Clive Tyldesley has written to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) urging formal training for co-commentators, following a study that found racial stereotyping in football broadcasts. The study, conducted by Danish firm RunRepeat in association with the PFA, analysed 2,073 statements from 80 matches across top European leagues, including the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and Ligue 1.
The research revealed that 62.6% of praise for players’ intelligence was directed at lighter-skinned players, while 63.3% of criticism for intelligence targeted darker-skinned players. Additionally, 60.4% of praise for work rate was aimed at lighter-skinned players. The findings were based on English-language commentary from broadcasters in the UK, US, and Canada.
Tyldesley, ITV’s lead commentator, highlighted that co-commentators—often former players—may unintentionally contribute to such stereotyping. In a YouTube video, he said: “I’ve written to the PFA today suggesting we set up some proper training, because co-commentators, ex-players, their members, may well have contributed to the stereotyping in these findings. Most of the opinions and judgments you hear during commentaries come from the co-comms, not from me.”
The commentator noted that he has been mindful of avoiding stereotypes through his involvement with Kick It Out seminars. He emphasised that preparation involves more than facts and figures: “Thinking what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it, preferably before you say it. That is what this report is telling us commentators and co-commentators to do and I’m all for that.”
Tyldesley described the report as the first in-depth analysis of commentary he has seen, adding that racial stereotypes are “wrong, morally wrong, they are inaccurate and they are irresponsible.” He criticised lazy and thoughtless sports commentary, which he believes is too common.
