Commentators share tributes for John Motson after football legend dies aged 77

Tributes from fellow commentators have flooded in after the death of John Motson, who passed away aged 77 on Thursday.

Motson was synonymous with the BBC – where he commentated on over 2,000 matches on television and radio. His stunning commentary portfolio included 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.

Confirming the news on social media, the BBC said: ‘John Motson, the voice of the BBC’s football coverage across 50 years, has died aged 77.’ 

Almost immediately after the news broke, a number of prominent commentators took to social media to write a tribute to Motson and appreciate the legacy he left behind.

Clive Tyldesley wrote: ‘As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.’ 

BT Sport’s Ian Darke said: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of John Motson. Probably the most famous football commentator of them all. 

‘Meticulously researched and retaining boyish enthusiasm and love of the game over half a century of the biggest games , he set the gold standard.’

Darke’s colleague, Darren Fletcher, posted: This is such sad news – an iconic commentator with his own distinctive and brilliant style. The soundtrack to my youth watching football #RIPMotty’.

‘In shock. Thank you JM’, said Guy Mowbray.

‘Motty’, as he was known to his millions of fans, commentated on more than 2,000 games on TV and radio including 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships for the BBC.

The broadcaster, a mainstay of Match of the Day for 46 years, was beloved by generations of football supporters who are mourning his death today. 

Motson was the commentator on the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. He later went on to give evidence at the inquest.

Selhurst Park was the venue for his last Match of the Day commentary, as the 2017/2018 Premier League season drew to a close with Crystal Palace beating West Brom.

Afterwards, Motson went on to collect the Special Award by BAFTA, back at the Royal Albert Hall, in recognition of his distinguished career in broadcasting – which was swiftly dedicated to all at the BBC sports department who had helped him along the way.

Motson would also cover two Olympic Games – in 1972 and 1976, commenting on Greco-Roman wrestling – as well as sitting alongside Muhammad Ali at the Albert Hall in December 1974. 

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