speak the whole programme was in the bin. Do better." @Mr_SandbagNZ asked: "What could possibly go wrong when you employ football presenters who know nothing about football?"
@tickers23 said: "I thought I had misheard her, now it's confirmed. What an absolute s*** show." @Jonnymann88 replied: "I had to rewind it and double check, then came here for confirmation but nothing till this morning." @GLane14002 commented: "These two are one of the reasons football is going downhill fast. Fans I speak to are turning away from this type of c*** as it doesn't belong. No idea who or what purpose these two serve other than to annoy the f*** out of people and lose an ITV viewing figure."
Hunter, 39, was named as part of ITV's presenting team for the tournament alongside Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch. She has extensive experience covering European football and is a key figure for ITV during the World Cup.
