ITV viewers were left baffled after presenter Semra Hunter repeatedly appeared to mistake Graham Potter for Gareth Southgate during the broadcaster’s World Cup coverage.
The awkward moment came shortly after Mexico‘s 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament.
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ITV presenter Semra Hunter completely missed Graham Potter for former England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Refer to source
The ITV presenter kept referring to the Sweden boss as Gareth SouthgateCredit: Refer to source
During the post-match show, ITV aired footage of Sweden boss Graham Potter taking part in training while wearing a cowboy hat ahead of his side’s World Cup campaign.
But viewers quickly noticed that Hunter appeared to refer to Potter as former England manager Gareth Southgate while discussing the clip.
The mix-up sparked an immediate reaction online, with football fans rushing to social media to poke fun at the blunder.
One viewer wrote: “What is this show after the Mexico game?! The American presenter just called Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate.”
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Another posted: “This World Cup gonna be so painful with these American pundits man, just seen them call Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate ffs.”
A third added: “American presenter calling Graham Potter Gareth Southgate, top knowledge.”
The mistake quickly became one of the first viral moments of the World Cup, with clips spreading across social media platforms.
Hunter, 39, was named as part of ITV’s presenting team for the tournament alongside Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch.
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The American broadcaster has extensive experience covering European football and is one of ITV’s key faces for the summer showpiece.
Her on-air slip came moments after a dramatic opening match that saw Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
The contest also made World Cup history after producing three red cards the first time an opening game at the tournament has ever seen that many dismissals.
South Africa’s Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes also received his marching orders in a chaotic end to the match.
