Spain's women's national team fell in the European Championship final against England in the penalty shootout. It was a tough, evenly matched game, decided by small details. What should have been an unforgettable day for millions of fans turned into a major disappointment because of an incomprehensible mistake by TVE.
While the ball was rolling on the field, TVE made a decision that has sparked a true wave of outrage. The broadcast of commercial breaks, most of them self-promotion, deprived fans of the start of the second half.
María Escario explodes: "Shocking, TVE"
The most forceful criticism didn't come from just any viewer. It was María Escario, a historic journalist from the network, who publicly expressed her disappointment.
"Shocking that RTVE missed the start of the second half of a European final because of promos and commercials. That's the way it is," she wrote on her official profile.
With decades of experience covering sporting events, Escario hit the nail on the head. The public service can't abandon its role when it's needed most.
Even less so when it's a women's match that, in itself, already faces enough obstacles in terms of visibility.
Flood of criticism on social media
The reaction on social media didn't take long. Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms filled with comments calling TVE's actions "disrespectful," "shameful," and "yet another sign that women's soccer isn't taken seriously."
Several users recalled that, when it comes to men's finals, coverage is never interrupted.
Negligence or contempt?
RTVE hasn't issued, for now, an official explanation. The silence has angered fans even more. Some specialized journalists speak of a "programming decision," but others go further and call it "disdain."
In any case, the damage is already done. TVE's image has been tarnished and the general feeling is that an opportunity to do things right has been wasted.
Respect is also broadcast
Spain's women's national team couldn't lift the trophy, but it deserved much more than what it received from public television. Respect for the sport, especially for women's sports, is also measured in gestures. This, certainly, wasn't the right one.