John Motson apologises to Millwall striker Tom Elliott after describing him as ‘big, black and brave’ on air
- Sportsmail exclusively revealed that John Motson described Millwall striker Tom Elliott as ‘big, black and brave’ on talkSPORT radio broadcast
- It occurred before Millwall’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against AFC Wimbledon
- Legendary broadcaster was reprimanded by his talkSPORT bosses for comment
- Elliott has acknowledged Motson’s apology and wants to draw line under affair
John Motson has offered a personal apology to Tom Elliott after the commentator described the Millwall striker as ‘big, black and brave’ on the radio.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Monday night how the legendary broadcaster had been reprimanded by talkSPORT bosses for his comments during the station’s coverage of Millwall’s 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
And we can reveal Motson contacted Elliott on Monday to say sorry for his remarks, insisting it was an error of judgement, and apologising for any offence he may have caused.
John Motson has apologised to Tom Elliott for describing him as ‘big, black and brave’ on air
Comments about Elliott (right) occurred in coverage of Millwall’s win over AFC Wimbledon
Motson contacted the Millwall striker and Elliott wishes to draw a line under the affair
MOTSON FACT-FILE
- Began commentary career in 1971
- For the BBC, covered 10 World Cup finals, 10 European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals, over 200 England internationals and more than 2,000 football matches.
- Despite being reported as ‘retired’ after leaving BBC, he joined talkSPORT in July 2018.
Sportsmail understands Elliott acknowledged the 73-year-old’s apology and made clear he wants to draw a line under the race furore.
Motson – one of the most revered broadcasters of a generation – made the comments in reference to Elliott’s physical presence but his clear attempts to praise the centre-forward have sparked controversy.
The broadcast has since been removed from talkSPORT’s website.
A talkSPORT spokesman said on Monday night: ‘We reviewed a live commentary by John Motson and decided to remove it from replay.
‘talkSPORT and all of its broadcasters take such matters very seriously and would never wish to offend.’
Motson began his commentary career back in 1968 but it was in 1971 he gained a role on Match of the Day after commentating on non-league Hereford United’s shock FA Cup win over Newcastle United.
His first FA Cup final commentary was in 1977 when Manchester United played Liverpool and he went on to cover the Wembley showpiece for the BBC every year between 1979 and 2008 (with the exception of 1994 and 1995).
He has also covered 10 World Cup finals for the BBC as well as 10 European Championships and over 200 England internationals.
Motson announced his retirement from the BBC in September 2017 and his last Match of the Day commentary was the Premier League game between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion in May 2018.
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