Tributes have been paid to legendary sports commentator John Motson, who passed away aged 77.
Starting his career as a newspaper reporter in Barnet and the Sheffield Morning Telegraph, Motson later joined the BBC as a sports presenter for Radio 2 in 1968.
Motson went on enjoy a glittering career behind the mic, with his iconic commentary of Ronnie Radford's famous goal for Hereford United in a famous FA Cup victory over Newcastle United earning top billing with Match of the Day, and the love of the sporting public to go with it.
🎙️ “Oh, what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer, Ronnie Radford, and the crowd, the crowd are invading the pitch and it will take some time to clear the field”
🐮 As a Hereford lad, John Motson’s iconic commentary has been ingrained since my birth
Rest In Peace, legend 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/HgZvQmz7Rn
— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) February 23, 2023
Overall, Motson commentated on 29 FA Cup Finals including Wimbledon's shock victory over Liverpool in the 1988 decider, (The Crazy Gang beating the Culture Club) and 10 World Cups for the BBC. He also covered two Olympic Games'.
"The crazy gang have beaten the culture club!"
John Motson with one of the all-time great commentary linespic.twitter.com/Nl5Gs0spLx
— Roпaп MuIIeп (@RonanReigns) February 23, 2023
In 2001, John Motson was awarded an OBE for his services to broadcasting.
He subsequently retired from the BBC, hanging up the mic in 2018, at the end of the Premier League season.
Motson's death was confirmed via a statement released by the BBC website.
"Legendary commentator John Motson, who had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC, has died aged 77", they said.
John Motson also supported Chelsea FC, and the SW6 side paid tribute to him on social media.
"A truly iconic voice of the game and a friend of Chelsea", the club wrote. "Our thoughts go out to John’s family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time".
"RIP John Motson, OBE".
See more tributes below.
Sad to hear of the passing of John Motson this morning. A leading voice in a generation of commentators that inspired those to come. RIP Motty. Your legacy is with us for all time 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fjBig1bIbF
— Trevor Steven (@TrevorSteven63) February 23, 2023
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.
🎙️ ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/R9nWShRTzD— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 23, 2023
One of the most memorable football voices of my childhood. An icon of the sport. RIP John Motson. https://t.co/OG6kioa5OK
— Bianca Westwood (@beewestwood) February 23, 2023
The voice of so many great United moments.
We join the football world in mourning the passing of legendary commentator, John Motson.
Rest in peace, Motty ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GrKKwZMplg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023
This news comes after it was also confirmed that the body of Ghanian footballer Christian Atsu was discovered underneath the building where he was living in last year's earthquake in Turkey.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning", a statement read.
