From BBC Sport · · 1m 20s
Disney+ Women's Champions League coverage plagued by technical chaos
An unscheduled ad break and spinning floors during Arsenal's match spark backlash over gimmicky presentation.
In brief
An unscheduled ad break and spinning floors during Arsenal's match spark backlash over gimmicky presentation. Viewers want women's football treated with the same professional broadcast standards as men's football, not gimmicks. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Unscheduled ad break interrupts match
A three-minute advert break cut into Arsenal versus HB Koge during the second half on Tuesday. Disney+ confirmed it was a technical glitch, not intentional.
Multiple technical problems during broadcast
Players couldn't hear interview questions, a rotating floor malfunctioned, camera shots were blocked by cushions, and audio synced poorly. A non-football quiz also aired during one match.
The Hangout mixes analysis with gimmicks
Disney's new studio show features expert pundits alongside content creators, a dog with 137,000 Instagram followers, and a vegetable platter. There was no explanation for the dog's presence.
“The Hangout will combine expert analysis with fresh perspectives and fan engagement.”
Fans say gimmicks undermine women's football
Viewers criticized the coverage for prioritizing entertainment over the sport itself. One fan said women's football doesn't need gimmicks to be interesting and deserves the same respect as men's football.
“The game doesn't need gimmicks to make it interesting.”
Pattern of patronizing women's football coverage
Last year, Sky Sports scrapped its female-focused TikTok channel Halo after backlash over patronizing content. A social media influencer also conducted the Women's League Cup draw in November.
The takeaway
Viewers want women's football treated with the same professional broadcast standards as men's football, not gimmicks.
