ITV faced a wave of criticism during its World Cup broadcast of the Netherlands vs Japan match as viewers took to social media to complain about the poor picture quality. Despite an action-packed 2-2 draw, fans were left grumbling over visuals that reminded them of a bygone era. Set against the stunning Manhattan skyline in Brooklyn, ITV’s studio earned praise, but unfortunately, the broadcast quality didn’t match the backdrop’s grandeur.
Football enthusiasts didn’t hold back, with one stating, “The picture quality on @ITV is absolutely awful. Glad I’m not a football fan because I couldn’t sit and watch a match like that.” Another quipped that it felt like watching a game on a “24 inch Granada rental in the early 80s.” Ouch!
While the match commentary and punditry, featuring big names like Roy Keane and Ian Wright, kept fans engaged, blurry images and unclear streaming let the side down. Angry viewers even compared it to dial-up internet days, claiming it was giving them headaches, with some asking for alternative viewing options.
ITV sports director Niall Sloane highlighted the historic nature of this World Cup, emphasising it’s the biggest in history. It’s a shame that some missed part of the action due to these technical hiccups. Here’s hoping the broadcaster manages to sort out the gremlins before the next big showdown!