A new report has revealed racial bias in European soccer commentary.
According to the report from Danish firm RunRepeat, carried out in partnership with the UK Professional Footballers’ Association, the findings show bias from commentators who praised players with lighter skin tone as more intelligent, as being of higher quality, and harder working than players with darker skin tone.
Players with darker skin tone were significantly more likely to be reduced to their physical characteristics or athletic abilities — namely pace and power — than players with lighter skin tone players were.
The first-of-its-kind study analyzed 2,073 statements from English-language commentators in 80 soccer matches from across four of Europe’s top leagues in the 2019/20 season. The comments discussed 643 unique players of various races and skin tones.
The research was sourced from seven broadcasters: Sky Sports, BT Sport, FreeSports, beIN Sports, Tsn, Nbcsn and ESPN. Only about 5% of the commentators...
According to the report from Danish firm RunRepeat, carried out in partnership with the UK Professional Footballers’ Association, the findings show bias from commentators who praised players with lighter skin tone as more intelligent, as being of higher quality, and harder working than players with darker skin tone.
Players with darker skin tone were significantly more likely to be reduced to their physical characteristics or athletic abilities — namely pace and power — than players with lighter skin tone players were.
The first-of-its-kind study analyzed 2,073 statements from English-language commentators in 80 soccer matches from across four of Europe’s top leagues in the 2019/20 season. The comments discussed 643 unique players of various races and skin tones.
The research was sourced from seven broadcasters: Sky Sports, BT Sport, FreeSports, beIN Sports, Tsn, Nbcsn and ESPN. Only about 5% of the commentators...
- 7/1/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon is planning to stream live Premier League fixtures for free on Twitch in the UK as it aims to give fans the chance to interact with each other while games are being played.
Twitch is hugely popular with gamers and Amazon thinks its chat feature will enable users to behave like pundits and share their views on the match as it happens. It is the first time Twitch, which Amazon acquired for $970M in 2014, has been used to show Premier League football.
Amazon will also make games available for free through Prime Video after securing an additional four fixtures as part of the Premier League’s coronavirus restart strategy. Its coverage gets underway with Crystal Palace vs Burnley on June 29.
Gabby Logan will be back to present its pitch-side coverage, and she will be joined by pundits including Roberto Martinez and Lee Dixon. Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Peter Drury...
Twitch is hugely popular with gamers and Amazon thinks its chat feature will enable users to behave like pundits and share their views on the match as it happens. It is the first time Twitch, which Amazon acquired for $970M in 2014, has been used to show Premier League football.
Amazon will also make games available for free through Prime Video after securing an additional four fixtures as part of the Premier League’s coronavirus restart strategy. Its coverage gets underway with Crystal Palace vs Burnley on June 29.
Gabby Logan will be back to present its pitch-side coverage, and she will be joined by pundits including Roberto Martinez and Lee Dixon. Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Peter Drury...
- 6/18/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has announced that more than 40 presenters and former professionals will be part of its English Premier League lineup, with its coverage of the soccer competition kicking-off in December.
Amazon secured rights to show the Premier League in the UK last year, and will air 20 matches a season. Coverage will launch on December 3 with mid-week fixtures, before it shows 10 matches on December 26-27.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan will anchor the Sunset+Vine-produced action, alongside Eilidh Barbour — a BBC and Sky broadcaster — and Jim Rosenthal, a veteran who has covered the world’s biggest sporting events for major UK broadcasters.
Logan is already hosting weekly Amazon soccer show Back of the Net, but her presence on live coverage is still a coup for the Jeff Bezos-owned streamer. Logan is one of the BBC’s highest-profile presenters, taking home a salary of more than £290,000 and hosting shows including Sports Personality of the Year.
Amazon secured rights to show the Premier League in the UK last year, and will air 20 matches a season. Coverage will launch on December 3 with mid-week fixtures, before it shows 10 matches on December 26-27.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan will anchor the Sunset+Vine-produced action, alongside Eilidh Barbour — a BBC and Sky broadcaster — and Jim Rosenthal, a veteran who has covered the world’s biggest sporting events for major UK broadcasters.
Logan is already hosting weekly Amazon soccer show Back of the Net, but her presence on live coverage is still a coup for the Jeff Bezos-owned streamer. Logan is one of the BBC’s highest-profile presenters, taking home a salary of more than £290,000 and hosting shows including Sports Personality of the Year.
- 10/31/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Soccer Aid for Unicef 2019, broadcast live and exclusively on ITV and Stv this week, has raised a record-breaking £6,774,764 so far – over £1m more than last year’s on the night total – for Unicef’s vital work keeping children around the world happy, healthy and safe to play.
This amount was raised thanks to the generous support of the UK public, ITV and Stv viewers, and the UK government who have matched all donations so far, doubling the difference made to children’s lives. This figure has smashed all previous records for money raised on the night.
The eagerly anticipated match took place in London for the first time in over a decade, packing out Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium with a whopping 39,836 in attendance. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out for the second year in a row, with the Soccer Aid World XI...
This amount was raised thanks to the generous support of the UK public, ITV and Stv viewers, and the UK government who have matched all donations so far, doubling the difference made to children’s lives. This figure has smashed all previous records for money raised on the night.
The eagerly anticipated match took place in London for the first time in over a decade, packing out Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium with a whopping 39,836 in attendance. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out for the second year in a row, with the Soccer Aid World XI...
- 6/18/2019
- Look to the Stars
The battle of the pundits between the BBC and ITV at recent major tournaments has been something of a one-sided competition.
Poor old ITV. A bit like watching England taking part in a penalty shoot-out - no matter who they tried giving the ball to, they always ended up fluffing it on the big occasion. However, in 2014, something seems to have changed.
In Defence of.... ITV Sport's World Cup coverage
Pundit Watch: Chiles and ITV get a frosty reception
Jonathan Pearce gets Twitter ridicule
Pundit Watch: Whispering Neville, Thierry's cardie and Pearce's bungle
Ever since Gary Lineker took the helm at the BBC, his mix of cheeky-one liners, cracking tan and affable charm have smoothed over the cracks of the occasionally stiff and one-dimensional coverage.
But in 2014, thanks to a couple of gaffes (booking Phil Neville's first game as a commentator as England v Italy, letting Jonathan Pearce run...
Poor old ITV. A bit like watching England taking part in a penalty shoot-out - no matter who they tried giving the ball to, they always ended up fluffing it on the big occasion. However, in 2014, something seems to have changed.
In Defence of.... ITV Sport's World Cup coverage
Pundit Watch: Chiles and ITV get a frosty reception
Jonathan Pearce gets Twitter ridicule
Pundit Watch: Whispering Neville, Thierry's cardie and Pearce's bungle
Ever since Gary Lineker took the helm at the BBC, his mix of cheeky-one liners, cracking tan and affable charm have smoothed over the cracks of the occasionally stiff and one-dimensional coverage.
But in 2014, thanks to a couple of gaffes (booking Phil Neville's first game as a commentator as England v Italy, letting Jonathan Pearce run...
- 6/27/2014
- Digital Spy
I never thought I'd ever say this, but ITV aren't as bad as everyone makes out when it comes to live football. Hear me out - it's not as crazy as it may first sound.
For years, I've been baffled that anyone would choose to watch ITV over BBC One if given the choice. However, as this year's World Cup has proved so far, both channels have had their fair share of gaffes and errors.
The BBC is pretty stellar when it comes to live tennis, snooker, athletics and many other sports, and Match of the Day is clearly light years ahead of ITV's The Premiership, but has ITV suddenly gained back some ground this year?
There's probably two words that you're thinking which throws out my argument: Adrian Chiles. The former BBC man has become the face of ITV football, possibly because they're stuck with him and don't know where to plonk him.
For years, I've been baffled that anyone would choose to watch ITV over BBC One if given the choice. However, as this year's World Cup has proved so far, both channels have had their fair share of gaffes and errors.
The BBC is pretty stellar when it comes to live tennis, snooker, athletics and many other sports, and Match of the Day is clearly light years ahead of ITV's The Premiership, but has ITV suddenly gained back some ground this year?
There's probably two words that you're thinking which throws out my argument: Adrian Chiles. The former BBC man has become the face of ITV football, possibly because they're stuck with him and don't know where to plonk him.
- 6/19/2014
- Digital Spy
Spurs and England star Andros Townsend is a late addition to ITV's punditry team heading to Brazil for the World Cup.
Townsend, who played a key role in England's qualification for the tournament, is missing out on playing due to injury.
Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry among BBC's World Cup team
The midfielder will join ITV's main presenting team, which includes Adrian Chiles, Roy Keane and Lee Dixon.
Other guests will include Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, ex-England star Ian Wright, former England manager Glenn Hoddle, Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill and World Cup winner for France Patrick Vieira.
The commentary teams will include Clive Tyldesley, Sam Matterface, Andy Townsend and Clarke Carlisle.
ITV's coverage starts with the opening ceremony at the newly-built Arena de Sao Paulo, followed by the opening game of the tournament between hosts Brazil and Croatia.
The broadcaster will show 34 games in total...
Townsend, who played a key role in England's qualification for the tournament, is missing out on playing due to injury.
Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry among BBC's World Cup team
The midfielder will join ITV's main presenting team, which includes Adrian Chiles, Roy Keane and Lee Dixon.
Other guests will include Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, ex-England star Ian Wright, former England manager Glenn Hoddle, Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill and World Cup winner for France Patrick Vieira.
The commentary teams will include Clive Tyldesley, Sam Matterface, Andy Townsend and Clarke Carlisle.
ITV's coverage starts with the opening ceremony at the newly-built Arena de Sao Paulo, followed by the opening game of the tournament between hosts Brazil and Croatia.
The broadcaster will show 34 games in total...
- 5/13/2014
- Digital Spy
As far as most gamers are concerned, there’s only one game that’s worth having coming out this month – Grand Theft Auto V.
With all the hype currently surrounding Rockstar Game’s upcoming crime epic, it’s easy to forget that a week on Friday, FIFA 14 is released in Europe.
But that’s not to say we’ve forgotten, and here at What Culture!, we’re just excited about scoring a 30-yard free-kick as we are stealing someone’s car and taking it for a spin into the desert.
But once the excitement of pre-release has washed off, there are bound to be niggles and complaints from unsatisfied fans – and that’s particularly true of FIFA 14.
Here then, we take a look at 10 inevitabilities we aren’t looking forward to.
10. The Exact Same Commentary
Despite the fact there is going to be a new voice in the FIFA 14 commentary...
With all the hype currently surrounding Rockstar Game’s upcoming crime epic, it’s easy to forget that a week on Friday, FIFA 14 is released in Europe.
But that’s not to say we’ve forgotten, and here at What Culture!, we’re just excited about scoring a 30-yard free-kick as we are stealing someone’s car and taking it for a spin into the desert.
But once the excitement of pre-release has washed off, there are bound to be niggles and complaints from unsatisfied fans – and that’s particularly true of FIFA 14.
Here then, we take a look at 10 inevitabilities we aren’t looking forward to.
10. The Exact Same Commentary
Despite the fact there is going to be a new voice in the FIFA 14 commentary...
- 9/16/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
FIFA 13 is a technical and football gaming masterpiece which outshone its predecessor quite embarrassingly. However with every masterpiece comes failings, with Angelina Jolie’s curves comes Angelina Jolie’s face, for every The Matrix comes a Matrix Revolutions and for every sublime aspect of FIFA comes commentary done by Clive Tyldesley…just why?
After sampling FIFA in all its many glories, being wondered by the first touch system, hating the first touch system and discovering that £90 million plus Carlos Tevez is a correct price for Lionel Messi; I feel myself educated enough to highlight 5 features in FIFA 13 that they have failed to fix, or just don’t work and could potentially ruin the playing experience.
1. The Commentary
Usually I try to deaden the commentary out, but this addition brings with it such preposterously over the top levels of ridiculous punditry that I actually think I’m watching the match on Sky,...
After sampling FIFA in all its many glories, being wondered by the first touch system, hating the first touch system and discovering that £90 million plus Carlos Tevez is a correct price for Lionel Messi; I feel myself educated enough to highlight 5 features in FIFA 13 that they have failed to fix, or just don’t work and could potentially ruin the playing experience.
1. The Commentary
Usually I try to deaden the commentary out, but this addition brings with it such preposterously over the top levels of ridiculous punditry that I actually think I’m watching the match on Sky,...
- 10/11/2012
- by Luke Stevenson
- Obsessed with Film
EA Sports Image from FIFA Soccer 12
It’s amazing how two evolutionary tweaks can revolutionize a console game. That’s exactly what has happened with FIFA Soccer 12 from EA Sports, turning an already good game into what may be the best sports game of 2011.
This year’s version includes two upgrades – one on offense and one on defense – that make the game even more-realistic and fun to play. So-called “tactical defending,” alone, changes FIFA in an amazing way, and the counter to that,...
It’s amazing how two evolutionary tweaks can revolutionize a console game. That’s exactly what has happened with FIFA Soccer 12 from EA Sports, turning an already good game into what may be the best sports game of 2011.
This year’s version includes two upgrades – one on offense and one on defense – that make the game even more-realistic and fun to play. So-called “tactical defending,” alone, changes FIFA in an amazing way, and the counter to that,...
- 10/4/2011
- by Adam Najberg
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
FIFA 12's commentary lineup has been revealed by Electronic Arts. Alan Smith will replace Andy Gray as Martin Tyler's co-commentator for this year's footballing entry. The duo will be joined by a second commentary team, Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend, who will call tournament matches for a more authentic real-world broadcast feel. "Alan will bring a fresh, new perspective and insight to FIFA 12, working alongside the trusted and well-known voice of Martin Tyler," said senior producer David Rutter. "As one of the top-tier broadcasters on the UK football scene, he brings enormous knowledge and expert analysis to the game so that we can deliver the most authentic FIFA experience this year." Smith said: "The (more)...
- 6/30/2011
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Those of us that are footy fans will no doubt be excited about the upcoming World Cup 2010 in South Africa. And those fans who are also gamers are excited for the 2010 FIFA World Cup video game, which comes out April 27th. Seeing as the demo was just released, we went to see if the game deserved the full retail price it will be getting.
The first thing I noticed was that they brought the menu system back up to speed! In FIFA 10, they somehow managed to mutilate the menu into a slow beast that you could almost hear groaning when you wanted to access a submenu. This time, it came up quickly, and happily hummed along to the game’s theme song, “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan – which is cheesily appropriate for the occasion. Solid song, though.
Though the demo is just a kick-off feature, I want to mention how...
The first thing I noticed was that they brought the menu system back up to speed! In FIFA 10, they somehow managed to mutilate the menu into a slow beast that you could almost hear groaning when you wanted to access a submenu. This time, it came up quickly, and happily hummed along to the game’s theme song, “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan – which is cheesily appropriate for the occasion. Solid song, though.
Though the demo is just a kick-off feature, I want to mention how...
- 4/9/2010
- by John Jacques
- GameRant
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