Good Morning Britain viewers have demanded an apology after hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls made what they described as 'unacceptable' and 'anti-Scottish' comments during Tuesday's live show.
Bank Holiday Debate Sparks Outrage
The presenters were discussing King Charles's decision to approve a one-off bank holiday in Scotland for fans to watch Scotland's first World Cup game. The match against Haiti kicks off at 9pm local time in Boston, meaning UK fans will need to stay up until 2am to watch.
Susanna Reid said: 'A lot of people are outraged this morning over the bank holiday in Scotland for their first World Cup opening game. King Charles has approved a new, one-off bank holiday to allow fans to watch the late-night World Cup clash. So, they get next Monday off.'
Ed Balls then added: 'This morning, in our five o'clock meeting, Susanna said, "I can't believe this, the game's on the Sunday morning, and they get bank holiday more than 24 hours later." I said, "What?" I couldn't believe it.'
Presenters Accused of Stereotyping
The conversation quickly turned to stereotypes, with Susanna asking: 'How hungover do they get?' and Kevin Maguire suggesting: 'You can imagine the state of people.' Gillian Keegan added: 'It sets a terrible precedent.'
Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their anger. One wrote: 'Very condescending attitude from all the presenters taking part in that debate! Extremely anti Scottish. Not everyone is getting it and not everyone wants it.'
Another said: 'I thought the presenters also focused heavily on stereotypes, portraying Scots as heavy drinkers. Do better Good Morning Britain. Your presenters owe some of your audience an apology.'
A third added: 'The presenters talking about Scots was unacceptable. Very condescending attitude, extremely anti Scottish comments. Uncalled for.'
Someone else noted: 'Not everyone in Scotland gets it either,' while a fifth viewer fumed: 'It's disappointing that your programme is again taking an anti Scottish view.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
