News
EA apologises over football anthem blunder
Tim Ingham Jul 3 2008, 3:01pm
Comments (8)
Publisher puts United Ireland song of over Northern Ireland team celebrations
Electronic Arts has today apologised for a culturally sensitive blunder in UEFA Euro 2008 – in which the Northern Ireland football team stand to The Soldier’s Song, traditionally sung at United Ireland sporting events.
A regional newspaper in Northern Ireland reports that fans reacted with ‘surprise’ to hear the anthem represent their national team in the game.
One fan posted a shocked comment on an internet football forum to simply say, "So Northern Ireland has no identity now I suppose."
EA spokesperson Shaun White apologised for the error. He stated:
"At EA Sports, we pride ourselves on delivering rich and authentic videogame experiences. We sincerely apologise for this error."
That apology has been welcomed by NI Sports Minister Gregory Campbell. He said: "Any apology on this matter is most welcome. Obviously there's has been a lack of knowledge on the makers' part and hopefully it will be changed as soon as possible."
The official Northern Ireland national anthem is God Save Our Queen.
Comments
“Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: OliverFIN - Jul 3, 4:35pm
The game in question is UEFA Euro 2008.
“Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: Magnus - Jul 3, 6:06pm
As well as 'not understanding music' , I don't understand what's the deal with football, I guess that makes me a brain cell in a jar then!
“Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: Bob - Jul 3, 6:31pm
Has it taken this long for someone to play as Northern Ireland?
“Re: Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: Ulster - Jul 3, 11:08pm
1-0 vs England , Healy goalllllllllllllllllllll
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted: Jul 4, 9:45am
Title update?
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: ka0znrky - Jul 4, 12:10pm
@Bob: lmao yeah whats with this, why has it taken so long for someone to notice. Either nobody is playing the game, nobodies played as NI or nobody has cared enough to report it.
Really is something that should've been caught in testing, and i'm suprised it was even a problem with EA's track record of just copying their older titles and updating the gfx. Im genuinely shocked, for this mistake to be in the game they would've had to ... built it from scratch :O whatever next?
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted: Jul 4, 2:40pm
Soldier's song is played at Republic of Ireland events, at the 'united' Ireland Rugby events they play Irelands Call and if it is a home game played in the south, then they also play the soldiers song.
This whole thing makes me laugh all the staunch prods sat in their council flat getting ready to take norn iron to the euro finals will have been outraged and probably demanded thier money back. - still at least david Healy should be the best rated player in the game!
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Not FIFA 08”
Posted by: jimlad - Jul 6, 1:43pm
can i get a re re re re reeeeeeeewind