Furious footy fans slam Channel 7 for ad-filled AFL Grand Final coverage – while others explode as they’re unable to watch the action on their phones
- Footy fans are raging after Channel 7 banned streaming of 2021 AFL grand final
- Channel 7 has exclusive rights, leaving competitors unable to stream live action
- Supporters also upset at continual stream of advertisements during coverage
Many diehard footy fans are seething due to frequent advertisements during Channel 7’s live coverage of the 2021 AFL Grand Final – as well as the network banning streaming options online.
Supporters of the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Demons and neutrals took to Twitter in frustration when it became obvious early in the first quarter they needed a TV to watch the action live from Perth’s Optus Stadium.
‘For the first time in my life I cannot watch the Grand Final legally… It’s not on Kayo Sports, 7 Plus or the AFL app… my Smart TV and Apple TV are both too old to support the other streaming methods. Great work team,’ footy fan Jackson Davey sarcastically tweeted.
Another supporter Peter Lewis was even more scathing, labelling Channel 7’s decision to ban viewers from streaming the game ‘breathtakingly ordinary.’
Plenty agreed with Mr Lewis, with another footy fan in Melbourne revealing ‘I am listening to it on the radio and following it on twitter. Even though I have signed up to Kayo / Stan / Channel 7…Sucks when you don’t have a TV and are in isolation.’
Even with the AFL Grand Final in Perth, footy fans from Victorian clubs Western Bulldogs (left) and Melbourne Demons are watching the action live
A crowd of other 60,000 have made their way to Optus Stadium in Perth for the 2021 AFL Grand Final
Twitter user JD is frustrated at Channel 7’s decision not to stream the 2021 AFL Grand Final
Another user, Peter Lewis labelled Channel 7’s decision not to stream the action ‘breathtakingly ordinary’
A third footy fan said he was ‘ropable’ after finding out he needed a TV to watch the AFL grand final
The most anticipated game of the year is being held in Perth for the first time in front of a sell-out crowd of 60,000 fans at Optus Stadium due to the latest Covid-19 outbreak in Melbourne.
The Demons were first on the scoreboard with two behinds before Christian Petracca extended their lead to boot the first goal of the contest.
Pre-game, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan arrived via train proudly donning a Demons scarf as he posed for photos with fans.
Footage of McGowan openly showing his allegiances to the Demons surprised Channel 7 commentators.
‘He’s made a statement there, I did not expect that,’ James Brayshaw said.
Abbey Holmes added: ‘That’s controversial.’
The sell-out crowd also enjoyed a pre-match entertainment line-up of Australian chart-topping anthems from the likes of Eskimo Joe and John Butler ahead of the first bounce at 7.15pm (AEST).
But not everyone watching at home was impressed, with some calling the musical entertainment ‘worse than Meatloaf’ – referring to American singer Meatloaf putting in a widely panned 12-minute performance at the 2011 AFL Grand Final at the MCG.