Rugby broadcaster Amazon blocks NI customers saying they don’t live in the UK

Vast multinational corporation Amazon has drawn flak after its customer service team told NI rugby fans that they could not watch fixtures because they lived outside the UK.

Among those mocking the company was Irish comedy star Dara O’Briain, who wrote on Twitter that “Amazon Prime have delivered a United Ireland, and before 6pm on the same day”.

Amazon, known mainly for being a fast-delivery online retailer, has latterly branched out into broadcasting.

The debacle concerning its view on Northern Ireland’s status in the UK began on Saturday, when Ulster-based Twitter user Chris Jones tried to set up access to rugby matches for his mother.

He posted the results of his “Kafaka-esque” interactions with Amazon’s customer service personnel online.

“Hello Chris Jones,” Amazon said, in response to his appeal for technical assistance in accessing the match coverage.

“I am sorry to know you are having an issue watching the rugby.

“May I know what types of movie is this?”

Mr Jones told them that it wasn’t a movie – it was the England V Georgia rugby game.

“Let me check that,” Amazon wrote back.

“Starting November 6 we are temporarily unable to follow customer requests to deliver to a neighbour in England or the Republic of Ireland.

“This is still possible in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“Is this fine?”

Mr Jones then pointed out, again, that he was not talking about package delivery, but Amazon’s TV services.

He then went on to encounter this message from the Amazon team: “Thank you for that information. We apologise but upon reviewing your location you’re in Northern Ireland.

“Rugby Autumn Nations Cup coverage is exclusively available to Prime members based in the UK.

“We don’t have the rights to other territories.”

Eventually, after a number of barely-coherent messages from customer support, Amazon said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Here are some common troubleshooting steps, and if you’re still experiencing issues, please contact us by clicking the “Start chatting” or “Call me” button”.

Mr Jones replied: “Back where I started again. Amazing.”

This episode prompted much mirth online, with one Twitter user posting an image of republican paramilitaries, captioned: “Amazon Customer Service Team.”

Others posted puns like “A Mazon Once Again!” and “Come out Ye Package Fans”.

Another user, WinterDebacle, parodied the IRA’s famous declaration after the Brighton bombing, saying: “Today your package wasn’t delivered. But remember, we only have to deliver your package once.”

And Academic Stan Veuger also posted up a different response which Amazon had given to an enquiry about problems accessing the rugby games.