BBC issue defence of 'Misstiano Penaldo' caption about Cristiano Ronaldo in statement after backlash

07/08/2024 12:33 PM

The BBC have released a statement addressing criticism for their caption on Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty at Euro 2024.

The broadcaster came under fire, including from ex-England defender John Terry, for captioning footage of his penalty miss against Slovenia as ‘Misstiano Penaldo’.

Now, the BBC have claimed that no offence was intended towards the Portugal captain.

The statement said: “The caption was simply intended as a play on words, which we have done many times before on Match Of The Day analysis graphics. There was no offence intended toward Cristiano Ronaldo.

“In fact, throughout the programme we spoke favourably about Ronaldo on a number of occasions, including:

“1. In the pre-match build-up when Jose Fonte highlighted Ronaldo's dedication to training, saying it's why 'he's one of the best-ever'.

“2. At half-time Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer did a long analysis run on Ronaldo's movement, praising it as "absolutely fantastic".

“3. After the penalty shoot-out, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both referenced Ronaldo's courage and self-belief to step forward and take a penalty.

“At no point were the pundits overly critical of Ronaldo and in the context of the programme overall, the tone was consistently respectful towards him.

“However, we appreciate some viewers were unhappy with the graphic and the feedback has been passed on to the production team to help inform their work going forward.”

Portugal were given a golden opportunity to see off Slovenia in extra time of their round of 16 clash, with them given a penalty after Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was judged to have been tripped in the box.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick, but was denied by Jan Oblak who got down to parry the former Manchester United forward’s chance away.

The 39-year-old burst into tears following the error, with his teammates consoling him as they huddled for the second half of extra time with the score still 0-0.

Portugal were victorious in the end, with Diogo Costa claiming hero status as he saved three of Slovenia’s penalties.

Ronaldo netted his second go on the spot, as the Euro 2016 champions won the shootout 3-0.

Ex-Chelsea defender Terry took to Instagram to slam the BBC for their caption of ‘Misstiano Penaldo’, branding it a ‘disgrace’.

Piers Morgan was also baffled by the description, stating the broadcaster appeared to be ‘mocking’ Ronaldo.

Portugal were knocked out of Euro 2024 last Friday in a quarter-final defeat to France, who sealed a spot in the semis against Spain with a 5-3 shootout victory after the game ended 0-0 after extra time.