ITV ripped apart for 'joke' coverage of Germany v Scotland at Euro 2024

ITV has come under fire for for its coverage of the Euro 2024 opening game featuring Scotland against Germany in Munich.

As Steve Clarke's team kicked off their campaign at the Allianz Arena, a sea of Tartan Army supporters made their presence felt in Germany. It's reported that four per cent of Scotland's population have made the journey, yet millions more are tuning in from home.

Frustration brewed among those watching on TV when the coverage, which began at 6.30pm BST on Friday, swiftly shifted focus to England, who wouldn't be playing until two days later.

Early into the broadcast leading up to Scotland's match, an interview with England manager Gareth Southgate was aired. Disgruntled viewers promptly expressed their displeasure on social media platform X.

Tony Watt, the former Celtic striker and Scotland international, now aged 30, took to X - previously known as Twitter - to question: "Turned ITV on and its coverage of England. Is it not Scotland Germany? ", reports the Mirror.

Watt wasn't alone in his disapproval of the broadcaster. Ex-St Mirren player Lee Mair criticised: "Get a grip STVSport and @ITV. Shambles. Scotland playing the hosts in the opening game of the Euros and the whole build up is about England."

Adding to the chorus of complaints, Callum McFadden remarked: "12 minutes into the Euros coverage if Scotland vs Germany on STV (provided by ITV across the U.K.) and already the focus is on England and Gareth Southgate. What an absolute joke! ! ! ".

One viewer added: "Scotland Germany, opening game of the competition... watching Gareth Southgate talk about England... "why do the Jocks never support England?""

Others simply expressed resignation. Alex R stated: "ITV banging on about England during a Scotland game. No surprise there."

Andrew Staunton remarked: "Tuned into ITV coverage of Scotland game and heard lots about England. Will that ever change? ".

The situation additionally led to gripes from non-English viewers such as Jay, @JuiCJ_NP20, who commented: "Germany v SCOTLAND on ITV. Build up is all about England. Seriously English people, take your rose tinted goggles off and you may understand why Scotland and Wales are sick of your mob."