Fans slam ‘disgraceful’ BBC for not showing Andy Murray’s potential career farewell at Paris Olympics on main channel… as viewers criticise ‘joke’ decision to show rugby sevens instead
- Fans attack BBC for initially not showing Andy Murray match on BBC One
- The BBC decided to broadcast the women’s rugby sevens on the main channel
Fans have criticised the ‘scandalous’ decision not to initially broadcast Andy Murray’s potential final match on BBC One.
Murray, who is retiring after the Paris Olympics, will play alongside Dan Evans in the men’s doubles. The British duo will face Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel from Japan in the first round.
However, much to the disappointment of some fans, it was decided to broadcast Murray’s match live on BBC iPlayer, while the Great Britain v Australia women’s match was shown on BBC One.
One fan claimed the decision was ‘disgraceful’, writing: ‘This is probably Sir Andy Murray’s last ever tennis match and BBC One is showing the group stage of rugby sevens instead. Utterly bizarre. And frankly disgraceful.’
Another fan expressed their ‘angry’ at the decision, writing: ‘Why isn’t Murray’s (potentially) last game on BBC One? Why is it on the Red Button? Really a bit angry about this. More people should be able to see it easily.’
Fans criticised the BBC for initially not broadcasting Andy Murray’s match on BBC One
Murray and Dan Evans took on Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel from Japan in the men’s doubles
Another fan wrote: ‘What a joke that the BBC is showing women’s rugby on BBC1 instead of Andy Murray playing doubles.’
One fan suggested that the decision gave credence to the claim that the BBC should no longer receive funding.
They wrote: ‘The BBC are really showing 7s Rugby instead of Andy Murray’s probably last ever game? I’ve never been so close to joining the ‘defund them’ crowd.’
Another added: ‘It looks like this is the last game of Andy Murray’s career and he’s stuck on iPlayer while there’s a rugby sevens pool match on the main broadcast.’
Ultimately, the decision was made to broadcast Murray’s match on BBC One after the Great Britain women’s team suffered a 36-5 defeat to Australia in the women’s rugby sevens.
It was confirmed that the doubles will be Murray’s last ever tournament after he retired from singles.
The 37-year-old is still not fully fit after undergoing back surgery last month.
Fans criticised the decision to broadcast the women’s rugby sevens match between Great Britain and Australia instead
“I have decided to retire from singles to concentrate on doubles with Dan. Our training is great and we play well together. I am really looking forward to getting started and representing GB again,” Murray said.
‘Dan and I have agreed that this is our priority.
“I think Dan will still play singles. He practiced a lot of doubles last week.
“That’s what I’ve mainly practiced and trained during my vacation in Greece. That gives the team and us the best chance to win a medal. That’s realistic.
‘My back is still not perfect. The potential to play two games in one day is maybe not optimal.’
Murray was also unable to compete in the singles tournament at Wimbledon, although he was scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles, but Emma Raducanu had to withdraw.