Countryfile viewers took to social media to express their displeasure with Sunday's episode, which focused on Forest Green Rovers football club, with many calling it the 'worst episode' they had ever seen.
Presenters Matt Baker and Vick Hope opened the programme at the Gloucestershire club, which the BBC described as the country's most rural professional football club. During the episode, Vick interviewed figures including club historian Tim Barnard and former player Alex Sykes.
Club's history and community role
The BBC reported that in 2010, the club was struggling financially and was helped by green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince, who stepped in as owner and chairman. Vince told Vick that he wanted to get involved with running the club after watching a game and being told it was at risk of closing after 120 years.
Meanwhile, Matt visited Stroud Brewery, a supplier of organic real ale for the match-day bars. As the show opened, Matt told audiences: "With qualifications done, this week sees the first round of the FA Cup, and to kick it off, we are at the country's most rural professional football clubs. Forest Green Rovers."
Vick added: "Yes, this Gloucestershire club has, over the course of its history, created jobs, supported local businesses and brought the community together." Matt also explained that the football club "defied the odds" as it climbed through the divisions to reach the upper echelons of the professional game.
Viewer backlash on social media
Throughout the programme, the pair examined how the rural club bolsters the local community and economy. However, it was not long before viewers flocked to X to air their views, with many raising the same grievance.
One person said: "This is the worst episode of #Countryfile I've ever seen." Another complained: "Remember this used to be about the countryside!" Someone else added: "#countryfile football doesn't even compare to crops. Who writes these scripts?" One viewer wrote: "This programme @Countryfilelive has really gone downhill. I've had to switch over #bbccountryfile #countryfile."
Another fumed: "@bbc have managed to do a hefty part of #Countryfile about a football club - hardly core rural issues #RenameIt." Another viewer commented: "Why are #BBCCountryfile doing a whole programme about football? What exactly has that got to do with farming? Switched off, so boring!" While someone else quipped: "Didn't know that motd was on a Sunday evening."
Countryfile is available to watch Sundays on BBC One from 5:40pm.
