ITV have come under fire from viewers after Emma Hayes delivered tactical analysis from a set some likened to a kitchen during England’s World Cup victory over Croatia.
Hayes, widely regarded as one of football’s leading coaches after winning 15 major trophies at Chelsea before taking charge of the United States women’s national team, was tasked with breaking down the action using a small chalkboard.
The unusual setup quickly caught the attention of viewers, many of whom questioned why the highly respected coach was not given access to the same touchscreen technology often used by other television pundits.
Some social media users went further, accusing ITV of treating Hayes differently to male analysts and suggesting former players such as Gary Neville would never be asked to present in a similar environment.
One viewer wrote: “Why the hell have they got Emma Hayes doing her analysis from a kitchen! It’s outrageous.
“It just needs a kettle and toaster in the background.
“Does nothing for the place of women in the game. Hayes is superb. Pioneer. Totally demeaning.”
Another posted: “I really like Emma Hayes.
ITV have come under fire from viewers after Emma Hayes delivered tactical analysis from a set some likened to a kitchen during England’s World Cup victory over Croatia
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ITV
Emma Hayes provided analysis from a bizarre set during England’s World Cup win over Croatia
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ITV
“I have no idea why ITV have stuck her in James Martin’s kitchen with a chalkboard as if she’s about to write up today’s specials.”
A third added: “Her analysis is great, but they could’ve given her an interactive touch screen TV!”
While another viewer asked: “Why have they built the set for Emma Hayes to look like a kitchen?”
Hayes has emerged as one of the standout pundits during this summer’s tournament, with many fans praising the depth and clarity of her analysis.
Match stats from England’s win over Croatia at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
However, criticism of the presentation setup continued to grow, with some online users creating memes that replaced her tactical notes with shopping lists and added kitchen utensils to the background.
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker also weighed in on the debate.
“I really like Emma Hayes and I think she’s an insightful pundit,” he wrote on social media.
“I’m not sure why they have decided to make it look like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard.”
According to the Daily Mail, one television source described the arrangement as “hugely embarrassing” and questioned whether a high-profile male pundit would have been treated similarly.
“Can you imagine ITV putting Gary Neville on a set like that? No chance that would happen,” the source reportedly said.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham stole the show as England beat Croatia | GETTY
Hayes was providing analysis during England’s opening World Cup fixture in Texas, where Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered from a nervy first half to defeat Croatia 4-2.
Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net as England made an encouraging start to their campaign.
England are next in action against Ghana on Tuesday (9pm).
They’re then scheduled to lock horns with Panama on Saturday, June 27 (10pm).
