Hundreds of irate callers jammed BBC switchboards last night with complaints about Mick McCarthy's seemingly off the cuff remark about vuvuzelas. For some obscure reason, the fans in South Africa insist on blowing these infernal trumpets, giving the impression that the World Cup is being played in a giant beehive.
During his commentary in the Italy v Paraguay clash in Cape Town, McCarthy - who was once described as a copulating lady's pee-pee by Roy Keane - said:
"I don't know why people want them (the vuvuzelas) banned. We've got a terrific atmosphere here tonight."
Irate BBC viewer, Martin Shuttlecock complained:
"McCarthy's remark was bang out of order. I can barely watch the matches any more. My living room could be invaded by angry wasps and I'd never notice because of that constant buzzing on the telly. I genuinely fear for my life, because if my house was invaded by killer hornets I'd never get to the fly spray fast enough. And it's summer here, and the wife likes the windows open. So anything could happen."
Viewer 'Tapper' Nutmeg of Bradford agreed, saying:
"First the bloody Crossbow Cannibal, and now the vuvuzelas. Mick McCarthy's remarks were totally insensitive and unacceptable. I think I'll send him some anthrax in the post."
The game between defending champions, Italy, and Paraguay, played in a rainstorm which couldn't even stop the constant vuvuzela buzzing finshed in a 1-1 draw.
More as we get it.
