The BBC is facing backlash after breaking a golden rule of broadcasting during coverage of Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo. The panel was previewing the match when discussion turned to Cristiano Ronaldo, who started the match at age 41. Pundit Gael Clichy used language that some viewers found offensive.
Clichy's Controversial Comments
While discussing Ronaldo's transition from winger to striker, Clichy said: "What's impressive is that we have been players... it was impressive that every five years to reinvent himself. It's not a given for everybody. First you have to be able to want to change, you need to be able to have the quality to change. It needs a lot of work because he was a winger, I played against him, you [Wayne Rooney] played with him. He used to take the p*** out of people."
He added: "And he went from that to straight box player and scoring goals, so you have to give credit for that because it's not easy... He changed the way we see football because of health and his way of living, but overall, he is a fantastic ambassador for the brand of football."
BBC's Failure to Apologize
Despite Clichy's colorful language at 5:50 PM, the BBC did not issue an apology to viewers, breaking its usual golden rule. Host Mark Chapman ignored the comment and continued the discussion with Wayne Rooney before handing over to match commentators.
The BBC has not yet commented on the incident.
