Praises poured in from the football world After the death of the legendary football commentator, John Motson.
Worked at Moson BBCflagship match of the day The program has been since 1971 and has covered more than 2,000 televised games, including 29 FA Cup finals and 10 World Cups.
After starting out as a newspaper reporter at Barnet Sheffield Morning TelegramMotson joined the BBC in 1968 as a sports presenter on Radio 2.
His long career also featured two Olympic Games and the memorable 1988 FA Cup final victory of Wimbledon at Wembley, where they beat Crazy Gang Culture Club against Liverpool.
Awarded an OBE in 2001 for his broadcasting services, Motson turned off his microphone for the BBC at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
Gary Lineker, presenting Game of the Day for Motson’s final game, said: “I am so sorry to hear that John Motson has passed away. He is a brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He will be greatly missed. RIP Motty.
Sky Sports commentator and former Liverpool defender Tweeted: “RAP John Motson. The absolute Legend of the game. Many of us grew up listening to this guy talk about the action and goals in the MOTD and cup finals. It’s a sad loss.”
BBC commentator Guy Mowbray, who hailed “Motty” as the “voice of television football”, also posted a short message on Twitter: “In shock. Thank you JM.”
Famous ITV football commentator Clive Tyldesley also tweeted: “When I was younger, I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody. So sad.”
Fellow commentator Ian Darke also added his compliments on Twitter. “So sad to hear that John Motson has passed away. Possibly the most famous football commentator of them all. Meticulously researched and maintaining the childlike enthusiasm and love of the game for over half a century of the greatest games, he set the gold standard.”
Comedian David Baddiel also shared his thoughts. “John Motson. Vote. It sounds impossible: a sound that was once football. REST IN PEACE.”
BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher shared: “This is very sad news – an iconic commentator with his distinctive and brilliant style. The music of my youth watching football. #RIPMotty.”
Former Blackburn forward and scholar Chris Sutton wrote on Twitter: “It is truly sad to hear of John Motson passing away. He was a legendary figure in the comment box and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Football Fans Association also made a statement. Very sad news about legendary commentator John Motson, who died today at the age of 77. John was honored with a lifetime achievement award from supporters at our awards ceremony in 2017 – John was a gentleman that night and it was a pleasure to be with him. RIP Motty.
Former West Ham forward and scholar Tony Cottee shared his memories. “It’s really sad to see John Motson pass away. John loved his stats and did my famous notebook interview with me in 1985. A lovely man and an icon of the sport, RIP John.