Disney+'s opening night coverage of the Women's Champions League, titled 'The Hangout', has sparked varied reactions among viewers. The show, hosted by Alex Scott alongside Lianne Sanderson, content creators Tyra Mills and Alex Bailess, notably featured a golden retriever named Barley Boy.
Segments included a quiz about Italy, with questions such as guessing the Italian name for football and identifying pasta being cooked by a reporter. This approach led to a mix of bewilderment and fury from some long-time fans of the women's game.
Critics, including Kathryn Batte and broadcaster Flo Lloyd-Hughes, suggested the coverage felt more akin to children's television. Marva Kreel highlighted a perceived issue, stating that while men's football coverage offers both analytical and lighthearted shows, women's football often attempts to combine everything into one programme.
The golden retriever did not return for the second night of coverage.