The Australian Football League (AFL) kicked off its new season with a bang as the Sydney Swans took on the Hawthorn Hawks at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), but the thrilling match was overshadowed by a controversial change to the broadcast that has left fans seething.
The gigantic Fox Footy scoreboard, a staple of AFL broadcasts for years, has been revamped, and the new design has sparked widespread outrage among fans, who are taking to social media to express their discontent.
Despite the exciting match between the Swans and the Hawks, which saw the home team emerge victorious, many viewers found themselves distracted by the massive scoreboard, which dominated the screen and obstructed their view of the game.
Fans were quick to vent their frustration on social media, with many calling for the old scoreboard to be reinstated. The hashtag #BringBackTheOldScoreboard began trending on Twitter, as fans shared memes and jokes about the new design.
Some fans even went as far as to switch to Channel 7, which is broadcasting the AFL games without the gigantic scoreboard, in protest. The backlash was so severe that Fox Footy was forced to issue a statement, apologizing for any inconvenience caused and promising to take fan feedback into consideration.
The controversy has highlighted the importance of listening to fan feedback and the need for broadcasters to strike a balance between innovation and tradition. While the new scoreboard was intended to enhance the viewing experience, it has clearly missed the mark, and Fox Footy will need to go back to the drawing board to find a solution that works for everyone.
As the AFL season continues, it remains to be seen whether Fox Footy will make changes to the scoreboard or stick with the current design. One thing is certain, however: the fans will be watching closely, and their voices will be heard.