KSI leads the complaints from Soccer Aid viewers

KSI echoed the sentiments of many viewers as he criticised the latest edition of Soccer Aid, claiming the former footballers have made it too much about themselves.

England ended their five-game losing streak at in the annual charity match with a 6-3 win over the Rest of the World XI at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.

£15,049,590 was raised by the event, with former Chelsea star Eden Hazard scoring for the World XI on his return to Stamford Bridge.

A number of the other ex-footballers on show produced good moments, with Theo Walcott, Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Alessandro Del Piero all on target while Jack Wilshere showed why he was once one of the brightest talents in the country.

However, KSI and many others watching at home felt that the game had lost some of its former magic with the celebrities seeing little of the ball.

YouTube and boxing star KSI wrote: ‘I’m very glad Soccer Aid raised a lot of money today. Always brings a smile to my face every year.

‘However as a football match, that was an awful and boring watch. It was literally ex pros just passing amongst themselves, dribbling past people and shooting from anywhere constantly lol. 

‘Would much rather it just be influencers and entertainers play. Would make the game a lot closer too and more enjoyable to watch as a viewer.’

‘Just feel like you should give more game time to people who don’t normally get to play in front of these crowds, as a opposed to giving pros most of the minutes.

Another posted on X: ‘Walcott and Defoe have ruined that Soccer Aid second half this year trying to make it all about them. Pass to the celebs and have some fun with it. Simon (Miniminter) was on and in space for over 10 minutes and received about two passes #SoccerAid.’

‘To be honest the only good thing about soccer aid was the cause of giving money to young children,’ one wrote. ‘These pro players are selfish. How are you not passing it to other people. Simon definitely got robbed.’

The game also saw Mauricio Pochettino return to the home of the Blues just weeks after his departure as Chelsea manager. 

There were plenty of other Chelsea connections as England, managed by Frank Lampard, took the lead through Cole, whose effort went through the legs of Petr Cech. 

Hazard then equalised for the World XI with a free-kick before Del Piero made it 2-1.

White then made Soccer Aid history as she found the net following good work from Wilshere, becoming the first woman to score in the charity match. 

In the second half Steven Bartlett put England in front just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

A fine finish from Defoe then made it 4-2 before a further blow for the Rest of the World XI as Usain Bolt had to be taken off on a stretcher.

Bartlett’s incredible performance continued as he doubled his tally, but Billy Wingrove then scored for the World XI from the penalty spot to restore the two-goal deficit.

It was England who would get the final goal of the game, though, as Theo Walcott made it 6-3 to end their long barren run.