THE Irish Rugby Football Union has taken to Twitter to call out BT Sport for a huge geographical error in a tweet announcing the Lions squad.
The British broadcaster was crunching the number with a country-by-country breakdown of Lions picks after 11 Irish players were called up for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
BT Sport, whose rugby coverage is often presented by Ireland rugby legend turned pundit Brian O’Driscoll, tweeted a picture showing only the six country of the North – instead of displaying 11 Irish players selected from the whole of Ireland.
For when they delete this tweet. pic.twitter.com/i1KFJurb7p
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) April 19, 2017
Needless to say, Irish people weren’t happy that the broadcaster appeared to forget about their existence.
The Irish Rugby Twitter account was quick to notice, writing: “We think you may have missed the point about Irish Rugby there lads. #BackToTheDrawingBoard.”
@btsportrugby @btsport @lionsofficial @EnglandRugby @WelshRugbyUnion @Scotlandteam We think you may have missed the point about Irish Rugby there lads. #BackToTheDrawingBoard
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 19, 2017
Thankfully, BT Sport’s post was deleted and later replaced with a more accurate graphic showing the whole island of Ireland.
“Fair play to Ulster,” joked one user. “11 players from the one club must be a record.”
@btsportrugby @btsport @lionsofficial @EnglandRugby @WelshRugbyUnion @Scotlandteam Now you have it! ?
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 19, 2017
Another said: “It doesn't even offend me. It's become more fascinating than anything at this stage, why are they so unbelievably ignorant of this island?”
The Lions will be hoping they present a more united front when they take on the All Blacks in their first test on June 24.
