- Tyler became of the most recognisable voices in television during his Sky tenure
- Fans on social media have long accused the 79-year-old of favoring Man United
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is England’s squad good enough to win the World Cup?
Martin Tyler has defended himself against accusations of a hatred towards Liverpool.
The legendary commentator became one of the most recognisable and well-known voices in television during his 33-year spell with Sky Sports.
His time spent in gantries up and down the country coincided with Manchester United‘s dominance of English football and led to suggestions of bias.
However, fuelled by social media, suggestion made way for a full-on conspiracy among Liverpool fans after Tyler’s infamous reaction to Anthony Martial‘s maiden goal for the Red Devils against the Reds in 2015.
Incredible hype surrounded the Frenchman who was making his debut in the biggest game in English football after joining from Monaco in a deal that could have risen to £58million. So when Martial scored United’s third of the match in the final few minutes, Tyler’s excitement was somewhat understandable.
The only problem was that he had delivered a rather muted reaction to Christian Benteke‘s stunning bicycle kick just two minutes prior.
Martin Tyler has denied hating Liverpool amid conspiracy theories from supporters on social media that he has it in for them
Tyler’s jubilant reaction to Anthony Martial’s debut goal against Liverpool appears to have started the rumours
In contrast to his raucous Martial reaction, Tyler offered a rather muted response to Christian Benteke’s bicycle kick just two minutes earlier
Tyler insisted that he is unfazed by the internet theory and pointed to his commentary of a plethora of iconic Steven Gerrard goals, most notably his breathtaking strike against Olympiacos in 2005, as proof of his partiality.
‘I would in my defence get a whole catalogue of Steven Gerrard goals,’ he told the FCM podcast.
On the topic of which top flight club he supports, the famed Woking fan added: ”The only thing that really annoys me is when people say “well, you must have a Premier League team”. Why must I have a Premier League team? Why?’
It was announced in June 2023 that the legendary Sky Sports commentator would be leaving his position with the broadcaster.
Last year Tyler revealed that he underwent surgery to save his iconic voice and has opened up on the ‘frightening’ prospect of being left unable to speak.
‘I overused my voice and the climate in Qatar [World Cup] affected my cords so I realised I needed help,’ Tyler told The Daily Star.
He subsequently had to undergo surgery at St George’s Hospital in London to remove a keratosis, a small growth of keratin, on his larynx.
‘My voice is my identity but the thought of not working again wasn’t the worst part of it, not being able to socialise was a real prospect,’ he added.
The 78-year-old commentator admitted his fears that he could lose his voice permanently
‘Not being able to answer the phone, go for coffee with friend and only talking to those who were very close to me was frightening.
‘I’ve had a very long career so losing my living had financial implications, but it was the loss of socialising that hit me.
‘When I lost my voice I had to go to a few events and it was very difficult. I either had to hide my condition or reveal to people I was close to and who I trusted.’
Tyler has stepped back onto the gantry since leaving Sky Sports, with the 78-year-old now working with TNT Sports.