Susanna Reid issued an apology on Good Morning Britain after facing accusations of 'jealousy' over her comments about Scotland's World Cup bank holiday. The presenter, alongside Ed Balls, acknowledged her remarks sparked fury among viewers.
Apology on Live TV
On Monday, 15 June, just before the show concluded, Susanna apologised for her earlier comments. Scotland had secured an additional bank holiday following their World Cup qualification, and Susanna's remarks during last week's ITV daytime show had triggered criticism.
After Scotland's 1-0 victory against Haiti, Susanna admitted she had left fans 'irate'. She welcomed two Scottish presenters onto the show, saying: 'They're irate with us because we teased Scotland about having a bank holiday today, celebrating their first World Cup victory in 36 years.'
Backlash and Accusations
Ed Balls added: 'That's a decision that one of our very own presenters might have called out outrageous, but according to one Scottish broadcaster, she is just jealous.' He pointed towards Susanna, who then addressed radio presenter Nicolle Cassels on live TV: 'I'm so sorry Nicolle, we made you work today!'
Nicolle quipped back: 'Susanna I knew you were jealous, but I didn't know you were jealous enough to bring me to work with you!' Susanna replied: 'I'm so sorry.'
Further Reactions
Journalist Gordon Smart, who watched Scotland's match in Boston alongside Martin Compston, also joined the discussion. He joked: 'My Good Morning Britain career is kind of like Scotland's career, I turn up every two years, do a good job and then disappear because the manager doesn't like me.' Susanna laughed: 'That feels like a dig!'
Nicolle added: 'Susanna I think you were quite wrong in what you said, I think you should maybe say sorry.' Susanna responded: 'My Scottish ancestors would be turning in their graves, I can only apologise. Let me say, it's outrageous that not everyone in Scotland has got today off as a bank holiday.'
Viewer Outrage
Earlier, Susanna and Ed had been blasted for their comments. Ed said: 'This morning, 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.' Susanna added: 'It's really outrageous. I mean, how long does it take Scots to get over the fact that they've played their first match?'
One viewer fumed: 'So many Anti Scottish comments from your presenters and guests this morning. Disgusting behaviour.' Another blasted: 'Very condescending attitude from all the presenters taking part in that debate! Extremely anti Scottish.' Yet another seething viewer said: 'Not everyone is getting it. Jumping on the anti scotland bandwagon i see. Pathetic.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
