THE BBC have been slammed for their World Cup advert as viewers are left “disgusted”.
In what has been mistaken as public service announcement about the increase in domestic abuse during competitions, people have branded it “the worst advert ever”.
Displayed across London tube stations it’s meant to copy a football score board – but instead reads: “Kid’s nativities missed 1 – 2 Wales highlights watched.
“Work meetings attended 2 – 7 Refreshing the sport app.
“Visits to nan 0 – 3 England games seen.”
“It’s the World Cup, though.”
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A TV version – which is meant to promote the Qatar World Cup – arguably promotes the “neglecting of animals and kids” instead.
In the clip a mum is ignoring her child and a dog is lying next to an empty food bowl.
It also shows a woman zoned-out listening to her neighbour explain a football match and a Santa Claus watching a game rather than speaking to an excited kid about presents.
One Twitter user said: “Is anyone else disgusted at the BBC’s World Cup advert?
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“It’s basically saying it’s ok to be more rude, selfish, disrespectful, and neglecting of animals and kids because the World Cup’s on… well done for making this situation worse.”
Another added: “Is this the worst advert ever? Ffs BBC you have managed to make the World Cup depressing.”
Meanwhile someone else said: “This is a very strange way to advertise the World Cup.
“The whole way through it I was expecting the ending to be for a charity helpline – but it’s just a BBC advert?”
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The Qatar World Cup has made headlines for its controversy with the BBC even deciding against televising the opening ceremony.
The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night because they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham.
A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a light hearted take on the nation’s obsession with football.”
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
