World Cup viewers expressed frustration with ITV's coverage after a commentator mistakenly referred to halftime as 'the first quarter' during Monday's match between Egypt and Belgium. The error prompted a wave of criticism on social media, with fans calling for the broadcaster to lose its rights to the tournament.
One viewer wrote on X/Twitter: 'So @ITVSport referring to it as “the first quarter” means they should never be allowed to broadcast another football match ever again.' Another added: 'They shouldn’t be allowed in the first place. Their coverage has been s*** for 40 years.'
The match, held at Seattle stadium, featured stars Mohamed Salah and Romelu Lukaku. ITV's coverage was led by Mark Pougatch, with commentary from Lee Dixon, Sam Matterface, and Ally McCoist from studios in Brooklyn, New York.
ITV has a lineup of pundits including Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, and Patrick Vieira for the tournament. The broadcaster previously touted its coverage as 'second to none', but fans remain unconvinced, with some urging the BBC to take over all matches.
