Matt Baker has been defended by fans for just being 'excited' as his Commonwealth Games gymnastics saw him accused of favouritism by some viewers.
During the Olympics last year, the Countryfile presenter was forced to respond as critics questioned his qualifications for commenting on the sport, reminding them that he was once a competitive gymnast who won a number of titles. Taking to Instagram to share press cuttings of some of his sporting career, the County Durham born star wrote: " For all those asking... here’s some clippings from my Old scrap book! As a lad gymnastics was my life...it taught me the simple recipe if you work hard you get a result. Without my sport I would never be where I am today."
Fast forward to this year and former One Show host Matt is back in the BBC commentary box as Birmingham hosts the Commonwealths, with the gymnastic events taking place in the city's Utilita Arena. After the English men took gold in the team competition, it was time for the individual final on Sunday, with Matt covering it live alongside Craig Heap and Christine Still.
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And, while other home nations were in contention, Matt was accused of favouring England by some people watching at home as Jake Jarman ended up bearing teammate James Hall to the title. Unimpressed, one took to Twitter to post: " Matt Baker showing his favouritism, I though we were supporting all home nations? Blatantly wanting Pavel to get knocked off top spot."
A second reacted: Matt Baker's disappointment whenever they switch off from a Team England gymnast to any other country," and a third, ahead of the final tweeted: "hoping that Matt Baker is more professional in his commentary today than he was yesterday but I doubt it, when he is not commentating you can hear him whooping, just shoosh."
However, defending Matt and saying his excitement was made the commentary so brilliant, one fan posted: "I always forget how much I enjoy the commentary on gymnastics, whether it’s Matt Baker getting outrageously excited, the woman who is mum to all the gymnasts, or the guy who sounds like he’s presenting a documentary on steam engines on Channel 5. Don’t understand any of it mind."
Another agued that, if anything, Matt was supporting all the home nations, writing: "If all commentators were like Matt Baker @craigdavidheap @christinestill2 there would be more people rooting for all home nations in all sports. It’s great to hear them rooting for everyone. My 13yr old says gymnastics just feels right when you hear their voices," and a third conceded: "Matt Baker massively annoys me, but can’t imagine gymnastics without him."
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