THE death of legendary broadcaster John Motson saw tributes pour in from all across the country.
Motson was a much loved football commentator on the BBC for over 50 years, and his commentary gave us some unforgettable moments.
Motson was a football commentator for over 50 years
What are the most famous John Motson quotes?
Motson had an ability to add to what was happening on the pitch with his incredible commentary.
He added humour to his analysis, such as when he said: “For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip.”
This was regarding the fact that colour TV had just been invented, and that a lot of TV’s across the country showed broadcasts in black and white.
Here are some other iconic pieces of commentary by him.
Ronnie Radford
During Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in their 1972 FA Cup replay, Motson delivered one of his most iconic lines.
Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
The game was a catalyst for Motson, as he believed it was a turning point in his career.
Wimbledon win the FA Cup, 1988
Wimbledon caused one of the biggest ever FA Cup final upsets by beating Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool team full of stars.
Laurie Sanchez scored the winner and Dave Beasant became the first ever goalkeeper to save an FA Cup final penalty at Wembley.
Their shock victory prompted Motson to say: “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club”.
The tears of Gazza, 1990 World Cup Semi-Final
In his first and only World Cup, Paul Gascogine helped England to their first semi-final for 24 years.
In the game, an overexuberant Gazza mistimed a challenge on West Germany’s Thomas Berthold which saw him receive a yellow card which would have ruled him out of the final.
The card saw an eruption of emotion from the midfielder that was perfectly described by the legendary commentator.
Motty said: “Oh dear. Oh dear me.
“He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.
“Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
England didn’t make it to the final, losing 4-3 on penalties after extra time.
Gazza’s goal against Scotland, Euro 96
One of England’s most iconic goals from one of their greatest ever players, and Motson just helped add to the moment.
Gascoigne’s incredible solo effort against Scotland, where he dinked the ball over Colin Hendry before firing past Rangers teammate Andy Goram, was perfectly described by Motson.
He summed up the goal by saying “Here’s Gascoigne. Oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!”
What was John Motson’s cause of death?
It has not yet been confirmed how John Motson died.
Motson’s family released a statement on February 23, 2023, saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today.”