ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley jokes Susanna Reid ‘should be kept on suicide watch’ during Soccer Aid coverage after her team loses out to Piers Morgan’s
- ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley made controversial joke after Soccer Aid
- He said Susanna Reid may need to be on ‘suicide watch’ after defeat
- She was managing an England side against Piers Morgans’s Rest of the World
- Some have slammed the remark but others said it was clearly a joke
ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley has been slammed online after joking GMB presenter Susanna Reid should be ‘kept on suicide watch’ after her team lost to co-host Piers Morgan’s in Soccer Aid last night.
Reid was co-managing the England side with Sam Allardyce against Morgan’s Rest of the World XI co-managed by Harry Redknapp with bragging rights on the line as well raising money for Unicef UK.
Tyldesley made the controversial remark after England were defeated in a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw, prompting some outrage on social media.
But others defended the veteran commentator and said there was no need to ‘take the moral high ground’.
Morgan celebrated the victory excessively on GMB today and constantly mocked Reid over the defeat.
Clive Tydlesley has been slammed online after saying Susanna Reid may need to be ‘on suicide watch’ after her England XI lost to Piers Morgan’s Rest of the World side in Soccer Aid
Many said they were shocked at the joke and said suicide was ‘not a laughing matter’
Some said it was an ‘inappropriate’ thing to say during a charity football match
Others called the veteran commentator’s remarks ‘disgusting’ and ‘shameful’
But some defended him and said the remarks were clearly a joke and should not have led to ‘people taking the moral high ground’
Morgan constantly bragged about the win on GMB today and frequently took out the trophy to display in front of Reid
Reid previously begged her players to win to spare her taunting from Morgan, pictured with his medal after the match
He made the joke while Reid and Morgan were seen on screen talking following the shoot-out, with Reid previously pleading with her players not to lose so she did not have to endure Morgan’s taunts.
The divided reaction from the public has continued today, with some describing the remarks as ‘shameful’ and ‘disgusting’.
One user wrote: ‘Clive Tyldesley should be ashamed of himself for the crass and offensive comment “Susanna Reid should be on suicide watch” on losing Soccer Aid. Suicide is not something you joke about.’
Another said: ‘Soccer Aid is a fantastic cause, but shocked to hear the commentators just make a joke about ‘suicide watch’ for Suzannah (sic). Not a laughing matter. Disgusting.’
Others speculated whether the ITV employee, who has worked with the broadcaster for more than two decades, would get in trouble.
But some came to his defence, claiming his words were clearly intended as a joke.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘It was ill timed and I’m sure he felt awful the second after saying it so why do people feel the need to come on here and take the moral high ground? Everyone makes mistakes give it a rest.’
Replaying to the criticism, another said: ‘It was a joke. Even if poor taste..,it was a joke. You’ll survive.’
MailOnline has approached ITV for comment.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
Others defended the commentator and branded those criticising him ‘snowflakes’
The pair were pictured together during the match looking like they meant business
World XI beat England to win the 2019 edition of the Soccer Aid for UNICEF on penalties at Stamford Bridge on Sunday