Premier Sports is reviewing its cup coverage after complaints about Motherwell TV’s commentator celebrating their late winner against Dundee United.
The Tangerines suffered a painful 2-1 defeat at Fir Park in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Friday night.
The broadcaster showed the match live online, with fans able to tune in for a minimum fee of £9.99.
But instead of producing its own coverage, Premier Sports streamed out the home side’s in-house effort.
‘It’s going to be kitchen sink time from United’
United fans watched from home in horror as a Luca Stephenson foul at 1-1 handed Well a stoppage-time penalty.
And Motherwell TV commentator Luke Irons erupted when 18-year-old Lennon Miller subsequently slotted past Mark Walton to ultimately send United out.
With a cackle of laughter audible in the background, the Steelmen’s injured left winger Sam Nicholson delivered his thoughts.
Irons, a volunteer and lifelong Well fan, then appealed for the home side to hang on to their lead.
He said: “Still got four minutes to go but Motherwell now have their backs against the wall.
“It’s going to be kitchen sink time from United.
“We’re going to need to just stand up and deal with every ball forward, every attack, every punch United are going to throw.”
‘People are paying for this’
But United fans had their say on social media, slamming Premier Sports.
Another posted on Twitter: “Have you seriously used Motherwell TV for commentary?
“People are paying for this.”
It’s claimed Premier Sports asked club commentators to be impartial during matches.
And it is thought Premier chiefs felt the reaction to Motherwell’s last-minute goal on Friday failed to meet this standard.
The broadcaster has since begun a review into how games are covered on its streaming service next season.
It’s understood the TV giant has yet to raise the issue with Well.
Club commentary has been common practice in matches streamed online in this year’s League Cup.
With Premier Sports streaming more than 30 extra cup games online in 2024, it is thought the company has struggled logistically to provide its own commentators for all matches.
The Courier has asked Dundee United and Motherwell FC for comment.
Premier Sports declined to give a statement.
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