Jamie Carragher is a regular fixture on Sky Sports’ football coverage, but we’re used to seeing him in the studio rather than hearing him in the commentary booth.
That changed today, however, as the former Liverpool captain took up co-comms duties for Premier League leaders Chelsea’s trip to Burnley.
Ahead of the game, Carra’s Monday Night Football colleague Gary Neville wished him well, though he managed to fit in a small dig.
Good luck to @Carra23 today. First live co-commentary game for @SkyFootball. Burnley v Chelsea ( subtitles are behind the red button )
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 12, 2017
For those who were unaware of the former defender’s new role, hearing his familiar voice came as a bit of a surprise.
https://twitter.com/Steveh245/status/830771821263876096
Why is Jamie carragher commentating😫 #BURCHE
— Jordan (@Jordanthomas_4) February 12, 2017
But it didn’t take long for attention to turn from the sound of his voice to the words coming out of his mouth, and all it took was a comparison between the two teams’ central midfielders.
Both Chelsea and Burnley have solidified this season after adding a new face in the middle of the park.
For the Blues, that man is Premier League winner N’Golo Kanté. The Clarets, by contrast, have added Joey Barton to their ranks.
But for Carragher to mention the pair in the same breath was too much for some, as we soon saw.
https://twitter.com/PapaBeats/status/830771352785317888
https://twitter.com/CreativeeCostaa/status/830771308321439745
Carragher is receiving actual real money to make comparisons such as Barton and Kante being a similar type of player.
— andy (@_Tuanzebae) February 12, 2017
Jamie Carragher just compared Joey Barton to N'Golo Kante.
— Ben (@CriminalCosta) February 12, 2017
Jamie Carragher is on his first co-commentary job. He just compared Joey Barton to N'Golo Kante, so it might also be his last #BURCHE
— bwin (@bwin) February 12, 2017
When you hear Jamie Carragher compare Joey Barton to N'Golo Kanté on his commentating debut. pic.twitter.com/tbt3xvH6oP
— bet365 (@bet365) February 12, 2017
If he was just testing out a controversial line to make sure people were listening, he got his answer very quickly.
