Legendary BBC football commentator John Motson dies aged 77

Legendary football commentator John Motson has died aged 77, his family said in a statement.

He worked for the BBC for 50 years and commentated on over 2,500 games on television and radio.

“It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today [Thursday],” said a statement from Motson’s family.

Known as ‘Motty’, he had a 50-year career at the BBC, working on Match of the Day since 1971.

He joined the corporation in a full-time capacity in 1968 having previously worked in a freelance role at BBC Sheffield.

Motson retired from live football commentary in 2008 but continued his work on Match of the Day highlights packages.

His final match for the BBC’s flagship programme was Crystal Palace against West Bromwich Albion in 2018.

Motson retired from the broadcaster in 2018 after covering 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for the BBC.

He was awarded an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001.