‘Decided to show four men talking’ – Fans fume at BBC World Cup coverage as they avoid showing closing ceremony

FANS watching on BBC One were left fuming after they did not show the closing ceremony of the World Cup.

Before the final between France and Argentina, fans tuned in expecting to watch the performances from singers and dancers marking the end of the tournament.

BBCBBC pundits talked through the opening ceremony[/caption]

ReutersFans on the BBC could not see the action from the Lusail Stadium[/caption]

GettyFireworks were let off on the pitch[/caption]

AFPThe ceremony was full of colour[/caption]

AlamyThere were performances from a number of famous pop stars[/caption]

However, those watching on the BBC were instead left with analysis from pundits Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta.

Supporters could view the ceremony on ITV or on a separate feed on the BBC iPlayer.

Many were left underwhelmed by the BBC’s decision not to broadcast it on their main channel, one said online: “BBC are a joke as usual. How are they not showing the closing ceremony?”

Another reacted: “ITV decided to show the whole ceremony with brilliant performers, colours, actors, singers, dancers and more. BBC decided to show four men talking.”

A third commented: “Respect to ITV for actually showing the closing ceremony. Crazy how BBC won’t even show it on their main channel.”

One even went as far as breaking their traditional channel choice, they angrily Tweeted: “Well done to ITV for showing the closing ceremony. Shame on you BBC.

“I always watch the World Cup final on BBC because of no adverts, not this year.”

Another suggested similar: “I might stick with ITV for watching World Cup final. I cannot believe the BBC didn’t show the closing ceremony.”

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This is not the first time the BBC have snubbed a ceremony in Qatar.

They refused to broadcast the opening ceremony too.

The closing show was a lively display of Qatari culture.

Pop star Davido performed and actress Nora Fatehi took to the stage to headline the celebrations.