Fans blast 'disrespectful' TV coverage of World Cup closing ceremony as ITV decides not to show it and BBC pundits talk over the action Australian singer Tones and I performed at the World Cup closing ceremony By Arthur Parashar Published: 11:48, 20 August 2023 | Updated: 19:22, 20 August 2023 e-mail 282 shares 504 View comments Football fans have blasted the 'disrespectful' TV coverage of the spectacular World Cup closing ceremony as ITV failed to show it and BBC pundits spoke over the action. The incredible display before the final between England and Spain featured live music, dancing, light shows, flames and a didgeridoo performer - but those at home were unable to catch much of it. The closing ceremony, which came before the 64th and final match, provided plenty of fireworks before the two team's sang their national anthems and the highly-anticipated final burst into life. The Lionesses went on to lose 1-0 to Spain as England's first World Cup final since 1966 ended in tears. Ahead of the game, as football fans across the country geared up for the 11am BST final, many fumed they were unable to get a feel of the pre-match action at Stadium Australia. Among those performing at the closing ceremony was popular Australian singer Tones and I - who was surrounded on the centre circle with dozens of dancers as a spotlight beamed down on them. The closing ceremony, which came before the 64th and final contest, provided plenty of fireworks before the two team's sang their national anthems and the highly-anticipated final burst into life The closing ceremony was lauded by many but those at home were left unable to watch it on TV A performer plays the didgeridoo during the glitzy closing ceremony at Stadium Australia in Sydney Australian singer Tones and I performs during the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Sydney Tones and I perform during the closing ceremony ahead of the Lionesses' clash with Spain One user blasted the coverage, posting: 'BBC talking over the closing ceremony. ITV not even showing it. Bit disrespectful.' Another fan tweeted: 'Great start, BBC talking over the final ceremony and ITV not even showing it.' And a third wrote: 'BBC once again butchering coverage of the closing ceremony. Why can't they stop yapping for 10 minutes and watch something that's taken months to coordinate on behalf of the host nation? A fourth replied: 'It's so disrespectful & the same on ITV.' Stunning footage from the ceremony shows flames bursting into the air as tens of thousands of fans watched on at Stadium Australia. But both channels showing the match in the UK were criticised for not showing the full coverage. Fans were able to watch it in full on BBC iPlayer. On BBC One, Alex Scott - who fans have loved during the World Cup - and her team decided to speak over the ceremony, while ITV failed to show it. England and Spain were both making their first appearance at a Women's World Cup final, with England not prevailing in a men's tournament since 1966. The wait goes on. Football fans were furious at the lack of coverage of the Women's World Cup final closing ceremony Toni Watson, aka Tones and I, performs during the closing ceremony of the World Cup final Stunning footage from the ceremony shows flames bursting into the air as tens of thousands of fans watched on at Stadium Australia England and Spain are both making their first appearance at a Women's World Cup final, with England not prevailing in a men's tournament since 1966. Fireworks were also let off into the Sydney sky as tens of thousands of fans packed out Stadium Australia As dancers surrounded Tones and I, flames burst into the air in the background, setting the scene for a mammoth final While local interest ebbed when Australia exited in the semi-finals, some 2 million fans had passed through the gates in nine host cities by the time Sunday's final kicked off. Australia's semi-final loss to England on Wednesday drew an average of 7.13 million viewers on the channels of local broadcaster Seven Network, the highest viewership ever recorded by research firm OzTAM, which launched in 2001. For those who could watch the closing ceremony, it was very well received. One user said: 'Best closing ceremony I seen for a long time! Great promotion for the host country and soccer itself.' Another wrote: 'Such an amazing closing ceremony! So privileged I could be here to see it.' And a third added: 'That was an incredible closing ceremony.. what a performance.' Share or comment on this article: Fans blast 'disrespectful' TV coverage of World Cup closing ceremony as ITV decides not to show it and BBC pundits talk over the action e-mail 282 shares Add comment Comments 504 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated. 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