RIO FERDINAND’S commentary on the Merseyside Derby generated a mixed response from football fans this afternoon.
The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for TNT Sports ahead of the game, but he moved up to the commentary box after kick-off.
Ferdinand, 44, joined Ally McCoist in providing analysis throughout the match.
But he jokingly issued a quick apology to viewers after reacting to a shot from Dominik Szoboszlai.
As the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from around 30 yards out, Ferdinand shouted: “Wow!”
Which prompted commentator Darren Fletcher to say: “I think Rio thought he was in!”
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Szoboszlai’s shot narrowly flew over the crossbar, but Ferdinand was convinced that Jordan Pickford wouldn’t have been able to save it if it was on target.
Ferdinand then added: “If that was on target I don’t think Pickford’s got enough to get it.
“Sorry guys, I can’t control myself up here!”
Fans took to social media to react to Ferdinand’s commentary, with one person writing: “Hi @tntsports – how do I turn the Rio Ferdinand feature off?”
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Another added: “Rio Ferdinand on co comms 😴.”
A third fan said: “Please get a microphone away from Rio Ferdinand.”
While a fourth commented: “I speak for every football fan when I say please keep Rio Ferdinand as far away from that commentary box as possible in the future.”
However, some fans loved hearing the ex-England defender on commentary.
One person said: “Rio Ferdinand is like a fan commentating on the game but I actually love it.”
Liverpool went on to win the Merseyside Derby 2-0 thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
