During a "turbulent opening day" on and off the pitch in Brazil, anti-World Cup protesters "turned their attention to the ITV studio on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, pelting it with rocks," according to Stuart Goodwin of the London GUARDIAN. ITV World Cup presenter Adrian Chiles "was in the studio alongside pundits Lee Dixon, Fabio Cannavaro and Patrick Vieira during the attack, which occurred during Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia." The resulting damage "included significant marks to large glass panels" (GUARDIAN, 6/13). In L.A., Georg Szalai wrote as the cameras showed protesters outside, studio host Adrian Chiles said, "Celebrations there [in the stadium in Sao Paolo], not so here right outside our studio on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. This demonstration materialized about 10 minutes before the end of the game. We were all sitting up here, and then suddenly sharp clattering sounds started ... and that was them pelting the glass of our studio." Before "focusing on post-game analysis", Chiles added, "We did try to explain to them none of this is our fault at ITV Sport" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/13). The GUARDIAN reported ITV’s online viewing service was "hit by problems during the opening match of the World Cup." Football fans complained that ITV Player "went down during the game between Brazil and Croatia on Thursday." Responding to "a barrage of criticism" on Twitter, the service said on its feed, “We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of users during the game. We apologise for any inconvenience, we’re working hard to resume normal service" (GUARDIAN, 6/13). Also in London, Tom Payne reported "extra police have now been drafted in to protect the BBC pundits after the turbulent opening day in Rio" (INDEPENDENT, 6/14).
