As I have pointed out in Screamers, a commentator and his voice goes a long way in etching a football match in a fan's memory. Also, the appropriate "coupling" of commentators makes for fascinating TV coverage as I've mentioned in Screamers II.
But, there is one criticism I have for the Screamers. Especially in certain types of matches.
The disadvantage with British commentators for UEFA Champions League matches and international matches featuring England is that, they tend to be partial towards the English teams. This is evident from their reactions to certain incidents.
Take Mr.Tyler and Mr.Gray screaming "Gerrrraaaarrddd!!!!...You beauty!!...What a hit son! What a hit!" the way they did. Or the way Mr.Gray screamed "Penalty! Penalty!" after Gerrard went down from Gattuso's challenge in the UCL Final 2005. Or Mr.Tyler's reaction when Beckham sent England to the 2002 World Cup with a 90th minute freekick against Greece. Would these reactions have changed if it was Olympiakos scoring the winner against Liverpool, or Shevchenko scoring the winner in extra time against Liverpool, or Charisteas sending Greece to the WC after a 90th minute penalty against England? Well....
I know such situations brings out the best in them sometimes, but more often than not, it becomes predictable. All is fair in love and war eh?
P.S. This doesn't mean I prefer Zee sports commentary for such matches.
2 comments:
No love here, just out and out war.
No one can be unbiased. even though presenters say they are neutral, it really means - one week they want Team A to do well, second week they want Team B to do better. Makes it more interesting, more people watch the game, more money - simple really.
In the above analogy, Team A and Team B are direct competitors for whatever.
Ain't no such thing as a neutral while watching sport.
You always root for someone, be it the hotter chick (Hantuchova / Sharapova over ...).
Or the athlete with whom you have some remote esoteric connection (could be a fan of a team you support madly).
Or you may just like the guy's name (Landis / Strickland).
Phew! Longest. Comment. Ever.
Well, I would agree to your point reg Team A and Team B if Martin Tyler had cheered for Croatia when they beat England at Wembley which meant that England didn't qualify for Euro 2008...
And yes, you always root for someone. But a commentator is supposed to be neutral.
Just an incident in the weekend's FA cup semifinal between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Gary linekar : I grew up as a Chelsea fan and played for Spurs.
Other commentator : But we are all neutrals here.
(I couldn't stop laughing)
As for Earl Strickland, it was his stunts that got fans crazy about him. Remember the finger extenders? Now, which passionate commentator will not let his feelings known? Aloud?
Again. Longest. Comment. Ever.
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