Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud takes part in the BBC’s World Cup coverage, but his critics have divided fans, with many calling for him to be removed from the committee.
Olivier Giroud faces criticism (Image: BBC)
Supporters have called for former France international Olivier Giroud to be removed from the BBC’s World Cup coverage. The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward failed to impress the crowd in the opening games of the tournament.
The 39-year-old, who is still active at Lille, joins the national broadcaster’s panel of pundits including Mika Richards, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Frank and Lucas Leyva. Giroux is still finding his feet in the role, conveying his insights in a second language, but early reviews have been far from flattering.
The 2018 World Cup winner came under heavy criticism after his role in Monday’s stalemate between Belgium and Egypt.
One viewer said: “We have to get rid of Giroud as a critic. We can’t keep doing this.” “Olivier Giroud is struggling at the BBC,” added another.
“Whoever at the BBC thought Olivier Giroud could be a pundit has made a disastrous decision. He’s the absolute worst,” another suggested.
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Furthermore, one viewer commented, “Giroux is doing his best to put everyone to sleep with his sharp analysis.”
“The BBC needs to stop using Olivier Giroud as a commentator for late night and evening matches if they want people to wake up and watch matches,” agreed another.
Some supporters pointed out obvious errors in Giroud’s assessment. “Olivier Giroud just said that Belgium could bring in Reus Openda in the second half. Reus Openda was not selected by Belgium for the #WorldCup,” one fan emphasized.
Giroud works as a pundit for the BBC (Image: Getty)
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“I guarantee you will never learn anything from Olivier Giroud’s analysis. Critics are not for you,” added another.
Others were more compassionate towards the former Premier League striker, acknowledging that he provides solid analysis, even if he lacks the charisma typically expected from modern pundits.
“Olivier Giroud was a great player. He gives really good analysis as a pundit, but his voice is a bit monotone. Could he be nervous?” speculated one supporter.
“Giroux is a great, great critic. Unfortunately he doesn’t fit the modern 30-second gag model,” said another person defending him.
“By the way, I love Olivier Giroud. I also like the little personality of the critic,” agreed one viewer.
The BBC has faced criticism several times during the World Cup. The broadcaster came under fire from viewers for using “desperate” tactics during the interview.
Supporters accused them of disrupting live programming to encourage more people to renew their TV licenses. During the match between Brazil and Morocco, a QR code was displayed on the screen asking viewers to purchase or renew their license.
As the players emerged for the second half, codes flashed. Commentator Guy Mowbray exclaimed to the audience: “A simple reminder that you need a TV license to enjoy the World Cup. If you need an update, you can do so by scanning the code displayed on the screen.”
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