Pundits' showy partisanship reflects football's embrace of fan-centric populism | Jonathan Liew
Briefly

The article highlights the emotional climax of a Manchester United match where commentators, particularly Darren Fletcher, Robbie Savage, and Rio Ferdinand, exemplified heartfelt engagement. During intense moments, they shifted from passive observers to active participants, encouraging Manchester United's comeback with fervent excitement. Their commentary underscored deeper assumptions, from collective support for the club to the broader emotional connection created with viewers, particularly a tearful child in the crowd. This connection enhances the viewing experience, transforming commentary from mere analysis to an integral part of the event's emotional fabric.
The commentator's plea highlights the emotional connection between players, viewers, and even the fate of a tearful child, showcasing a shared humanity in sports.
Fletcher’s use of 'let's' indicates a collective spirit of support for Manchester United, elevating the broadcast experience to more than mere commentary.
Savage and Ferdinand embody the role of commentators as active participants, shaping the narrative as much as they describe it, deepening audience engagement.
In the final minutes, the fervor and excitement exemplified by Savage and Ferdinand demonstrates how commentary transcends analysis, turning it into an emotional spectacle.
Read at www.theguardian.com
[
|
]