When I started watching Valencia 3rd practice today I didn’t expect to be insulted live on air by a member of the BBC commentary team.
David Croft and Anthony Davidson were commentating on Schumacher’s return and at first the comments were even handed, especially from Ant. Making a comparison with Lance Armstrong’s return he made the point that in retirement a cyclist was better placed to simulate the experience of racing than Michael.
Then it started to go downhill, we got the same tired clichés often reeled off by the anti-Schumacher types, stuff about how Michael always had a better car and less able team mate. Heavily hinting that these were the only reasons for his success.
I sent a tweet protesting this. Originally I was going to say “You’re always trashing Michael Schumacher’s reputation. With Brundle, is this sour grapes from ex drivers jealous that their careers are over?”
Obviously this was a bit rude so I changed it to:
“@5LiveF1 You’re trashing of Michael Schumacher’s reputation is extremely boring. You just can’t help yourselves.”
After I sent it I saw I hadn’t edited the beginning, not to worry, people make typos in firing off quick messages.
David Croft read my tweet and clearly riled by my criticism broadcast a personal on-air attack on my supposed poor grammar. Even Ant said that he thought his comments were harsh.
Perhaps David Croft isn’t used to getting viewer/listener feedback that isn’t fawning but that is no excuse for such unprofessional behaviour.
If they want their listeners just to send in comments saying how wonderful they are all and how fantastic the British drivers are then please say so and the rest of us won’t bother invading their Nirvana.
Finally, if you are going to take the moral high ground on matters of grammar it is a good idea to have your own house in order – glass houses and all that. So just for 5LiveF1’s resident grammar policeman, some gems from the 5LiveF1 Twitter feed.
@pastamaster39 I think Kerb height at turn 12 and 13 will be key, I wonder if they have been changed?
2:59 PM Jun 4th via TweetDeck in reply to pastamaster39@f1_fans Great video’s though
2:29 PM Jun 4th via TweetDeck in reply to f1_fans
To all those asking we have not knicked @jakehumphreyf1 ’s we have our own! Good for reading tweets not great for sending them….
@kevcorbett No License Fee has been spent on the iPad. It is a personal one to help our commentary in case the Daily Mail is reading this!
10:05 PM Jun 7th via web
