World Cup commentator told not to return to UK after Cristiano Ronaldo incident
The World Cup commentator was blasted for his comments on Cristiano Ronaldo.
A commentator at this summer’s World Cup has been told he isn’t welcome in the United Kingdom after a comment about Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon finally arrived at the World Cup party with a brace against Uzbekistan during a 5-0 victory on Tuesday afternoon.
It comes after a disappointing draw during Portugal’s opening game against DR Congo. Ronaldo had struggled during that match and missed a flurry of chances, leading to criticisms surrounding his selection in the starting line-up.
The two goals in the second match of the group stage have certainly gone some way to dispelling those doubts, with the noise around him having quietened. It was certainly an impressive showing from the 41-year-old, with one commentator unable to contain his excitement.
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The man in question is Darren Fletcher, who is a familiar voice to those in the UK because of his work with TNT Sports. But when Ronaldo netted his first of two goals, Fletcher screeched out an audible “sui” in unison with the forward’s famous celebration.
It’s safe to say it angered those watching, with @ColBennettH4 posting on X: “Fletch (a nickname he gave himself) should stay out in America after this. England's shame.”
@MohBro9 added: “Ffsssssssssss never let Fletch back in the country.”
@FarleyWrites added: “For you lot in my mentions because I said Fletch had gone OTT on Messi. This is a shambles.”
@RJConway92 joked: “Dear America, please feel free to keep him.”
While @LukeWhosTalking went to the extreme of saying: “Delete the planet.”
Not everybody was turned off by the comment though, with @TJayyyy_1 saying: "Darren Fletcher cooked. This is real passion. I can’t believe grown men were crying cause he got excited about a legend of the game still performing."
@I7TY7 said: "Fletcher and Peter drury are too elite."
Regardless, it was a much-needed victory for Portugal, as they kept their World Cup dreams alive. Roberto Martinez - who has already committed to leaving his job after the tournament - defended his Ronaldo selection and insisted they can go far with the record goal scorer in the team.
He explained: “We are playing a World Cup so of course we have a lot of noise and tension, but it’s part of the game. The focus is on the team and we want to show a positive attitude … to be ready for the match. We are very much focused. We are strong. The team is even more united than before.”
With four points from two matches, Portugal are essentially secure of a spot in the last-32 with a game to spare. However, there is plenty riding on their final group match, given they come up against Colombia, who have maxxed out at six points from six following wins over DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
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