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Football

19th Feb 2019

John Motson issues apology to Millwall striker over racism storm

Football commentator John Motson has apologised to Millwall striker Tom Elliott after making a comment in reference to his physicality that sparked outrage

Reuben Pinder

Motson described the commentator as ‘big, black and brave’

John Motson has apologised to Millwall striker Tom Elliott after describing him as “big, black and brave” while commentating on Millwall’s FA Cup tie with AFC Wimbledon on talkSPORT.

Motson sparked outrage when he made the comment in reference to Elliott’s physical presence.

The commentator reached out to Elliott on Monday after he was reportedly reprimanded by his talkSPORT bosses to apologise for what he said was an error of judgement.

The player has accepted the apology and said he wanted to draw a line under the incident and move on.

The entire broadcast of the game’s commentary has since been removed from the talkSPORT website.

A spokesperson for the radio station 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, now 73, began his commentating career in 1969, and provided commentary for all but two FA Cup finals between 1979 and 2008.

He retired from his post at the BBC at the end of last season after 50 years but returned to commentary after being convinced to join talkSPORT for the 2018/19 season.