SHOCKER FOR FRANCE AS PARIS OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY SLAMMED 'WORST IN HISTORY'
The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony has been slammed as the "worst in history" by disgruntled BBC viewers who tuned in to watch the event.
The criticism is a significant blow to France and President Emmanuel Macron, after the French government reportedly splashed out around £8.4bn to host the ceremony in the city centre, breaking with the usual stadium-based tradition starring a performance by Celine Dion - although the show had fans worried.
The situation was exacerbated as numerous international visitors struggled to reach Paris in time for the event due to arsonists causing havoc on France's rail network just hours before the kick-off, impacting Eurostar services as well.
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Displeased spectators took to social media to vent their frustration at the ceremony, which featured performances from French dancers and global stars like Lady Gaga.
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London-based lecturer Dr Luka Vicinic expressed his disappointment, tweeting: "Honestly, this is the worst Olympic Games Opening Ceremoy since I can remember. Seriously, what on Earth is this? "
Another tweet read: "I'm actually embarrassed on the behalf of France, this is going down as the worst opening ceremony in history. #OpeningCeremony #OlympicGames".
However, not everyone shared the negative sentiment, with some attendees enjoying the unique experience as athletes cruised down the River Seine on boats, watched by 300,000 spectators along the streets of Paris.
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In defence of the ceremony, @crafymate posted on X: "Enjoying being a couch potato to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony from my favourite city in the world Paris! This is incredible! Innovative original and spectacular! ".
PM Sir Keir Starmer was among the spectators at the main stadium in the Jardins du Trocadero, sporting a Team GB rain jacket while others were clad in ponchos.
Other notable personalities within the stadium apart from IOC president Thomas Bach and French President Emmanuel Macron included Ariana Grande, Serena Williams and John Legend.
The parade proceeded through 12 'scenes', with dances and performances along the river each narrating a part of the story of Paris and of France.
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