Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has slammed the BBC over their on-air joke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty miss at Euro 2024
John Terry, former captain of Chelsea and England, has expressed strong disapproval of the BBC for their portrayal of Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty at the 2024 European Championship. Terry criticized the broadcaster for what he considered an insensitive and disrespectful approach to the incident.
During the Portugal vs. Slovenia semifinal match, Ronaldo experienced a deeply emotional moment when his penalty kick was saved by Jan Oblak in the first half of extra time. The Portuguese star, visibly distraught, was seen weeping among his teammates during the halftime break. Fellow player Diogo Dalot provided comfort to Ronaldo as they prepared to continue the game in the second half of extra time.
The BBC, in their post-match analysis, chose to headline the incident with the caption “Missiano Penaldo.” This attempt at humor did not sit well with Terry, who took to social media to voice his displeasure.
Describing the caption as a “disgrace,” Terry shared a picture of the BBC’s headline on his Instagram account. His message read, “BBC this is a disgrace!” reflecting his belief that the broadcaster’s choice of words was both inappropriate and disrespectful to Ronaldo’s emotional response to the missed penalty.
Terry’s public condemnation highlights the sensitivity required when covering sports events, particularly moments that involve personal and emotional challenges for athletes. His reaction underscores the need for responsible journalism that respects the emotions and efforts of players, regardless of the outcomes on the field.
In summary, John Terry’s criticism of the BBC’s handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty underscores the broader conversation about media responsibility and respect for athletes’ experiences. His public rebuke serves as a reminder of the impact that media commentary can have on individuals, especially in moments of vulnerability.