Robbie Savage issues heartfelt response after ‘ruining’ West Ham European glory

Robbie Savage has conceded that he got “carried away” during commentary of West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph over Fiorentina in Prague. The Welshman was at the centre of online flak throughout the fiercely-contested showpiece that was screened on BT Sport and some supporters even claimed the ex-Blackburn and Birmingham midfielder had ruined the coverage with his shouting.

Savage erupted with “West Ham are massive!” after Said Benrahma had put the Hammers ahead from the penalty spot.

Yet that was nothing in comparison to the emotion of Jarrod Bowen’s 90th-minute winner when David Moyes ran onto the pitch as Savage shouted jubilantly.

The celebratory scenes at full-time also prompted Savage to serenade Moyes as he danced the night away, as the pundit repeatedly bellowed: “Go on Moyesy!”

Savage was soon trending online and unfortunately for the Welshman, the majority of fans were in agreement that he’d overstepped the mark.

Interestingly, he appeared to acknowledge the criticism shortly after West Ham lifted the trophy following a small break where coverage had been diverted to Jules Breach, Carlton Cole and Joe Cole.

“Congratulations, football is all about emotion,” a reflective Savage said.

“You get carried away in commentaries but it’s an entertainment business for enjoyment.

“These are the moments as footballers and now we are in a privileged position in our roles.

“You know, at times you do get carried away and emotion takes over but that’s football and that’s why we love this game so much.

“That’s why it’s the best game in the world.”

One fan appeared to suggest fellow co-commentator Don Hutchinson had taken a swipe at Savage during coverage.

Twitter user @BarryOn89 said: “Don Hutchison’s ‘We should be quiet for 5 seconds and take it in’ was the politest way anyone has ever told Robbie Savage to shut the f*** up.”

Hutchinson made the comment shortly after West Ham had lifted the trophy as the players continued to dance gleefully alongside the trophy.

Another user was impressed by Adam Summerton and Hutchinson’s Serie A expertise.

@StuartMcIntosh6 added: “Robbie savage is a brutal listen but BT sports needs to hire more commentators like the boy commentating and Don Hutchinson, they do a lot of Serie A games and they’re genuinely a good listen.”

@Puntification was also impressed by Hutchinson, writing: “I had no idea that Don Hutchinson is such a good co-commentator. He’s great in this match – just a shame it’s being cancelled out by Robbie Savage.”