The BBC is again facing calls to drop Olivier Giroud as a pundit for its World Cup coverage. The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward has been a regular on the broadcaster's panel during the tournament currently being held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Viewer Backlash After Argentina vs Austria
Criticism intensified on Monday night after Argentina beat Austria 2-0, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals. One viewer said: "Olivier Giroud STINKS as a pundit. They have to replace him." Another added: "I don't ever want to see Olivier Giroud again as a pundit."
A third wrote on social media: "Please no more Giroud. He's so bad it's actually painful to watch. Not everyone can be a pundit." A fourth demanded: "BBC need to pull a Tunisia and sack Olivier Giroud mid-tournament. Woeful pundit." Another fan suggested: "Time for the BBC to just give up on Giroud as a pundit."
Mixed Reactions from Fans
However, not all viewers were unimpressed. One fan wrote on X: "Olivier Giroud as a pundit is surprisingly calm - like he talks the game the same way he finishes chances, simple and efficient." Another said: "I actually quite like Olivier Giroud as a pundit." A third replied to a critical post: "He's alright man."
One supporter offered a nuanced view: "Seemingly unpopular opinion but Olivier Giroud's perfectly fine as a pundit. Was a tough listen in the first game he did this tournament admittedly but loads quicker and clearer since, clearly a concerted effort to be so. If it hadn't become a thing people wouldn’t notice him."
Giroud's New Role
The 39-year-old, who still plays for Lille in Ligue 1, is experiencing his first regular punditry role on TV, having previously appeared on Sky's Monday Night Football last season. Speaking about his new gig earlier this month, Giroud said: "I'm really excited about starting a new experience. And yeah, looking forward to seeing Micah [Richards] and Wazza [Wayne Rooney]."
Broader Criticism of BBC Coverage
The BBC, which shares hosting rights for the World Cup with ITV, has also faced criticism for broadcasting from Salford, while ITV opted for a studio with a Manhattan skyline backdrop. On Saturday night, Gary Lineker joked about the difference after appearing on ITV's coverage: "I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we're Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set. I think it's absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real. What a backdrop."
