Soccer without chili?

So Euro 96 has finally hit our screens, but what happened to the excitement? I applaud the efforts of RCTI and SCTV in providing the millions of local and foreign football freaks on this side of the globe the chance to enjoy the spectacle in such abundance. Watching the football, however, is only half of the enjoyment. Take the commentary away and it's a bit like nasi Padang without chili.

Football commentating is a professional occupation which requires skill, judgment, extensive knowledge and most importantly a passion for the event.

The presence of Bung Agus and Bung Ronny on behalf of RCTI at the championships provide a great opportunity for viewers here to hear at first hand, reports and comments from the games. But not at the expense of the football please. When play is in motion we should be given an enthusiastic description of what is taking place. The ability to evoke levels of passion among the millions of spectators staring at a 14 inch box similar to those watching in the stadium itself is an art not to be underestimated.

By all means have an Indonesian commentator, provided of course, he is up to the job. For fear of spoiling the enjoyment, I strongly advise RCTI to revise their policy and adopt the SCTV approach of sticking with the original commentary, augmented of course by short concise slips of information from Agus and Ronny. After all we are in Indonesia. I am voicing my concern not only on behalf of myself but also the many Indonesian supporters with whom I watch the games. They are equally as vocal in their disapproval and disappointment of RCTI's misguided policy. So please RCTI, put back the chili before it's too late.

MARK HAYTON

Bandung, West Java