Football commentator Clive Tyldesley has recently taken a swipe at former Manchester United player, Rio Ferdinand, for his commentary during the Merseyside derby. The veteran commentator compared Ferdinand's style to that of Ali G, a fictional character known for his lack of intelligence on television.
The match in question was the 2-2 draw between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. Darren Fletcher led TNT's commentary team alongside Ferdinand and Ally McCoist. The game was filled with tension and excitement, but it was the post-match analysis that sparked controversy.
Rio Ferdinand's commentary under fire
Ferdinand’s commentary during this high-stakes match has been heavily criticized by fans and fellow commentators alike. His repeated use of "oh my god" soundbites throughout the game drew particular ire from Tyldesley.
Tyldesley likened these exclamations to those made by Ali G - a character created by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen who is famously dim-witted on television. This comparison suggests that Tyldesley found Ferdinand’s commentary lacking in depth and insight. In his substack post following the match, Tyldesley expressed his views candidly.
Football commentator, Clive Tyldesley, said:
"If the essence of football commentary is to capture the mood of an occasion, TNT’s 3-strong attack on our senses nailed it. It was all of the above. The three amigos each caught the fever in rashes. As Rio Ferdinand profoundly remarked, 'Oh my God, Oh my God'."
"Ally McCoist is one of the most naturally engaging communicators I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He has that fetching knack of sounding like someone you’d just love to have a pint with. (And he is that someone, I promise you).
"But last night he sounded like he was already at the bar with a couple of mates and didn’t want to be disturbed. When ‘2 becomes 3’ on the commentary gantry, their exchanges are inevitably littered with name-checks and private jokes. Their audience are made to eavesdrop on their intercourse like outsiders. We feel like we are listening to their podcast. And last night Statler and Waldorf were joined by special guest Ali G.
"Oh my God. Oh my God' is not quite enough."
This statement not only highlights his extensive experience in sports broadcasting but also implies that he believes Ferdinand could benefit from taking some advice from more seasoned professionals like himself.
Advice for future commentaries
While criticism can be tough to swallow, it can also serve as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Given Tyldsely’s long-standing career as a football commentator, perhaps there are lessons to be learned here for Ferdinand.
As he continues to develop his commentary style, Ferdinand might consider incorporating more analytical insights into his observations of the game. This could help him provide a more enriching experience for viewers and earn the respect of his peers in sports broadcasting.
While Tyldesley's comments may seem harsh, they offer valuable insight into what it takes to excel in football commentary. It remains to be seen whether Ferdinand will take this criticism on board and adapt his approach accordingly.
