25 Jun 2008Russia vs Holland attracts biggest TV crowd

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Sponsors/ Sponsorship and Media

ITV's coverage of the Euro 2008 quarter-final between Russia and Holland attracted nearly eight million viewers, the best ratings of the tournament so far.

Match coverage was extended so fans could watch extra time as Russia overcame their illustrious opponents 3-1.

During extra time, ITV1 had 7.8 million viewers, a 35 per cent audience share.

Meanwhile, the entire coverage drew 7.2 million viewers, which represented a 34 per cent share of the audience, the Guardian reports.

But ITV will not be giving viewers the option to watch the final as it will only be screened by the BBC.

Taking place on Sunday between either Germany or Turkey and Spain or Russia, the final was dismissed by ITV bosses.

Reports had suggested that they did not want to go head to head with the BBC for viewers but the channel claims the decision was made because of an obligation to provide alternative viewing.

They reportedly conceded the final to the BBC as early as December.

"It's absolutely not the case that we feared humiliation in the ratings war. In terms of ratings, Euro 2008 has been very much successful for both broadcasters," ITV spokesman James MacLoed told the Daily Telegraph.

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