TNT Sports slammed for 'abysmal' Noel Gallagher decision during Ruben Amorim farewell
High-profile Manchester City supporter Noel Gallagher was called up for the game by TNT Sports alongside main commentator Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist, but the move didn't go down well with viewers
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorFootball fans have savaged TNT Sports for including Oasis singer Noel Gallagher as a co-commentator for Manchester City's 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League - calling the decision "abysmal".
In what was Ruben Amorim's final home match in charge of Sporting, before he joins Manchester United, the game saw Viktor Gyokeres net a hat-trick, with Maximiliano Araujo also on target after City opened the scoring thanks to Phil Foden. Having said that, the visitors were guilty of a handful of misses, including from the spot through Erling Haaland.
High-profile City supporter Gallagher was called up for the game by the broadcaster alongside main commentator Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist to give his analysis on his beloved team, with the musician known for his outspoken views on the game.
But the left-field move didn't go down well with viewers as they questioned why Gallagher selected, as many took to social media to vent their anger.
One wrote on Twitter: "Why the hell is Noel Gallagher on TNT! He is a brilliant musician but someone explain how his football knowledge is better than the average man in the street."
Another was far more cutting saying: "Wish I could mute Noel Gallagher on commentary. Holy f*** this is abysmal," while a third fan called the move "crazy", adding: "There's a lot of former pros who could give great analysis. What a farce and that's the floodgates opened now."
"Noel Gallagher on Champions League commentary may well be the most "the games gone" moment to date," said another baffled supporter, as they added the decision was "absurd".
Gallagher's inclusion left another fan perplexed as they wrote: "I love Noel Gallagher, but he's actually commentating on a Champions League game involving the team he supports. What the f is happening to football on TV in this country? No wonder people don't pay for subscriptions anymore."
The Oasis star issued a rallying cry to Manchester City players after the game despite the heavy loss in Lisbon, as he gave his take on the club's plight following three successive defeats.
"Let's give Sporting the credit tonight," he said. "We know we're not in a great place at the moment. No one's going to panic. We've won four leagues in a row, we'll be there in the shake of it at the end."
City have a tough run of fixtures to come as they bid to end their shaky form - first travelling to a dangerous Brighton side on Sunday before playing Tottenham and Liverpool after the international break.
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