World Cup fans rage as BBC SNUB entire Qatar opening ceremony

Posted Monday, November 21, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

FOOTIE fans were left stunned by the BBC's decision NOT to broadcast the opening ceremony of the World Cup.

Qatar 2022 officially got underway on Sunday afternoon with a glitzy ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha.

The national broadcaster eventually cut to their coverage of the opening match but didn't show the ceremony as it went on in the background

But unlike tournaments of yesteryear, the BBC didn't cover a single moment of the ceremony.

And footy fans up and down the UK were baffled as to why the national broadcaster didn't air the historic event.

One tweeted: "Why are no British channels showing this outrageous opening ceremony?"

Another asked: "Why isn’t the BBC showing the opening ceremony?? I’m so confused."

And another asked: "No why the hell isn’t BBC showing the opening ceremony."

One chimed in: "Why aren't BBC/ITV playing the opening ceremony?? So disappointing."

Another remarked: "How is BBC 1 not showing the opening ceremony??"

The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium ceremony because they were airing the Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham - which the Blues won 3-0.

But the proceedings, which included an array of immaculately dressed dancers and bright mascots, were not aired once they switched to their team in Doha.

That further enraged fans, one of whom tweeted: "I have never known the BBC to not show an opening ceremony before."

Another said: "This is an absolute joke.

"Qatar have a whole opening ceremony going on right now in aid of the biggest football tournament in the world."

And another said: "The fact the BBC haven’t shown the World Cup Opening Ceremony on their terrestrial channels is so disrespectful."

One furious footy fan said: "Poor for BBC not to broadcast the world cup opening ceremony."

Fans also complained about the sound quality as the BBC played numerous pre-packed montages.

One said: "Why does it sound like somebody is washing the dishes in the background of the BBC World Cup coverage?

"The audio is horrendous."

And another said: "Why does it sound like someone is playing with spoons next to a microphone on the BBC??"

Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman was one of the main attractions during the glitzy ceremony.

As was 20-year-old Qatari social media star Ghanim al Muftah.

Al Muftah - who was born with a rare disorder called Caudal Regression Syndrome and has no lower body - took centre stage with Freeman amid an array of flashing lights.

Hosts Qatar will light the tournament's blue touch paper at 4:00pm with their Group A opener against Ecuador.