Soccer Aid viewers slam commentator's "crass" suicide watch joke
Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide that some readers may find upsetting.
Soccer Aid 2019 viewers have slammed one of its commentators for a "crass" suicide watch joke about Susanna Reid.
The charity sporting event took place on Sunday night (June 16) and saw the Rest of the World team claim victory over the England squad in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna and Piers Morgan both played a part in managing the England and Rest of the World teams respectively.
And following Susanna's defeat, announcer Clive Tyldesley made a joke referencing suicide that viewers think went too far.
With the stigma of mental health Clive Tyldesley makes reference to @susannareid100 being on Suicide Watch over a charity match she lost. @MindCharity #SoccerAid pic.twitter.com/zYzEw2nMsj
- Richard Bream (@RichBream82) June 16, 2019
"Susanna, I think we might need to keep an eye on her tonight," he said. "Suicide watch."
Following the joke, Soccer Aid 2019 viewers flooded social media with complaints, calling the comment "crass" and "in poor taste".
The ITV commentator on #SoccerAid joking that Susanna Reid will need to be on 'suicide watch' after her team lost the match is wholly inappropriate. Mental health is not a joke, lives are lost every day. @ITV @itvfootball
- Giles Paley-Phillips (@eliistender10) June 16, 2019
Joking about suicide watch on #SoccerAid. Poor taste @CliveTyldesley
- Jack White (@Jack5326) June 16, 2019
@CliveTyldesley totally unacceptable to joke about suicide. This kind of comment sets progress in mental health awareness back years #SoccerAid
- Nicola Collins (@njcollins72) June 16, 2019
Poor taste that suicide comment. Shouldn't have happened @CliveTyldesley #SoccerAid
- The Great Toe-ender (@atpoetry) June 16, 2019
Clive Tyldesley joking about Susanna Reid needing to be on suicide watch because she lost to Piers Morgan is utterly disgusting #SoccerAid
- ᴀs (@ThatDayInMay99) June 16, 2019
"Shameful from Clive Tyldesley," wrote one. "Absolutely shocking language especially on a charity event."
Another said: "Clive Tyldesley should be ashamed of himself for the crass and offensive comment.
"Suicide is not something you joke about."
Digital Spy has reached out to ITV for comment.
Soccer Aid 2019 is available on the ITV Hub. To find out more about Soccer Aid, visit www.socceraid.org.uk/.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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