German public broadcaster ZDF "has scored an own goal with a short teaser for its UEFA Women's Euro 2013 broadcasts," according to BILD. The clip, which has been airing since the weekend, "has caused a lot of negative reaction on the Internet." In the teaser, a female football player in a black and white jersey kicks a ball straight into an open washing machine. She then turns the wash cycle to "Leder" ("leather") and sits down on top of the washing machine. Twenty seconds that "have led to a huge controversy." On Twitter, "it is hailing criticism for the spot." The video is allegedly "anti-women" and "sexist." It "is outrageous that the issue of women's football serves old clichés." What "has a washing machine to do with Euro 2013?" The public broadcaster "has reacted to the criticism." A ZDF spokesperson said, "We take the criticism into account, but don't think the spot is in any way sexist." ZDF Sports Dir Dieter Gruschwitz said, "A spot like that is always a matter of taste. I could have imagined a different one" (
BILD, 7/11).
