ITV were left red-faced on Thursday night after failing to mute or apologise for an anti-Keir Starmer chant that rang out during England’s 3–0 win over Wales at Wembley.
The broadcaster’s coverage inadvertently captured supporters loudly shouting the expletive-laden song aimed at the Prime Minister, prompting criticism from viewers on social media.
The incident occurred midway through the first half, moments after England’s third goal, when cameras cut to a jubilant fan holding a replica World Cup trophy in the stands.
As commentators Lee Dixon and Sam Matterface discussed England’s promising form ahead of next summer’s tournament, chants of “Keir Starmer’s a w****r” could be clearly heard in the background.
Neither commentator acknowledged the incident, and ITV quickly reduced the crowd audio before cutting to another camera angle.
Ordinarily, broadcasters issue an immediate apology for any offensive language accidentally aired during live events, but ITV made no such clarification.
Viewers were quick to highlight the lapse, calling it an “embarrassing blunder” and questioning why standard on-air protocol had not been followed.
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ITV were left red-faced on Thursday night after failing to mute or apologise for an anti-Keir Starmer chant that rang out during England’s 3–0 win over Wales at Wembley
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PA
The match itself had started in blistering fashion, with England storming into a three-goal lead inside 20 minutes.
Morgan Rogers struck in the third minute, Ollie Watkins doubled the advantage with a tap-in shortly after, and Bukayo Saka added a trademark finish to make it three — becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for the national team in the process.
Any hopes of a rout faded as England managed the game conservatively in the second half, with Wales tightening up defensively and Thomas Tuchel’s side conserving energy ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
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England fans have regularly targeted Keir Starmer during football matches
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REUTERS
The result extended England’s winning run to three consecutive games, all without conceding.
However, Tuchel was less impressed with the atmosphere under Wembley’s famous arch, lamenting the subdued home crowd while praising the travelling Welsh supporters.
“The 4,500 Welsh fans were incredible,” the England manager said afterwards. “They never stopped singing. I thought we could have matched their energy a bit more, but overall, I’m happy with the performance.”
Among the more common chants from England fans were “Wales get battered everywhere they go” and “Are you Scotland in disguise?”, both of which have become staples of recent home fixtures.
But the political chant targeting Starmer, which has appeared sporadically at England matches since he became Prime Minister last year, drew particular attention due to ITV’s apparent mishandling of the situation.
A similar incident occurred in June during England’s 1–0 win over Andorra in Espanyol, when a separate anti-Starmer chant was picked up by microphones.
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England boss Thomas Tuchel was unimpressed with the Wembley atmosphere during his side’s 3-0 win over Wales on Thursday night
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On that occasion, the broadcaster issued an apology, and manager Tuchel distanced himself from the controversy.
“If it happened, it’s not acceptable,” he said at the time.
“But I didn’t hear any offensive songs or chants.”
England’s next match is against Latvia.
That showdown will take place on Tuesday night, with the Three Lions hoping to continue their impressive form.
As for Wales, they’ll be aiming to bounce back from Thursday’s shambles when they do battle with Belgium on Monday (7.45pm).