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Football Federation Australia Disappointed With ABC2's Coverage Of Liverpool Vs. Sydney

The ABC’s "disastrous" coverage of the Liverpool vs. A-League side Sydney FC friendly has "ruled out any prospect of the national broadcaster becoming the A-League’s free-to-air partner for next season," according to Smithies & Adno of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Amid a "torrent of ire from supporters at the tone of the coverage," Football Federation Australia management is "thought to be hugely dismayed" while ABC Managing Dir Michelle Guthrie promised a Senate committee "she would investigate it." The ABC responded to the criticism with a spokesperson saying, "The ABC was proud to broadcast the Liverpool FC versus Sydney FC last night at short notice, making it available to all Australians. While the game coverage and commentary was excellent, our decision to create a different offering for the pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage, was not supported by all football fans and we will consider this feedback for any future sporting events." Former Socceroo and Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater "led the criticism of the ABC," tweeting that the coverage "disrespected" the sport after it continued with "bizarre attempts to make jokes at the expense of the teams." The hosts went on to mispronounce names, discuss players who were not involved and use their phones for "cringeworthy skits" where they apparently phoned Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold and texted former Socceroo Harry Kewell (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 5/25). The AAP's Emma Kemp reported FFA is "still hunting a free-to-air partner" to supplement its six-year, A$346M ($258M) A-League TV deal with Fox Sports. Although the ABC had "not been top of the pecking order," it is understood Wednesday night's approach "ruled it out of calculations, despite its excellent W-League coverage." FFA "expressed its disappointment" in a statement on the A-League's official Twitter account. The governing body tweeted, "Like many fans, FFA is disappointed with some aspects of the ABC's broadcast of the Sydney FC v Liverpool FC match last night. Pre-game, half-time & post-game coverage wasn't to standard expected by @FFA & football fans. We've made that point to ABC management" (AAP, 5/25).

'WORST FOOTBALL COVERAGE': NEWS.COM.AU's Alex Blair reported Slater was "horrified," writing in a series of tweets, "Who thought this was a good idea FFA! This is unforgivable and I and every supporter of our game would like an answer!" Fans also "exploded," slamming the network for "wasting their taxes" on the disappointing hosts. Some even went as far as labeling them the "worst football hosts in history" (NEWS.COM.AU, 5/25).

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