The BBC commentator issued an apology minutes into the first race at the London Diamond League.14:14, 18 Jul 2026Updated 14:17, 18 Jul 2026BBC viewers were left divided as they tuned in to watch Saturday's London Diamond League.‌Sport is dominating both the BBC and ITV this afternoon, with the live London Athletics on BBC One and the Fiji v Scotland game on ITV.‌The BBC's coverage of the 11th Diamond League is being held at London Stadium. However, just minutes before the first race, the BBC commentator had to apologise to viewers at home.‌After host Jeanette Kwakye spoke with Jessica Ennis-Hill, she passed the mic to Paula Radcliffe and Steve Cram, who provided commentary on the first race.She said, "We are now looking at the action on the track. We're about to see Marcel Hug in action. This is a man who's won the London Marathon eight times, seven Paralympic gold medals, and 13 world titles. Team names lining up there in the men's 1500-meter wheelchair race, and it gives us a chance to say a very good afternoon to Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe."‌"Thank you very much, Jeanette," Steve continued, apologising for the error on the screen. "Hello, and we can see Marcel Hug," he began before correcting himself, "Sorry that these captions aren't quite right. Not the best way to start, but yes. So we've actually got an extra athlete."He added after the issue was corrected, "There we go. We're back on track. Good afternoon, everybody. Yes, we're going to start with this 1500-meter wheelchair."The crowd is still coming in, and a beautiful day here. Little breezy outside, but we're expecting, and as Jeanette has been alluding to, a cracking afternoon.‌"Hopefully, one or two records. Not sure we'll see one here, but you never know."Marcel Hug went on to win the 100-meter wheelchair race.‌Viewers were also divided by the coverage, with some pointing out that there was too much chat and not enough sport.Taking to X, one wrote, "It used 2 b the @BBCSport had the best technical people. The sound quality and balance @ the London diamond league shows that is no longer the case. The balance is all wrong. The stadium volume is so high u can’t hear the commentators. BBC need to listen to what you r broadcasting." (sic)Another complained, "Show the athletes and STOP the blah blahhhhhh 90% blah 10% sport. You chat, and events are live."Article continues belowSomeone else added, "Dear @BBCSport Can I just point out that we, your long-suffering viewers, do NOT want or need "presenters" for athletics. I mute their waffling and posing. Why can't we just have commentators and watch the action, like on normal Diamond League events??"However, some fans did praise the coverage, with one writing, "Love watching #DiamondLeague athletics on #BBC1 with the wonderful Jeanette Kwakye! Thanks @BBCSport."Another agreed, "Good seeing Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jeanette Kwakye at the London Athletics Meet."