Legendary football commentator, John Walker Motson has passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday, 23rd February 2023.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) football commentator was one of the most well-known voices in British sport for 50 years.
A statement from Motson’s family on Thursday reads:
“It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today”.
An announcement on the BBC Sport website read:
“Legendary commentator John Motson, who had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC, has died aged 77.”
Motson began his career as a newspaper reporter in Barnet and at the Sheffield Morning Telegraph before joining the BBC in 1968 as a sports presenter on Radio 2.
Fondly known as “Motty,” Motson commentated on games for Britain’s national broadcaster from 1968-2018, covering 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals.
BBC also noted that he commentated on almost 2,500 televised games.
Motson was known for his passion and knowledge of football and synonymous with wearing a sheepskin coat in the commentary box.
In 2001, Motson received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to sports broadcasting.
Among those who paid tribute was Prince William, the heir to the throne and president of the English Football Association.
In a personal message posted on Micro-blogging platform, Twitter, Prince William wrote:
“Very sad to hear about the passing of John Motson – a legend whose voice was football”.
Motson is survived by his wife Anne and son Fredrick.
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