The UNICEF fundraiser was aired on ITV.
Followers of the ITV occasion complained simply moments in (Picture: ITV)
Followers of Soccer Assist tuned into ITV for an evening of movie star fundraising on Sunday night at 5pm. Nonetheless, many seen one factor as Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott hosted the pre-match build-up earlier than presenting dwell protection of the charity match, which was not because of kick off till 6.30pm.
Viewers had been excited to see sporting legends similar to Wayne Rooney, Jordi Alba, Jill Scott and Dimitar Berbatov play alongside celebrities together with Usain Bolt, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddlestone, Robbie Williams and Owen Cooper at London Stadium. Nonetheless, simply minutes into the dwell protection starting, followers seen the identical factor. Many complained that the stadium – which Soccer Assist claimed to have ‘bought out’ – was wanting moderately “empty”. Posting to X/Twitter, one individual wrote: “A number of empty seats… [eyeballs emoji] #SoccerAid.”
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Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott hosted the pre-match build-up (Picture: ITV)
One other echoed: “Stadium seems to be fairly empty proper now #socceraid,” as a 3rd quizzed: “Why does it look so empty there? #socceraid.”
Somebody who was really on the occasion shared: “Anybody else nonetheless caught within the queue to get in? We’ve been within the queue for an hour and it’s barely transferring. What’s occurring? #SoccerAid.”
Regardless of the complaints, the occasion’s official social media account shared earlier within the day: “Soccer Assist for UNICEF 2026 is bought out. Thanks to your assist! In case you didn’t handle to seize tickets you may watch the sport dwell on @ITV and @WeAreSTV from 5pm.”
Different viewers had been delighted that the occasion was again. One wrote: “I actually do get pleasure from watching Soccer Assist… Have to be class enjoying in it too… #SoccerAid”.
One other mentioned: “So gutted that I’m not at Soccer Assist this yr! Hopefully subsequent yr. It’s such a great environment! #SoccerAid.” And another person penned: “Needs to be a great watch tonight.”
Initially staged each two years, Soccer Assist has been held yearly since 2018, elevating over £120 million for UNICEF UK because it first kicked off. The occasion marks its twentieth anniversary this yr.
This yr’s Soccer Assist will kick off at 6.30pm on Sunday, Could 31 on the London Stadium. The beginning time has been introduced ahead by an hour, having beforehand acquired underway at 7.30pm in recent times.
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