ITV viewers fume over change to Soccer Aid donation plea that 'feels wrong'
Soccer Aid hasn't even kicked off yet but many ITV viewers already have a major complaint about the fundraiser.
Led by Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott, a star-studded England team will take on Usain Bolt's World XI at Old Trafford in less than an hour.
The England team line-up includes recently retired former England players Gary Cahill and Jack Wilshere, who are joined on the home side by Manchester United legends like Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville.
Former captain Liam Payne is representing the home side, with Danny Dyer, Sex Education star Asa Butterfield and and Taylor Swift's ex Tom Hiddleston also ready to take to the pitch to raise some money for UNICEF.
The World XI, meanwhile, has some legends of the game, with Roberto Carlos, Nani, Francesco Totti and Gabriel Batistuta all turning out for Bolt's team.
Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries
Coverage began at 6.30pm on ITV, an hour before kickoff, with presenters like Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott urging those watching at home to dig deep and donate some money to help give children the best start in life.
But while many fans are enjoying the show so far, some have taken issue with stars asking people to part with their cash amid a cost of living crisis.
Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott are hosting the coverage live from Old Trafford (ITV)Others noted how set donation amounts are being suggested, rather than reassuring viewers they are welcome to gift as much as they can spare amid tough times.
After making a donation, one Twitter user told their followers: "Cost of living crisis and @socceraid wont let me donate a fiver so had to give a tenner."
"What’s this soccer aid malarkey coming up at the top of the tele telling me to donate £40 in the middle of this cozzy livs," one viewer mused on Twitter earlier this evening.
If you can't see the poll, click here
"There’s something quite special about celebrities telling us to donate our hard earned money to charity #SoccerAid," another added, as a third suggested: #SoccerAid charge all celebrities 50 grand each to play, see who cares enough. Also get celebrities to donate, not the general public. Much fairer."
One Twitter user fumed: "'To give £40, £30, £20 or £10!!!!' #SoccerAid. Here's an idea. Forget showing a bunch of celebs living their dreams "again" and make them donate.
"Robbie Williams could donate £m's and never feel the financial impact. Absolute b******s!"
"I suppose it’s good to donate but I sure those stars performing could donate thousands of not millions. How many cars n houses do they all need? #SoccerAid," another pondered.
Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'
A particuarly angry viewer raged: "How pampered are they at #SoccerAid!!. And they want people to donate... when the participants are living it up in luxury. Time to end #SoccerAid."
However, many are happily donating - with £2,827,786 already raised before a ball has even been kicked.
"Watching #SoccerAid tonight. Even if you're not a football fan but are able to donate towards the work of #Unicef please do," one fan of the fundraiser told their followers on Twitter earlier today.
Soccer Aid is available to watch on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
