This is The Telegraph’s take on Croatian rider Robert Kiserlovski crashing out of the Tour de France.
The Telegraph newspaper – the voice of middle England – has been criticised for suggesting a Croatian rider crashing out of the Tour de France might be a good omen for the World Cup.
England were playing Croatia tonight in the semi final of the World Cup in Russia.
And when the Telegraph’s Tour de France stage 5 report was Tweeted; the ‘good omen’ reference was made.
Many Twitter users replied by voicing their disappointment and disgust with the sentiments expressed.
Robert Kiserlovski (Katusha-Alpecin) crashed out of the Tour early on today’s stage, which was won by Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe).
Kiserlovski hit a central reservation in an incident that also involved Gianni Moscon (Team Sky).
However, while the young Italian was able to continue, the 31-year-old Croat was forced out of the race.
His team initially suggested he had a suspected broken collarbone. News of a confirmed diagnosis was awaited at the time of writing.
But the Telegraph’s social media staff apparently seeing his crash as something that may bring fortune on England’s football team tonight did not go down well with those who replied.
We’ve included some of the replies below. Despite the criticism, the Tweet is still published, having been posted before lunchtime.
At the time the comment was shared it was believed Robert Kiserlovski had been hit by a race vehicle. And his condition was unknown other than his being forced out of the race.
The Tour de France has since denied any vehicle was involved in the crash.
Twitter users were not happy…
As an England fan & a cycling fan l find this comment disgraceful & distasteful.
— Kate Jones (@bookishkate4) July 11, 2018
That’s an appalling tweet. Shame on you.
— Chic Gibson (@chicgibson) July 11, 2018
Cyclist hit by car, ‘good omen’ ? Nice touch.
— paddytheenglishman (@nathanjamesjr2) July 11, 2018
Has NO ONE on your editorial staff have any morals – the guy has broken his collarbone that’s part of his season over and a race he’s been training for for months wasted and you think it’s a good omen ?? SHAMEFUL
— Ally 🇦🇺🇮🇹 (@Ally1889) July 11, 2018
I’m sorry, you seem to have dribbled jingoism down your chin. Can I pass you a tissue?
— moon #FBPE #Remain #FinalSayForAll (@blueunicornmoon) July 11, 2018
Wow, poor taste doesn’t even start to cover this.
Remember then the Telegraph wasn’t an absolute shitshow?— Firesnakious 🌍🚀🌌🏳️🌈 (@Firesnakious) July 11, 2018
The loveable English sports media strike again.
— Lord Alfred Hayes (@LordAlHayes) July 11, 2018
I don’t believe this is appropriate. A rider crashed and who know show badly injured he is. Regardless of this he is out of a race he will have dedicated himself to compete in. If Cavendish or Froome crashed out would you be saying something similar?
— Paul Sheen (@sheenyp1970) July 11, 2018
My grandad always said, “They’re a strange shower o’bastards”. Thank you for proving him right.rq
— Maxi (@paulsfourthleg) July 11, 2018
Y’know, there’s an outside chance these are two unrelated incidents.
Donkeys.
— bishopvillered (@bishopvillered) July 11, 2018
That’s in shitty bad taste
— Mark Ellison (@mark_a_ellison) July 11, 2018