BREAKING Iconic BBC commentator John Motson dies aged 77 as football world mourns tragic loss
Iconic football commentator John Motson has died at the age of 77.
Motson was best known for his work on the BBC, where he began his broadcasting career in 1971. Recognised as the voice of football, ‘Motty’ covered 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships for the broadcasting giants before hanging up his mic in March 2018.
He was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his services to sports broadcasting and went on to commentate on almost 2,500 televised matches. The iconic commentator, who was famed for his sheepskin coat, enjoyed a glittering 50-year career at the BBC, providing the illustration for 29 FA Cup finals.
READ MORE: Former Liverpool star tells Jurgen Klopp to axe six players in summer transfer clearout
In the wake of Motty’s passing, tributes have flooded in online. “RIP John Motson,” tweeted ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. “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.”
“Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman,” posted ex-Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell. “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, *was* football. RIP,” wrote Three Lions writer David Baddiel.
Former talkSPORT colleague Jim White said: “Sad news, legendary football commentator John Motson has died. He was 77.”
Starting out at BBC Radio Sheffield, ‘Motty’ joined the BBC on a full-time basis in 1968, initially as a sports reporter on Radio 2. He then made his breakthrough on Match of the Day during Hereford’s FA Cup Third Round replay victory over Newcastle United as the Southern League team triumphed 2-1 at Edgar Street.
The match was originally given only a five-minute segment on the programme but was promoted to the main showing as the drama unfolded with Motson in the commentary box. He went on to commentate on a record-breaking sixth World Cup final in 2006 before hanging up the mic on MOTD following Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win against West Brom on the final day of the 2017/18 season.
This is a breaking sports story and is being constantly updated with the latest news, pictures and videos. Please refresh the page regularly.
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest sports stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our sports newsletter.
Get all the very best sports news, pictures, opinion and video by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
Follow Daily Star on Google News – CLICK HERE and click the star
Follow Daily Star on Apple News – CLICK HERE available on Apple devices
Follow Daily Star on Flipboard – CLICK HERE and click follow
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @DailyStar_Sport and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see sports stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at