John Motson: Iconic commentator dies at 77
Credit: Gordon Flood
Popularly as ‘Motty’, the commentator was known for his sheepskin jacket and also rumoured to be the inspiration for Alan Partridge.
Having worked on Match of the Day since the 70’s, Motty, had a lengthy and successful career with the BBC. Covering 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for the broadcaster, before retiring in 2018.
In a statement released today, his family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday).”
Tributes have poured in across social media for the Motson family, with current Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker describing the legend as the “voice of football.”
Ex Liverpool player and Sky Sports presenter Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to the legend:
Motson’s illustrious career included his record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008.
He also became an OBE in 2001 for his services to sport broadcasting, and honoured at the British Academy Film and Television Awards (Bafta) in 2018 for his “outstanding contribution to sports broadcasting”.
John Motson stepped away from the mic for the BBC at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
