ON TWITTER
#BBCWORLDCUP
Gary Linekar opened the BBC’S World Cup coverage by highlighting controversies around holding the tournament in Qatar, condemned by many for its human rights record. @jonathankrause said: “Brilliant coverage by the BBC on this most problematic of World Cups.” @martingbuzz tweeted: “I understand it’s the first game and the BBC wanna make a point but this is the build-up for a football game between 2 lesser known footballing nations, I wanna see some tactical analysis, they haven’t even shown the starting line-ups.” @Jamesmelville said:
“I get why the BBC have opened their World Cup broadcasting with a condemnation of Qatar’s human rights record. But I don’t remember them doing that when China hosted the Olympics.”
@Laura_p71 replied: “Maybe we are questioning more as time goes on.” @cricsuhas said: “Wow, the BBC seems hell bent on showing that Qatar is not deserving of hosting this event and they got it through corruption and all other things. Maybe they should have just boycotted the event and let any other interested channel cover it instead of ruining it.” @Letstalkfpl said: “Think the BBC have covered things really well so far. Not shying away from all the talking points that have surrounded this World Cup. Many will say it's not the time for it, but it's probably the perfect time."
#MORGANFREEMAN
US actor Morgan Freeman was the surprise host of Qatar’s opening ceremony. @wc22updates quoted his speech: "Football unites nations and their love for the beautiful game. What brings together nations also brings together communities." @nufcenby tweeted: “Unless that community has any gays in it. then, football does not unite.”
@joost123 said: “The communities that are brought together are currently in a cemetery” @prdaluck said: “Not someone I expected to sell out for money.” @Harveyyy wrote: “People just hating cuz it's Qatar.” @Han00211 replied: “People hating cuz many people died constructing the stadiums?” @Beccaelynn 412 wrote: “A beautiful opening to a global game in a nation of people like you and me under a controversial reign. Let’s celebrate the people, in Qatar and around the world.”