BT Sport have no problems with Des Kelly asking for Ilkay Gundogan’s autograph live on TV as broadcaster state that presenter did an ‘outstanding job’
- BT Sport presenter Des Kelly asked Ilkay Gundogan for an autograph live on TV
- He pulled off his media armband and asked if Gundogan would sign it for him
- Fans have taken to social media to criticise Kelly, 58, for being unprofessional
BT Sport bosses say they have no issues with presenter Des Kelly taking off a ‘captain’s armband’ and asking Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan – whose future at the club is uncertain – to sign it during his post-match interview.
Kelly said he was getting stick online for the yellow band, a credential that granted him access to the pitch, and later tweeted he would be auctioning it online in aid of the Royal National College for the Blind.
It added to an at-times odd evening from the soon-to-be-merged broadcaster, with surprising addition Mario Balotelli refusing to comment when asked who would win.
It was certainly a contrast to Wednesday night, when – before David Sullivan’s comment that he would depart – Jules Breach was quick to ask a celebrating Declan Rice whether he could see himself staying at West Ham following their victory in the Europa Conference League final.
A BT spokesperson said: ‘Des and the entire team did an outstanding job throughout the night.’
BT Sport presenter Des Kelly asked Ilkay Gundogan (above) for an autograph live on TV
The incident took place shortly after Gundogan lifted the Champions League trophy
Fans took to social media to criticise the BT Sport presenter after the incident..
One fan wrote: ‘Des Kelly asking for an autograph in the middle of an interview is pure cringe. You’re a professional on live television, just do your job.’
Another one added: ‘Des Kelly asking for an autograph live on television is so embarrassing and, dare I say, unprofessional.’
While one fan wrote: ‘Another abysmal performance from BT Sport. Jake Humphrey admitting live on air they’ve paid Balotelli thousands, Rio saying ‘good luck’ to Grealish after winning the treble & now Des Kelly getting an autograph live on air.
‘Fans deserve better football coverage.’
Another said: ‘Des Kelly just asked for an autograph on air. We should be stripping BT of all sports rights immediately.’
However, Kelly took to Twitter shortly after to reveal the armband would be auctioned online for Royal National College For The Blind.
He said: ‘The armband kindly signed by Man City’s Treble-winning captain İlkay Gundogan on TV tonight is to auctioned online for Royal National College For The Blind. Details to follow soon.’
