After the slip-up of two commentators during the French Golf Open in October, Canal+ decided to dismiss the editor-in-chief of golf, Thierry David.
It was a case that shook the little world of French golf. A month ago, during the first round of the French Open, two commentators from Golf+, the Canal+ channel dedicated to the little white ball, slipped up on the air by mentioning the mother of Matthieu Pavon, the no. 1 tricolor.
Fabrice Tarnaud and Patrice Barquez had recalled old shared memories with Béatrice Pavon-Deler.
“Patrice, you told me something before we went on air, you told me that you were there when Matthieu was conceived”notably released Fabrice Tarnaud. The two men discussed the subject for long minutes, which provoked the anger of Matthieu Pavon, who refused to answer questions from Canal+ during the rest of the tournament. In solidarity, several French players did the same.
“Canal is my life. It’s horrible”
A month later, and the sanction fell. It was Thierry David, the editor-in-chief of golf since 2017, who walked out the door, according to L'Equipe. The journalist joined the Canal group 26 years ago, via Pathé Sport. What is he accused of? His handling of the incident, obviously. Thierry David wanted to resolve this internally, with the Pavon clan and its commentators. The management of Canal+ did not like learning the news on Saturday evening, more than two days after the facts. At a time when national media, such as Le Figaro and L'Equipe, began to discuss this affair. It was the management of Canal+ who decided to suspend the two commentators for the last day of the tournament on Sunday.
“They think I wanted to cover up the affair when I thought I had handled the incident by speaking with Beatrice Pavon, Thierry David defends himself, interviewed by Golf Planète. When I learned of the affair, I asked Fabrice and Patrice to apologize, I myself apologized on behalf of the editorial staff to Béatrice. She confirmed to me that if they apologized on air, the case would be closed. Which they obviously did the next day. I also spoke with Matthieu. For me, it was managed. »
Thierry David takes the blame after this story, which will cost him his place. “It’s been 22 years, I love this house. I have a great golf team. Canal is my life. It's horrible. Today we are talking but, yes, I am going to leave. »
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