In an intense ‘extra time’ match between the Portugal National Football Team and the Slovenia National Football Team, Cristiano Ronaldo saw, what could have been a game-winning penalty saved. Everyone was shocked about the miss from ever-dependable Ronaldo, who himself felt down after the saved spot-kick. But the frustration reached its boiling point as BBC Sport – UK’s official broadcaster for the UEFA Euro 2024 commented ‘Misstiano Penaldo’ on live TV. After the backlash, the leading broadcasters clarified their stance over the comment and mentioned that no offence was intended towards the Portugal captain. Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement: Portugal Manager Roberto Martinez Confirms 'No Decision' Made On CR7's Future Post UEFA Euro 2024 Exit.

BBC Clarifies Stance After Backlash Over ‘Misstiano Penaldo’ Caption

With a disrespectful comment on live TV that too during tense moments of the match angered many fans, some of the football Pundits and former footballers asked for clarification and respect for Cristiano Ronaldo. Days after the comment, BBC came forward and gave their formal clarification over the matter. Following are some of the major points from their clarification statements

The statement read: "The caption was simply intended as a play on words, which we have done many times before on Match of The Day analysis graphics. There was no offence intended toward Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, throughout the programme we spoke favourably about Ronaldo on a number of occasions, including:  In the pre-match build-up when Jose Fonte highlighted Ronaldo’s dedication to training, saying it’s why 'he’s one of the best-ever'. At half-time Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer did a long analysis run on Ronaldo’s movement, praising it as 'absolutely fantastic.” Captain Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects After Portugal’s Exit at UEFA Euro 2024, Says ‘We Deserved More’.

“After the penalty shoot-out, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both referenced Ronaldo’s courage and self-belief to step forward and take a penalty. At no point were the pundits overly critical of Ronaldo and in the context of the programme overall, the tone was consistently respectful towards him.”

"However, we appreciate some viewers were unhappy with the graphic and the feedback has been passed on to the production team to help inform their work going forward."

While Portugal went on to win the match on penalty shoot-out with Ronaldo scoring the opening kick, fans praised Ronaldo’s courage to take the spot-kick minutes after the ‘save’. Portugal though was knocked out of the tournament in the next match against the France National Football Team.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2024 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).