For Chinese football fans who sat up until 1 am yesterday morning to watch the play-off between Italy and Australia, the most amusing part of the live broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV) was neither the lacklustre playing nor the last-minute goal, but the CCTV commentator's hysterical hailing of Italy's victory.

Huang Jianxiang shouted himself hoarse yelling "Goal, goal!" and "Long live Italy!" when Francesco Totti sent home the controversial penalty kick.

I was shocked, as I believe most other viewers were too. Never before had we seen any TV commentator indulge in such fanatical outpourings of personal emotion.

Huang did not even attempt to hide his support for the Italian team and his disgust for the Australians. He heaped such eulogies as "great" and "glorious" upon the Italians, while yelling, "Don't give the Australians any chances" and saying that the Aussies "had eaten their own bitter fruit and should pack for home."

I can't figure out any sensible reason for Huang's loathing of the Australian team. I also find it hard to understand his religious reverence for Italian football.

When questioned by his colleagues back in Beijing, Huang said: "I'm a human being, not a machine, nor the programme in a computer. I have my own feelings. I cannot be completely impartial." He continued: "I really don't like Australia. I don't want to see them win. I admit I have a profound feeling for Italy."

As a sports fan, he is entitled to his personal feelings when at home or in a public bar. But this outburst took place in his capacity as a CCTV employee. He must fulfil his obligation to the viewers, who have paid to be served. (Did they pay? Of course they did, by watching the commercials forced on them in between the games.)

Fans who are obsessed with Italian soccer may be delighted by Huang's commentary. But what about other fans, especially those who admire the valiant and vigorous Australian footballers. They are also CCTV's customers. Isn't Huang's performance a kind of negligence of his duty?

Some of Huang's supporters claim that TV commentators should be unequivocal about what they like or dislike and be clear-cut in expressing their opinions. I do not agree with this point of view. Everyone is entitled to their own personal feelings, but it would be foolish for an influential commentator to say anything that appears to discriminate against any country, just as former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi did.

The Italian politician, also a football tycoon, once said that Chinese people "had children boiled to fertilize fields."

In fact, many fans have expressed their anger at Huang's irresponsible behaviour, according to messages posted by netizens on major Internet portals' bulletin boards. Even those who appreciated Huang's commentary admitted that his overt bias was "improper."

The World Cup is a global carnival. Though China failed to qualify for the play-offs of the quadrennial tournament, Chinese football fans are enjoying it as much as those throughout the world. They enjoy watching the exciting tackling, deft dribbling, masterful passing and artful shooting on the green pitch as well as listening to the witty, insightful remarks by the commentators.

I have one piece of advice for Huang Jianxiang: In order to live up to the expectations of the fans who love your highly professional commentaries, stop putting your foot in your mouth.

Email: liushinan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/28/2006 page4)