The BBC has sparked a major complaint after offering a "no spoiler" re-run of the World Cup match between England and Mexico, with viewers branding the move as "appalling." The last-16 knockout match is scheduled to kick off live at 1am BST (6pm local time) in Mexico City on Monday morning.
Prime Minister allows extended pub hours
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said pubs would be able to stay open until 5am to accommodate fans watching the match. Pub chain Greene King confirmed more than 600 pubs across England would be staying open late to show the game, while Wetherspoons said only five of its more than 800 pubs would remain open for the match.
BBC's 'Stay Up or Catch Up' incentive
The broadcaster has offered a special "Stay Up or Catch Up" incentive to provide live coverage for fans who want to watch it live and later in the day. The match will be broadcast exclusively live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with presenter Kelly Cates joined by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards. In addition, there will be a full no-spoiler re-run of the game on BBC Two from 07:10 BST, while a full re-run will be available on demand on BBC iPlayer immediately after the match. There will also be live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, alongside live text coverage and in-match clips across the BBC Sport website and app. An extended 15-minute highlights programme will be available on both BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Football YouTube channel.
Viewers point out flaws
However, viewers noticed a major flaw in this "special offer." One said: "Another giveaway is showing markers on the viewing timeline when watching catch-up. Which bright spark missed that?" A second added: "Dead giveaway will be the run time if we have Extra Time or Penalties." Some said it will be impossible to keep it "spoiler-free" as "neighbours cheering or car horns at 3am in the morning might give the game away." People who have to leave for work at 7am also found the Catch Up programme "useless," with one saying: "Doesn’t help much when you’ve gotta leave for work at 7am. Looks like I’m staying up to watch it live." Another wrote: "I don’t want to be ‘that guy’ as the sentiment is great, but a full re-run would take us to after 9am, so parents who get their kids up to watch it spoiler free wouldn’t surely need to take them to school before it ends?" Others asked if the broadcaster would edit out the hydration breaks and advertisements to reduce the playback time for better viewing experience. However, it's unsure if the BBC would do so.
