**Alex Scott Issues On-Air Apology After Tyson Fury Drops F-Bomb on Live Soccer Aid Broadcast**
Television viewers were left reeling, and some amused, after an unexpected outburst from former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury led to an immediate on-air apology during Sunday’s Soccer Aid coverage. The charity football match, which raises funds for UNICEF, was being broadcast live by ITV from Old Trafford, and the incident took place within moments of the programme’s commencement.
The controversy erupted less than half an hour into the evening broadcast, as cameras granted audiences a rare glimpse inside the England dressing room. Fury, who was co-managing the England side alongside football legend Wayne Rooney, was shown delivering a rousing motivational talk to the players. In his attempt to fire up the team, Fury declared: “We are f***ing Spartans”, failing to mask his language as millions watched.
This unscripted moment posed an early challenge for presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary. Returning on screen just seconds later, Scott was quick to respond. “We do apologise for the swearing,” she told viewers, adding with a nervous laugh: “But it’s Tyson Fury, we don’t know what’s going to happen.” Her co-presenter O’Leary added, “Well, I mean, if you’re going to book Tyson Fury… but we do sincerely apologise.” The presenters’ swift response highlighted the unpredictable nature of live television, especially when featuring outspoken personalities.
The social media reaction was immediate and mixed. Some found humour in the situation, with one X (formerly Twitter) user dubbing it the “highlight of Soccer Aid”. Others questioned the decision to give Fury live airtime ahead of the 9pm watershed, pointing out the family-friendly reputation that Soccer Aid has built over the years.
Yet, not all shared the amusement. Several viewers took to social media platforms to express their dismay, labelling the incident as inappropriate given the early evening time slot and the charitable, community-focused intention behind Soccer Aid. One viewer commented, “Seriously? Watching Soccer Aid at 6:30pm and Tyson Fury drops the ‘F’ word. Come on, ITV, sort this out.” Another called the boxer’s behaviour “terrible” and potentially damaging, particularly with children likely to be watching.
The event had been much-anticipated, with Fury’s involvement stirring excitement since its confirmation in March. The outspoken sportsman had enthused about the upcoming experience, remarking how leading an England team at Old Trafford – the home of his beloved Manchester United – was a unique honour. “Everyone knows that I am a massive Manchester United fan, so it’s even more special for me,” he had commented previously.
The incident serves as a timely reminder of the challenges of live television, especially when attempting to balance entertainment, celebrity, and the expectations of a broad audience. While moments like these can quickly become viral highlights, they can equally spark debates about taste, responsibility, and the priorities of television broadcasters.
ITV too found itself a subject of scrutiny, as viewers questioned the network’s judgement in handling such unpredictable guests and its protocols to prevent such language from reaching pre-watershed audiences. Nonetheless, apologies were issued promptly, and coverage continued without further controversy.
Soccer Aid itself remains a staple of British broadcast charity events, blending celebrities, athletes, and former professionals in a light-hearted competition. Despite these occasional missteps, it consistently garners significant attention and donations for good causes.
As the dust settles, the incident is likely to be remembered as an unfortunate slip in an otherwise positive event, sparking renewed debate about the responsibilities attached to live charity broadcasts and the unpredictable energy that stars like Tyson Fury can bring. For many, it was a reminder of the genuine highs and hazards that make live sport – and live television in general – so compelling.