Football
Commentator Tyler accused of racism after comparing Sona’s foul to martial arts
The British commentator Martin Tyler, 77, is now known all over the world, especially for his work with the FIFA game series. However, after Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Tottenham, he is the target of much criticism!
The British commentator Martin Tyler, 77, is now known all over the world, especially for his work with the FIFA game series. However, after Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Tottenham, he is the target of much criticism!
The biggest showpiece of the 34th round of the English Premier League was clearly the clash between home side Liverpool, who hosted the London Roosters at Anfield. The match lived up to the expectations and became a seven-goal thriller.
After the Reds’ final win, the duel will not be happily remembered by the away fans or the famous British commentator Martin Tyler.
Indeed, during the Tottenham winger’s duel with Dutchman Gakpe, Son used illegal means, throwing the opposing player to the ground. Tyler likened the subsequent illegal play to “martial arts”.
The comment then sparked a huge wave of resentment in the Islands, with hundreds of fans now calling on Sky Sports to sack the 77-year-old man behind the microphone.
“I think it’s time he was sacked. He needs to apologise for this after the game. I hope the Sky Sports management investigate Tyler properly after this game,” were the comments from Twitter users.
“Martin Tyler has been warned to be more careful with his choice of words. But there was no intention to attack anyone.”
The commentator himself has also apologised and is sorry for the situation and apologises to those who found his words grossly inappropriate.
In the words of more than one British supporter, Tyler would have commented on the situation as a standard foul in the case of a black or white person. The subsequent comparison of South Korea’s Son to “martial artists” sounds racist or even xenophobic to many fans.
It should be added that the situation is particularly heated in the Islands, where these issues are very sensitive. It is quite possible that if someone else from other European countries had made the comment, it would have gone unnoticed.
Source: Twitter, Sportbible, The Mirror
