World Cup fans gutted as ITV have a ‘shocker’ with ‘best commentator’ sent home from Qatar | Football | Sport

World Cup fans have been left devastated after ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley returned to England from his duties. The 68-year-old was the broadcaster’s lead commentator for 22 years but was stood down in July 2020 to be replaced by Sam Matterface as he took on the number two role. 

Tyldesley has taken the reigns for a host of games over the tournament with Portugal’s 6-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday his last of the World Cup. He has been widely praised for the relationship he shares with Ally McCoist behind the microphone. 

He took to Twitter to confirm his return home, posting a picture of a glass of wine, his passport and his boarding pass, alongside the caption: “My 8th World Cup in the job of my dreams and the first time I’m going to be home before England! Thank you for your company x.”

His departure left some supporters gutted and they took to the reply section to praise his contribution and criticise ITV for their decision to send him home early. 

@Skcinnam95 wrote: “It’s a shocking decision. There are levels to the game and you are at the highest. Such a shame,” while @StephenTerenceD said: “So the best commentator is going home early? This is madness!!”

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ITV will broadcast four more games during the World Cup holding the rights to two quarter-finals, a semi, the third-place play-off and the final. They will show both of Saturday’s matches with Morocco’s last-eight clash against Portugal preceding England against France. 

Matterface will join former Arsenal right-back Lee Dixon in the commentary box for the Three Lions match while it is yet to be announced who will take the mic for Morocco vs Portugal.