ITV viewers have threatened to switch off the broadcaster's World Cup coverage after a 'ridiculous' detail during the build-up to the first semi-final between France and Spain on Tuesday, July 14. Host Mark Pougatch, 58, led the live broadcast from the Brooklyn studio, joined by regular pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Roy Keane, and Patrick Vieira, as well as an unexpected guest: Succession actor Brian Cox.
Mixed Reactions to Brian Cox's Punditry
The footballing legends were delighted to have Cox on the show, but some viewers were left confused. One X user claimed ITV's attitude to football 'really sucks', while another wrote: 'Why have ITV got Brian Cox on the build up to the France v Spain World Cup semi-final?' A third frustrated fan said: 'Brian Cox doing pre-game punditry for a World Cup semi final? Absolutely not.'
Throughout the broadcast, an exasperated watcher questioned: 'Is there anywhere else I can watch this game?' Another penned: 'Why have ITV taken Brian Cox hostage and forced him to talk about football? Ridiculous,' while a further comment read: 'Utterly pointless interview with Brian Cox.'
Support for the Actor's Appearance
Despite the wave of criticism, many viewers were thrilled to see the acting 'legend' in the studio. One fan called his appearance 'fun and random', while another said: 'Brian Cox punditry is something I didn't know I needed.' During his interview, Ian Wright asked Cox if he played football when he was younger, to which the actor bluntly replied: 'I was hopeless!' He added: 'I'll tell you, I was, "I suppose we'll have to have Cox." The idea of me being with you extraordinary, celebrated players, particularly you Man [United] guys, because I was a big Man [United] fan.'
Patrick Vieira Compares Mbappé to the Best
Elsewhere in the build-up, Patrick Vieira compared French striker Kylian Mbappé to the best players of past and present. Referencing Thierry Henry, Vieira said: 'It's a really good comparison because we're talking about the two, I believe, best ever French number nine. But Mbappé, to me, is a little bit more quicker with his feet. Look at the goal he scored against Morocco, there [was] no space, there's eight players around him, but he [found] the way to make the shot and to score that goal.' He added: 'But I think today Mbappé is the best player in the world. I would put him in front [of] even Messi,' with his co-stars audibly saying 'wow' in response.
