BT Sport bosses say they have no issues with presenter Des Kelly taking off a ‘captain’s armband’ and asking Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan – whose future at the club is uncertain - to sign it during his post-match interview.
Kelly said he was getting stick online for the yellow band, a credential that granted him access to the pitch, and later tweeted he would be auctioning it online in aid of the Royal National College for the Blind.
It added to an at-times odd evening from the soon-to-be-merged broadcaster, with surprising addition Mario Balotelli refusing to comment when asked who would win.
It was certainly a contrast to Wednesday night, when – before David Sullivan’s comment that he would depart - Jules Breach was quick to ask a celebrating Declan Rice whether he could see himself staying at West Ham following their victory in the Europa Conference League final.
A BT spokesperson said: ‘Des and the entire team did an outstanding job throughout the night.’
Fans took to social media to criticise the BT Sport presenter after the incident..
One fan wrote: 'Des Kelly asking for an autograph in the middle of an interview is pure cringe. You're a professional on live television, just do your job.'
Another one added: 'Des Kelly asking for an autograph live on television is so embarrassing and, dare I say, unprofessional.'
While one fan wrote: 'Another abysmal performance from BT Sport. Jake Humphrey admitting live on air they've paid Balotelli thousands, Rio saying 'good luck' to Grealish after winning the treble & now Des Kelly getting an autograph live on air.
'Fans deserve better football coverage.'
Another said: 'Des Kelly just asked for an autograph on air. We should be stripping BT of all sports rights immediately.'
However, Kelly took to Twitter shortly after to reveal the armband would be auctioned online for Royal National College For The Blind.
He said: 'The armband kindly signed by Man City's Treble-winning captain İlkay Gundogan on TV tonight is to auctioned online for Royal National College For The Blind. Details to follow soon.'
Yodiopstuy
1
why
Javimor
0
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THESE NETIZEN S ATTACKING THE PRESENTER, FERDINAND AND CO. EVEN SIR ALEX WISHED GUADIORLA WELL PRIOR TO THE FINAL
I’m even confused why people are tripping He isn’t a referee is he?
Peaceking16
6
From being put in a career ending injury😢 to becoming one of the Best midfielders ever
Peaceking16
4
From being put in a career ending injury to becoming one of the Best midfielders
Tesbceikty
2
Big up Des get to Autograph ✍️!!!!
Santanacityzen
1
then they cried out no room for racism discrimination or any other isms, but one can't even ask for an autograph no more whether it's for a good cause or personal memories ,once it's not the TEAM that these COWARDS behind a keyboard support they try to let others feel less than humans
Moschino™
3
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THESE NETIZEN S ATTACKING THE PRESENTER, FERDINAND AND CO. EVEN SIR ALEX WISHED GUADIORLA WELL PRIOR TO THE FINAL