Clive Tyldesley, the iconic commentator, bid farewell to ITV after 28 years with a memorable rant during Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark in the Euros. The decision not to renew Tyldesley’s contract was made by ITV, leaving him disappointed but accepting of their choice. The last-16 clash between Germany and Denmark was an eventful one, with the game being halted due to thunder and lightning. Rain also poured over the fans before the match resumed.
In the second half, Denmark momentarily took the lead, only for VAR to rule out Joachim Andersen’s goal for offside. Fans were infuriated by the decision, as the automated graphic showed that he was offside by just a toe. Shortly after, Andersen gave away a penalty for a handball, leading to Kai Havertz scoring from the spot. Tyldesley, in his final ITV outing, unleashed a brilliant rant about the handball rule, stating that it should be written for the entire game rather than just for VAR. He compared it to a schoolteacher telling a child their body silhouette was unnatural and called for a complete overhaul of the rule.
Germany secured a 2-0 victory over Denmark with a fine strike from Jamal Musiala. This result marked the end of Tyldesley’s long career on ITV. Speaking before the game, he expressed surprise at the decision not to extend his contract. However, Tyldesley will continue commentating for American broadcaster CBS Sports on Champions League nights. He believes that he is still at a level where he can commentate as well as ever and hopes to recognize any decline in his abilities and react accordingly.
While Tyldesley’s departure from ITV has left him reflective, he remains proud of his work and believes it resonates with both old and young audiences. Although he does not fully understand ITV’s decision, he accepts it and is grateful for the opportunities the network has given him throughout his career. Tyldesley’s passion for commentary and dedication to maintaining his standards are evident, as he continues to strive for excellence in his profession.