Good Morning Britain viewers voiced their displeasure on Wednesday as the ITV programme hosted a heated debate over whether employers should grant staff a half-day to watch England's World Cup round of 32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Debate Sparks Viewer Backlash
Presenters Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls led the discussion, featuring Lindi Glass, founder and director of Explode Social Media, who supports giving employees time off, and Claudia Hearne, a construction firm owner who opposes the idea. The debate quickly escalated, with Glass accusing Hearne of sounding like a 'blithering plutocrat.'
Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise the segment. One wrote: 'Congo are going to park the bus, England will struggle to break them down and the game will be s****. I can't see us getting near the final so I've lost interest tbf.' Another commented: 'Love a bit of shouting over each other 1st thing in the morning.'
Audience Questions Necessity of Time Off
Several viewers questioned the need for a half-day off. One asked: 'Why do u need a half day to get home an hour early?' Another remarked: 'Where does it end ... good question .... it doesn't as everyone needs to be included these days with all the whataboutery.'
England advanced from Group L unbeaten, with wins over Croatia and Panama and a goalless draw with Ghana, but have been criticised for underwhelming performances. Their opponents, Congo, reached the knockout stage for the first time after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, with Newcastle's Yoane Wissa scoring twice.
Oasis Star Weighs In
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher also joined the online fray, posting: 'Did RANVIR on GMB just say England fans who are working should be allowed to f*** off home early or am I hearing things.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am. England's match against Congo kicks off at 5pm UK time and will be broadcast on BBC One from 4pm on Wednesday, July 1.
