Olympic viewers unhappy over BBC reporters' 'touch-feely' interviews

Viewers of the London 2012 Olympics are complaining about the over-excited 'touchy-feely' displays of congratulation or consolation from the BBC's presenters during post-event interviews.

Many journalists have been seen rubbing, stroking and patting athletes as they interview them.

Most prominent has been athletics trackside reporter Phil Jones, whose tactile interviews with Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah raised eyebrows.

Also upsetting viewers was sailing reporter Rob Walker, who grabbed four-times gold-medallist Ben Ainslie round the neck after his win before shouting about how great his achievements were.

Others have spotted British contestants being hugged at the side of the swimming pool by Sharron Davies, the Daily Mail reported.

Viewers questioned the over-exuberance and urged reporters to calm down.

The criticism comes after John Inverdale was in tears as he consoled two British rowers on Saturday who just missed out on gold.

Viewers made their comments on BBC websites and Twitter.

One wrote: "Have you noticed how Phil Jones insists on touching any athlete unfortunate enough to be snared by him for interview?"

Another said: "When did BBC reporters get the go-ahead to start touching athletes? I'll let this boat dude off but the athletics fella is a bit touchy-feely."

One viewer tweeted: "Please tell Phil Jones to stop touching athletes when he interviews them. It's inappropriate."

Another commented: "Why are some of the BBC Olympic OB presenters so touchy-feely when they interview medal winners, they are practically groping them."

But others praised reporters for calming the athletes down, such as when Jones brought Ennis back from the verge of tears as she celebrated her gold. (ANI)