Fans slam 'disgraceful' BBC for not showing Andy Murray's potential career farewell at Paris Olympics on main channel... as viewers criticise 'joke' decision to show rugby sevens instead

Fans have hit out at the 'disgraceful' decision to not initially show Andy Murray's potential final match on BBC One.

Murray, who will retire after the Paris Olympics, is competing in the men's doubles alongside Dan Evans, with the British pair to face Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel of Japan in the first round.

However, much to the dismay of some fans, the decision was made to broadcast Murray's match live on BBC iPlayer, with the women's rugby sevens clash between Great Britain and Australia being shown on BBC One instead.

One fan claimed that the decision was 'shameful' as they wrote: 'This is probably Sir Andy Murray's last EVER tennis match and BBC One is showing rugby sevens group stage instead. Utterly bizarre. And frankly shameful'.

Another fan stated that they had been left 'angry' by the decision. They wrote: 'Why on earth isn’t Murray’s (potentially) last match on BBC One? Why is it on the Red Button? Genuinely a bit angry about this. More people should be able to see it easily.'

Furthermore, another fan wrote: 'What a joke the BBC are showing women’s rugby on BBC1 rather than Andy Murray playing doubles.'

One fan suggested that the decision lent credence to claims that the BBC should be defunded.

They wrote: 'BBC genuinely showing 7s Rugby over Andy Murray’s probable last ever match? I’ve never been closer to joining the ‘defund them’ dangers.'

Another added: 'Looking like Andy Murray's final game of his career and it's stuck on iPlayer, while a rugby seven's pool game is on the main coverage.'

The decision was eventually made to show Murray's game on BBC One after Great Britain's women suffered a 36-5 defeat to Australia in the women's rugby sevens. 

It was confirmed that the doubles will be Murray's last ever tournament after he pulled out of the singles.

The 37-year-old is still not fully fit after undergoing back surgery last month.

'I’ve take the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan. Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time,’ Murray said.

'Me and Dan have made the commitment to each other that that was what we were going to prioritise.

'I think Dan is still going to play singles. Last week he did a lot of doubles practice.

'That’s what I have been predominantly practising and training while on holiday in Greece. That gives the team and us the best opportunity to get a medal. That’s realistic.

'My back is still not perfect. The potential of playing two matches in a day is maybe not the best.' 

Murray also wasn't able to compete in the singles tournament at Wimbledon, while he was due to take part in the mixed doubles but Emma Raducanu had to withdraw.