The outspoken broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan has sparked controversy on social media after he claimed that “nobody cares about these Covid-ravaged Olympics.”
Morgan said on Sunday that he felt “sorry for all the athletes still trying to live their Olympic dream” in Tokyo. He also tagged gold medallist Adam Peaty, claiming that the swimmer shares the same sentiment, before concluding that the games should have “either further postponed or cancelled” until the pandemic is under control.
Although the athletes are competing in front have largely empty stadiums and arenas, which is no doubt difficult, many – including the BBC’s Gary Lineker and Gabby Logan, as well as actual Olympians – claimed that the games are inspiring people at a time when we all need it the most.
I think you are wrong Piers. I think some people do care. You might not, but I don’t think you speak for everyone.
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) July 25, 2021
You’re wrong on this one. It’s exhilarating, uplifting and inspiring. Exactly what’s needed in these most depressing of times. https://t.co/Rv8nc3PyFn
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 26, 2021
If you had trained for 4-5 years for this opportunity you would realize it has importance
— liz mccolgan (@Lizmccolgan) July 25, 2021
I'm living the olympic dream don't worry! If you don't care about the Olympics, maybe just turn the tv off and don't read the papers for the next week or two 😜
— Marcus Ellis (@ellis_marcus111) July 26, 2021
You might not care about the #Olympics but this morning proved once again that a lot of people do.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 26, 2021
If you really feel that way then just let the rest of us enjoy it while you watch Home Alone 2 on repeat? 🐦😂#TearsForPiers https://t.co/5TJUUtTBsS pic.twitter.com/pVWLuXa3RU
Totally disagree. Something very special about so many athletes dealing with so much and the best coming through it all. My sense is millions care but are frustrated that it is harder to follow on TV cos of complicated rights issues. https://t.co/jyFGeUrvZg
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) July 26, 2021
This is looking like an even worse take today, than it did yesterday. https://t.co/sSlsBmbXH3
— Ben Winston (@benwinston) July 26, 2021
Of course, there were a few individuals who agreed with Morgan who later decided to double down on his comments by insulting athletes who won a bronze medal which he believes is not worth of “national celebration.” Bit rich coming from an Arsenal fan...
a) I believe everything I say until or if new facts change my mind.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 25, 2021
b) I'm 100% behind our @TeamGB athletes in Tokyo, just feel for them that the Olympics feels pointless this year for reasons beyond their control. https://t.co/29bW4f4vze
Jugs, you find opening a crisp packet uplifting & inspiring. It's great to see @TeamGB athletes win Gold medals, not least so we can stop pretending Bronze is an achievement worthy of national celebration, but let's be honest - these Olympics are just not the same without fans. https://t.co/oPHVV5UBMa
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 26, 2021
His bronze medal remark would undoubtedly get him on to the podium for bad takes and provoked a furious backlash.
To be in the top 3 in the entire world in your sport is an outstanding achievement. https://t.co/8QVTuHtWVX
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 26, 2021
How is a bronze medal at the olympics not worthy of celebration?
— Daniel Lewis (@dannyslewis) July 26, 2021
Straight to the insults when someone makes a better point than you……
— MattLumsden (@mattlumsdenBCFC) July 26, 2021
The closest this man has come to being a "real sporting champion" is when he was assistant manager to Harry Redknapp for Rest of the World at Soccer Aid 2019 and they won a shootout because Lee Mack had his penalty saved by a lad from Westlife. pic.twitter.com/nGnKPvAYFw
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) July 26, 2021
Why are you like this?
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) July 26, 2021
This from the man who said this…
— Kevin Khan (@Khanage84) July 26, 2021
Round of 32 win in Europe’s 2nd rung competition against a team with a fraction of the resources of Arsenal… pic.twitter.com/4MBZXXHcNs
Your beloved Arsenal celebrating 4th position👍 pic.twitter.com/W6Zi99iTJH
— Patrick McGivern (@PatMcGivern98) July 26, 2021
This you? https://t.co/phMeKXWwI2 pic.twitter.com/UDJqRvEkVS
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) July 26, 2021
You celebrate your achievements every day and you’re not even the 3rd best broadcaster in Britain, let alone the world. Don’t be such a misery guts about fantastic young athletes. #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/YgG7udev9c
— Shelagh Fogarty 💚 (@ShelaghFogarty) July 26, 2021
All coming from a man who celebrated being on the 2nd most viewed breakfast show and took personal pride in eating in to the BBC lead over GMB but still 2nd. You've never been close to being the best at anything @piersmorgan so you'll never know. pic.twitter.com/9dIGk3IB7Y
— Hugh Nibloe (@shug9) July 26, 2021
Morgan was really on one on Monday and decided to use diver Tom Daley, who had just won a gold medal, to take a pop at those struggling to overcome mental health issues. He had also earlier criticised the German women’s gymnastics team, who are protesting the sexualisation of their sport by wearing unitards at the Olympics, when he shared a picture of Daley and his diving partner Matty Lee saying it was “shocking & shameful that male divers have to wear such overtly sexualising skimpy briefs at the Olympics.”
So right… been saying it for years. Kids need to be taught mental strength & resilience, not encouraged to wallow in self-pity & given participation prizes for coming last. Daley never gave up - and got his Gold. https://t.co/2AhN4Bkkw5
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 26, 2021
Shocking & shameful that male divers have to wear such overtly sexualising skimpy briefs at the Olympics. I demand full body unitards to protect & respect their dignity. pic.twitter.com/Xa5ZlRy737
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 26, 2021
As you can see from the amount of interactions Logan got from her tweet compared to Morgan’s, you’d have to conclude that he might have come second in this debate.
Now I’m not one to keep score, but given I have a tiny following compared to the Twitter Goliath that is @piersmorgan I’d say the likes to my response to the Olympic naysayer Piers indicate that some people might actually be enjoying these games. 🤷🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/p43I5SxF54
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) July 26, 2021
`ll we can say is that Morgan has another two weeks of the Olympics to put up with so, for his own sake, he might be better just sitting there and enjoying it like everyone else.
