John Motson: Tributes pour in for BBC legend and ‘the voice of football’

John Motson has died aged 77 (Adam Davy/PA) (EMPICS Sport)
John Motson has died aged 77 (Adam Davy/PA) (EMPICS Sport)

Tributes from the footballing world have poured in following the death of legendary football commentator, John Motson.

Motson worked on the BBC’s flagship Match of the Day programme since 1971 and covered more than 2,000 televised games, including 29 FA Cup finals and 10 World Cups.

Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Tweeted: “RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.”

BBC commentator Guy Mowbray who hailed “Motty” as the “the voice of television football” also posted a short message on Twitter, saying: “In shock. Thank you JM.”

Comedian David Baddiel also shared his thoughts. He said: “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, *was* football. RIP.”

More to follow...