The BBC and ITV have assembled an impressive roster of football pundits for the ongoing World Cup in North America. However, one of the newest additions to the BBC team, former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, has faced a barrage of criticism from viewers.
BBC and ITV Pundit Line-Ups
The BBC's 18-strong pundit team includes former England stars such as Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, and Danny Murphy. Scottish representatives Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie, and James McFadden are also present, along with international stars like Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, Thomas Frank, and Lucas Leiva.
ITV's selection features Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Juan Mata, Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira, Ange Postecoglou, Duncan Ferguson, Emma Hayes, Karen Carney, Christina Unkel, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Jobi McAnuff. Notable absentees include Eni Aluko, Graeme Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel De Jong, and Hal Robson-Kanu.
Viewer Backlash Against Giroud
Giroud, who is still adapting to punditry in his second language, has been heavily criticized on social media after Belgium's draw with Egypt. One viewer wrote: "We’ve got to get rid of Giroud as a pundit, I can’t keep doing this." Another said: "Whoever it was at the BBC that thought that Olivier Giroud could be a pundit has made a disastrous decision. He's absolutely abysmal." A third commented: "Giroud doing his best to put everyone to sleep with his incisive analysis," while a fourth added: "I guarantee that I will never learn anything from Olivier Giroud's analysis. Punditry just isn't for you mate."
Have Your Say
With so many pundits across both channels, some inevitably attract more criticism than others. Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Micah Richards are often singled out by disgruntled viewers. Now, you can vote for the worst World Cup pundit in our poll. Let us know your thoughts on the current crop of TV analysts.
