BBC viewers launch furious complaints minutes into World Cup final | Football | Sport

BBC and ITV viewers were up in arms at the World Cup final before a ball had even been kicked. The match between Spain and Argentina, which started six minutes late due to the pre-match show running behind schedule, had a drastically different look from most showpiece football matches.

Partly due to the show, but also the introduction of the United States national anthem, which was performed by music icon Jennifer Hudson. Those in the UK were baffled, however, that the co-host’s anthem was played before a match that did not involve the American team.

Fans flocked to social media to voice their concerns, with @thspctclrnw writing: “Someone explain to me like I’m 5 why the American national anthem is being sung at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, when Mexico and Canada were also the hosts?”

Many viewers had the same question, with @folklaurenx saying: “I honestly do not understand why the USA national anthem needs to be sung before this match. It ain’t about the US, it’s about Spain and Argentina. Who gives a f*** if it’s in a stadium in the US. If they’re doing it because it’s a host nation, where’s the Mexican and Canadian national anthems?????????”

@MissDumbledory added: “I love Jennifer Hudson but why on earth is the US National Anthem being sang at the World Cup Final?! I’m petty sure last time I checked it was Spain v Argentina #worldcupfinal”

A similar complaint was made by @ChallengeFaz, who wrote: “American national anthem being sung at a final they’re not playing at? What a circus. #WorldCupFinal”