Supporters have demanded that former France international Olivier Giroud be dropped from the BBC’s World Cup coverage. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea forward has failed to win over audiences during the opening phase of the tournament.
The 39-year-old, who is still on the books at Lille, forms part of a punditry line-up that also features Micah Richards, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Frank and Lucas Leiva for the national broadcaster. Giroud is still finding his feet in the role as he delivers his insights in his second language, but early reviews have been far from flattering.
The 2018 World Cup winner came under heavy fire following his contributions during Belgium’s stalemate with Egypt on Monday.
“We’ve got to get rid of Giroud as a pundit, I can’t keep doing this,” remarked one viewer. “Olivier Giroud is struggling on BBC,” a second added.
“Whoever it was at the BBC that thought that Olivier Giroud could be a pundit has made a disastrous decision. He’s absolutely abysmal,” another suggested
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“Giroud doing his best to put everyone to sleep with his incisive analysis,” one further viewer commented.
Another concurred: “The BBC really need to make sure they don’t have Olivier Giroud on as a pundit on the late and overnight games if they want people to be able to stay awake and watch the matches.”
Some supporters also picked up on a glaring mistake in Giroud’s assessment. “Olivier Giroud has just said Belgium can bring on Lois Openda second half. Lois Openda wasn’t selected by Belgium for the #WorldCup,” one fan highlighted.
View 2 ImagesGiroud is working as a pundit for BBC(Image: Getty)
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“I guarantee that I will never learn anything from Olivier Giroud’s analysis. Punditry just isn’t for you mate,” another added.
Others were more charitable towards the former Premier League striker, acknowledging he provides solid analysis even if he lacks the charisma typically expected of contemporary pundits.
“Olivier Giroud was a great player, as a pundit he’s giving actually good analysis but he’s got a bit of a monotone voice. Maybe nerves?” one supporter speculated.
“Giroud is a fantastic, fantastic pundit, sorry he doesn’t fit the modern, gag-every-30-second model,” said another in his defence.
“Love big Olivier Giroud btw. Bit of personality on the punditry is great,” one viewer chimed in.
The BBC has faced criticism on several occasions throughout the World Cup. The broadcaster came under fire from audiences following a “desperate” tactic during their coverage.
Supporters accused them of disrupting live fixtures to prompt more people to renew their TV licences. During Brazil’s match against Morocco, a QR code appeared on screen urging viewers to buy or renew their licences.
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The code flashed up as the players emerged for the second half. Commentator Guy Mowbray told viewers aloud: “A handy reminder that to enjoy the World Cup, you need a TV licence. If yours needs renewing, you can scan the code that’s on your screen now to do so.”
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