John Motson has been reprimanded by talkSPORT chiefs after describing Millwall striker Tom Elliott as 'big, black and brave' on air at the weekend.
The legendary commentator has been dragged into a race row after the controversial comments were made during the station's coverage of Millwall's 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Speaking pre-match when describing Elliott's physical presence, the 73-year-old described the striker as 'big, black and brave' - an expression that has obvious racial connotations.
John Motson has been reprimanded by talkSPORT chiefs after describing Millwall striker Tom Elliott as 'big, black and brave' on air at the weekend.
The legendary commentator has been dragged into a race row after the controversial comments were made during the station's coverage of Millwall's 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Speaking pre-match when describing Elliott's physical presence, the 73-year-old described the striker as 'big, black and brave' - an expression that has obvious racial connotations.
I think this is just a case of an unfortunate term of phrase rather the Motty being a racist.
If he had referred to someone as a big ginger warrior no one would have blinked an eyelid.
Hopefully the media don't make it a full blown 'race rumpus' as the Mail describe it.
Both sides will come out, the perpetually offended and the 'PC gone mad' brigade... but ultimately I don't think anyone thinks that Motty is a racist based upon this episode - just needs to be reminded that the world has moved on and using someone's skin colour to describe them (when it isn't entirely necessary) isn't really allowed any more, not should it be.
If it offended him then fair enough but otherwise just accept it as it was meant: a commentator painting a verbal picture of a football match for listeners on a radio station.
I listened to the commentary and my main conclusion was that Motty is a terrible radio commentator who wasn't actually commentating as such (ie providing a guide as to who was attacking/defending etc.), but would suddenly go 'OH!' as one team or the other (was never quite clear which straight away) had an effort on goal.
Obviously he seems to forget that on TV the viewer has a good sense as to what is happening which is not afforded to them on the radio. That is not to say that some of his general summaries of how the game was going weren't additive but then again that's what the so-called summariser is for!
Comments
He was either chairman or president of roving reporters football club
Who soon after nicolas anelka joined arsenal his brother and agent claude joined roving reporters aparently under the aid of motty
So the spurs fans in our team used to enjoy playing against him especially when nicolas was watching
Motty is a real football man and fan
He was at cheltenham last week as per the norm
https://talksport.com/radio/listen-again/1547409600/
https://talksport.com/radio/listen-again/1547409600/1547411400/
John Motson has been reprimanded by talkSPORT chiefs after describing Millwall striker Tom Elliott as 'big, black and brave' on air at the weekend.
The legendary commentator has been dragged into a race row after the controversial comments were made during the station's coverage of Millwall's 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Speaking pre-match when describing Elliott's physical presence, the 73-year-old described the striker as 'big, black and brave' - an expression that has obvious racial connotations.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-6718215/John-Motson-embroiled-race-rumpus-calling-Millwall-striker-Tom-Elliott-big-black-brave.htmlIf he had referred to someone as a big ginger warrior no one would have blinked an eyelid.
Both sides will come out, the perpetually offended and the 'PC gone mad' brigade... but ultimately I don't think anyone thinks that Motty is a racist based upon this episode - just needs to be reminded that the world has moved on and using someone's skin colour to describe them (when it isn't entirely necessary) isn't really allowed any more, not should it be.
Is the player big? Yes. Is he black? Yes. Is he brave? Undoubtedly. An unfortunate turn of phrase? Possibly. Was 'Motty' being racist? NO!
For Christ's sake, some people need to stop reading The Guardian and get a life.
There you go then, didn't have long to wait did you?
If it offended him then fair enough but otherwise just accept it as it was meant: a commentator painting a verbal picture of a football match for listeners on a radio station.
I listened to the commentary and my main conclusion was that Motty is a terrible radio commentator who wasn't actually commentating as such (ie providing a guide as to who was attacking/defending etc.), but would suddenly go 'OH!' as one team or the other (was never quite clear which straight away) had an effort on goal.
Obviously he seems to forget that on TV the viewer has a good sense as to what is happening which is not afforded to them on the radio. That is not to say that some of his general summaries of how the game was going weren't additive but then again that's what the so-called summariser is for!