A host of disabled content creators have criticised the BBC for not including any commentary in a shortened version of Match of the Day.
The football program was broadcast on March 11, following Gary Lineker’s removal from the show due to controversial comments made about the Home Office’s immigration policy, which were compared to the policies of Nazi Germany.
As a result, the usual presenters and pundits, including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, refused to participate, leading to a 20-minute version of the show being aired without any commentary or analysis.
The BBC needs to do better.
— RNIB (@RNIB) March 12, 2023
We agree with Jurgen that their decision not to include commentary on Match of the Day is unacceptable.
The BBC should be upholding basic accessibility standards so that everyone can enjoy their output. https://t.co/CNfDHQe3CZ
On the face of it, the solidarity shown amongst presenters was admirable, but as a result, it meant that thousands of disabled viewers, who rely on commentary as a way to stay informed, sadly missed out.
One of the biggest challenges for blind viewers when watching football is keeping track of the ball. When the ball is in the middle of the pitch, it can be hard to follow its movement just by listening to the sounds of the game. Commentary provides important context that can help blind viewers understand where the ball is, who’s in possession, and what’s likely to happen next. Without commentary, blind viewers would be left guessing, which would make it much harder to follow the game.
Commentary also provides information about the players and the tactics they’re using. This information can be crucial for blind viewers who want to understand the game on a deeper level. For example, if the commentator explains that a particular player is known for his speed, blind viewers can listen out for him and try to follow his movements. Similarly, if the commentator explains that one team is playing defensively, blind viewers can listen for cues that the team is sitting back and trying to absorb pressure.
Another important role of commentary is to provide analysis and insight into the game. Blind viewers might not be able to see the intricate details of the game, but they can still benefit from the expert opinions of the commentators. For example, if the commentator explains that a particular player is having a bad game, blind viewers can listen for signs of this and form their own opinions about the player’s performance.
In a statement sent to Metro.co.uk, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘We apologise to those who couldn’t enjoy the programme as they normally would. We have only been able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and we are working hard to resolve the situation.’
