Sky commentator Martin Tyler has savaged the London Stadium in a Sky Sports feature.
Describing what it is like to commentate there Tyler says “It is by far the most challenging commentary assignment in the Premier League because this is not a purpose-built football ground. The broadcast position is almost as far from the near touchline as it is from the far in most English stadia. In practice it is ok, but there is an extra element of satisfaction at the final whistle if you have called the action acceptably.”
Tyler says he likes the Stadium as an Athletics stadium but not as a football ground by telling Sky viewers.
“As a sporting venue, it is splendid. I was lucky enough to get tickets for my son and myself for a track-and-field evening at the Olympics. It was a brilliant experience.
From West Ham’s point of view, I do understand the economics, but for those of us with a long history of working and watching at Upton Park, the contrast will always be in the negative. A running track hinders the view of anyone who attends a football match in such a multi-purpose stadium, not just broadcasters.”
Claret and Hugh say:
It is interesting that Tyler waits until now to put the boot into the London Stadium. With Sky having a complete lack of content they have decided to do a series taking about football stadia up and down the land. As they say, controversy sells in the media business and his words are more for effect and something interesting to say from the comfort of his own home. After forty days with no football, most supporters do not have a care in the world about running track, sightlines or facilities, they just want to watch footie return, even it is is played over Hackney marshes with jumpers for goalposts.
Why is it “interesting” that he’s left it until now to give his view? He was probably asked a broader question about the challenges of commentating on PL games, and has given an honest answer. His answer is hardly controversial or disingenuous. I sit behind the goal in the Bobby Moore upper. I cannot see clearly what is happening in the goalmouth at the Trevor Brooking end. The stadium was not built for football, and hasn’t been repurposed. I don’t see that Martin Tyler has done anything other than given an honest, fact-based view; albeit an inconvenient one for West Ham board and West Ham fans that see the LS as West Ham’s new home.
Says a lot that 4 years later the media still go on about the stadium. Really appears to have upset a lot of people ! Wonder why ? Could it be the deal west ham got ? True they never seem to criticise foreign stadiums with running tracks. Wonder why that is ?
Funny how he never critisised the stadiums in ROME, BERLIN, MILAN etc where the running track is still showing.
Maybe cos he wont be invited to commentate at any of them in the future.
The London Stadium with the athletics track covered is far better than many , many other football Stadiums around the world that still have the running tracks visible
Nothing he has said is incorrect is it.
Another rent a gob?