IAIN STIRLING found a new twist for the “commentator’s curse” – by delivering it on himself.
The Love Island narrator dished out a harsh verdict as he came on as a sub for the beleaguered Rest of the World XI at Soccer Aid.
Iain Stirling didn’t give himself the best of build-ups
He decided to grin ‘n bear it as he came on faced by an england romp
And with his team being pummelled by the England XI at Stamford Bridge, the broadcaster didn’t hold back in his withering self-assessment.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” said the Scottish comedian, as he stood next to main presenter Alex Scott.
He grinned and applauded back at fans as he went on – clearly excited.
But Stirling and Co continued to take a pounding as England banked a 6-3 victory – their first at the annual charity event for six years.
The 36-year-old wasn’t the only celebrity to find himself dazzled in the footballing spotlight.
Cruiserweight fighter and ex-Love Islander Tommy Fury bewildered fans by taking a throw-in UNDER-ARM.
Tyson Fury’s younger brother then air-kicked so badly that he could have got a boxing glove between his boot and the ball.
In contrast, Steven Bartlett went from Dragons’ Den to a fairytale of his own with two goals for England as sub.
Stirling enjoyed his cameo role despite calling it ‘desperate’
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!
The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
£50,000 Prize Pot
Free to play
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates
Download Dream Team app
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS!
Enhance your experience of the Euros further by playing our other games: Bracket Challenge and Score Predictor.
EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS
Meanwhile, sprint legend Usain Bolt set himself up for a fall with a shirt number representing his world record of 9.58.
But fans who reckoned the Manchester United fan was “fully taking the p***” were more sympathetic towards him later.
Bolt was carried off on a stretcher after appearing to turn his ankle when he tried to tackle England sub Jermain Defoe.
Viewers, however, had mixed views on Stirling’s arrival.
Some reckoned the build-up took away from the frenzy of an entertaining second half, in which an England side managed by Frank Lampard and Robbie Williams raced away with it.
One fan posted: “This Ian Stirling comedy substitution has been the most drawn out thing…”
The broadcaster had regularly been asking viewers for £40 donations – as the sum raised for Unicef in the charity match soared past £15million.
And as Stirling continued to commentate on his upcoming arrival on the pitch, some fans grew impatient.
One posted: “I’m donating just in the hope that they stop this banter.”
Not the most charitable comment to make when Stirling is trying to raise sterling!