Martin Tyler issued an apology for making the comment about a Ukraine-based player’soldiering on’ against Wales during the current conflict.
Rob Page’s team and the war-torn hosts were playing in the World Cup final. The veteran commentator covered the match, offering a chance to be there at the Qatar Tournament later in the year.
Heorhiy bushchan was trying to get the ball out of the Ukraine goalkeeper. Tyler then used the phrase “soldier” which, given Russia’s war in Ukraine, is sensitive.
Tyler was swiftly criticized for his gaffe by social media users.
One commented: “Martin Tyler is as sensitive as ever” when he said that the Ukrainian goalkeeper was going to continue his fight,’ using a smiley emoji.
Another post: “Martin Tyler said that a Ukrainian footballer is “soldiering for” Wow!, followed by another: “Martin Tyler said the Ukraine player should continue to soldier on,” which was then followed by three crying emoticons.
Martin Tyler (left), who said that Ukraine goalkeeper Heorhiy Buchan would soldier on despite sustaining an ankle injury during the conflict in Europe, has since apologized.
Above, the veteran commentator covered Ukraine’s World Cup playoff final against Wales
Tyler’s awkward turn of phrase was quickly criticised by his fans, who took to the social media platform (shown below)
Another tweeted: ‘Martin Tyler just said the Ukrainian goalkeeper will “soldier on” and promptly apologised for saying that. He’s genuinely just awful.’
The fifth was: “Martin Tyler said that a Ukrainian player would soldier on after he’s been treated.” Wow. It was amazing.
One posted incredulously: ‘No way Martin Tyler just said the Ukrainian keeper will soldier on’, with a ninth tweeting: ‘Martin Tyler just apologised for saying the Ukrainian keeper has to “soldier on” I’m in tears man wtf’.
Wales booked their place in Qatar with a 1-0 victory over war-torn Ukraine with Rob Page’s side ending a 64-year wait to appear at the World Cup on Sunday.