Biased and brash ESPN coverage of Chelsea game was embarrassing

As if watching Chelsea stumble to their third loss of the season against Man City at the weekend wasn’t frustrating enough, listening to Joe Royle’s attempt at commentary piled on the irritation for Chelsea fans. I feel compelled to write a few words on it.

I can’t have been the only Chelsea fan infuriated by Royle’s endless refusal to criticise any Man City player or ‘see’ any infringement they might have made. Borderline decisions going in City’s favour went unquestioned while contentious verdicts going the other way were errors of judgement from Howard Webb.

Meanwhile, Royle was desperate to paint a picture of Chelsea as ‘losing it’ and reacting badly to perceived injustice. He totally ignored the fact that, in general, Chelsea players reacted pretty well in the face of one or two poor refereeing decisions (one that went against Ivanovic was just laughable, and he ended up getting a yellow) and that John Terry did an admirable job in ensuring he was the only player in blue and black hoops remonstrating with Webb.

Supposedly Chelsea – top of the table and packed full of experienced players that have won trophies Royle himself could have only ever dreamed of – were ‘rattled’ as soon as Man City had scored their contested first goal (on 36 minutes). Meanwhile Man City – who in reality won the day through a well executed plan to stifle and harass Chelsea rather than excellent passing football – were portrayed as world beaters.

When Royle criticised Drogba for going down theatrically after Onuoha had nigh-on assaulted him in the box (resulting in a penalty) it was pretty much the last straw; and this was just minutes after he had castigated the Ivorian for staying down too long after a challenge when in fact he had immediately got back to his feet.

From the point of view of a fan who spends £14 a month for the privilege of watching ESPN, I thought it was appalling that Royle made no attempt to offer balanced, reasoned commentary or that the producers didn’t bring him into line. In fact it was only his co-commentator who acknowledged his blinkered viewpoint, reminding Royle that he had history with Man City.

Besides the commentary, I’ve been less than impressed with ESPN generally. They clearly feel the need to over-dramatise events (Saturday’s game had plenty of drama and excitement without endless hyperbole from the commentary team) and Kevin Keegan is in no way equipped to be an insightful or interesting pundit.

And, to complete the rant, their brash, mammoth graphics aren’t really my cup of tea. I guess it is their first season with rights to Premier League matches, but any channel that makes me yearn for Andy Gray is clearly doing something wrong…

This isn’t just bitterness – check out my match report where I acknowledge how Man City won their deserved victory. Anyone else watch the game agree with me about Royle though? Post a comment.

Comments

[S]

He was awful, in fact so was Jon Champion.

One thing I have begun to do this season when watching the game on TV is to just turn the sound off.

Not only is your blood pressure reduced by not hearing the sensationalist nonsense they all spout but you actually get the ability to form your own opinions back.

[Tom R]

Coming from an American who has no option but to deal with ESPN - buckle up. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We get about five channels of ESPN and the count downs, laughable "experts" and general over-the-top antics is something that never goes away. Just be glad you don't have Tommy Smyth.

[Justin]

I can't believe I have seen this! I was at my whits end on saturday with Joe Royal's comments. As a Chelsea fan who attends 12+ away games every season, I didnt manage to get a ticket for this game as by 7.10am on the monday they went on sale, all the tickets had sold out. Mr Royal with no substance to his comments said what a wonderfull crowd had packed in to watch the game...wait for it..... apart from Chelsea for NOT selling their allocation as there is a large section in the away end that has not sold!! Piss off Royal, that is called segrigation you toss pot. Lots of decisions went against Chelsea in this game, which I accept happens from time to time, but to hear Joe knob head Royal rubbing it in every time made me want to trash my TV. Rant over... but I hope you die you twat! Hope im not being to harsh, but it is 48hrs after the game and I have still got anger issues

[Jonathan]

Absolutely. I'm pretty thick skinned when it comes to taking flak over Chelsea, or just listening to it (I'm a Chelsea fan, born into a Catholic Irish family and I manage an Irish Pub), but the stuff Royle seemingly couldn't help but let dribble down his chin and all over his sky blue shirt was an absolute embarrassment to both ESPN and himself.

Enough to make me reconsider whether I'd pay for ESPN coverage when I can watch the game online in Arabic/Mandarin/Polish where at least I can't understand it if and when the commentary stoops to that low level.

[Andy]

Thank gawd i wasn't the only one.I didn"t want to say to much to my mates about the Ref??? and that doughnut royal for fear of being told i was a sore loser, but i am glad to read the comments and agree with everyone.

[Ben]

Joe Royle,s comments were an absolute disgrace, I,m used to the usual anti Chelsea bile but this was completely beyond the pale, the worst I have ever heard.He should never be employed by ESPN again.

[Matt]

A big mention should also go to Graeme "Is it 2 yellow cards or 3 before I send the Croatian off" Poll for the wonderfully biased crap in the Daily Mail!
But the best advice is just ignore it ... and make sure you scream a big F#CK YOU to all of 'em when we take back the title in May!!

[Chris]

I was thinking the exact same thing! I'm not a fan of ESPN so far, the lady in the tunnel telling Howard Webb to 'take it away' was embarassing for all concerned (especially the ref I assume) and the whole show feels too American for my liking. Writing this or that player was linked to a move to Chelsea at some point in the last five years also adds nothing to the spectacle (who hasn't been linked with Chelsea?). With a game like this you want the football to do the talking and be the star of the show, not pointless facts, gimmicks and not shockingly biased ex-managers. I feel a letter of complaint building up...

[Chris]

And one other thing... With all the extra gimmicks ESPN are ramming down our throat, how about an option to switch off the commentary? I watched the first half of Genoa vs. Parma on the same channel on Sunday and for a large period of that game the (sole) commentator disappeared. Why could that not have happened on Saturday?

[Gratian]

Welcome to our world. As a City fan I don't think I have ever watched a game co-commentated on by Craig Burley or David Platt where they have ever offered a positive comment on City at any time. I think you just have to accept that co-commentators are biased and usually talk a load of rubbish. It wasn't long ago that Royle was trying to sue City for unfair dismissal but I guess he still has blue blood. If Jason Cundy happened to work for ESPN I imagine you would love his expert analysis, although personally I think he is as irritating as one person can be.

[Tim]

Thank feck i wasnt the only one calling Royal all the names under the sun and at one point almost hurled my new telly out of the window due to the pointless w*nk coming out of his excuse of a gob! I also agree with Chris...what the f*ck is that woman doing in the tunnel with the players?!?! Felt like screaming,'Its not a fecking catwork you idiot'!!
I'm advocating we bombard ESPeeN with some 'feedback' for the shyte they've served up so far..

[Chris Bladon]

I've tried that Tim, their feedback section doesn't work - how convinient! Also, I'm not sure too many Chelsea fans are actually fans of Jason Cundy's broadcasting skills either...