“The Crazy Gang have beaten The Culture Club.” – Legendary Commentator John Motson passes away at 77
John Motson had a legendary 50-year career in commentary, covering 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships, and 29 FA Cup finals.
Famous for his sheepskin coats and attention to detail, Motson became one of the most recognisable commentators in football.
As the news was announced this morning, tributes poured in:
Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died. A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 23, 2023
Know to some as “Motty”, the broadcaster produced some of the most iconic lines during his career.
Here are some of his best:
“Radford again – Oh what a goal!”
The call launched John Motson’s career.
The game was billed beforehand as a low-key FA Cup 3rd Round Replay between Hereford and Newcastle in 1972.
But, thanks to Ronnie Radford’s strike; a 2-1 upset; and John Motson’s commentary, the game was elevated to top billing on Match of the Day.
“Now Tudor has gone down for Newcastle. Radford again…. what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford – the crowd are invading the pitch… and now it will take some time to clear the field.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaqQoQ1rBH4
The many moments of Gascoigne
Throughout the 1990s, Motson was the voice of English football, and as a result, he had the chance to call the good, the bad, and the ugly moments of Paul Gascoigne.
From his infamous yellow card and tears against Germany in the 1990 World Cup…
“Oh dear, oh dear me, He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt0xx3So6zw
…To his world-class goal against Scotland at Euro 1996.
“Gascoigne. Oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!”
Brilliant comeback in Munich
Several of Motson’s memorable calls came while commentating on England games.
In one of the most iconic England international games of the early 2000s, The Three Lions came from one nil down to beat Germany 5-1 in Munich.
A hattrick from Michael Owen lead England to victory, and Motson’s call on his third goal highlighted its significance.
“Oh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
Beckham bounces back
The call that comes to mind when thinking of John Motson and England at the World Cup is David Beckham’s penalty against Argentina in 2002.
Beckham and the rest of the country held their breath., as he looked to amend his mistake against the South Americans in 1998.
“Hold the cups and glasses at home. You can smash them now! David Beckham has scored for England!”
Beckham Penalty v Argentina WC 2002 (HQ)
His commentary on Beckham’s free-kick against Greece that got England to the 2002 World Cup is just as notable:
“Everybody, bar the Greece supporters, praying for a goal. Beckham to take. The 93rd minute at Old Trafford. Beckham… Yes! He’s done it! It’s 2-2 and England may still be going to the World Cup. It’s a fantastic end to a very, very poor performance”
Zidane’s moment of madness
Over his career, Motson had the opportunity to cover 10 World Cup Finals.
One of his most iconic calls came from the 2006 final between Italy and France.
The French captain Zinedine Zidane famously got himself sent off in the final game of his career.
With minutes to go, Marco Materazzi had some choice words for the French captain, who responded with a headbutt to the chest.
The incident happened off-camera, but Motson captured it perfectly during the replay.
“And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket. He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that – Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!”
FIFA World Cup Final 2006 Zidane Materazzi
“Oh Ballack.”
Probably one of Motson’s more infamous moments.
During a Premier League game between Chelsea and Aston Villa, Chelsea’s Michael Ballack shot straight at Brad Friedel.
On commentary, Motson seemed disappointed at the German midfielder’s attempt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxS02NgTCG4
The Voice of The FA Cup
John Motson was the voice of the FA Cup final for nearly 30 years.
His commentary on Roberto Di Matteo’s record-breaking goal in the 1997 final comes to mind.
Coming after just 43 seconds, the strike broke the record for the earliest cup final goal.
“Di Matteo shoots! Oh, what about this! What about this? It’s possibly the quickest-ever goal in a Wembley cup final.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIxkb2emflw
Many other John Motson FA Cup final moments stand out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Y0kqrtUBc
https://twitter.com/AllThingsRedPod/status/1628700551486623744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1628700551486623744%7Ctwgr%5E8a45ca1c8f229681220a68456a07f95e03c3157c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indy100.com%2Fsport%2Fjohn-motson-best-commentary-moments
The Crazy Gang make history
From the numerous FA Cup finals John Motson called over his career, it’s tough to think of one more unforgettable Wimbledon shocking Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final.
Relative underdogs against the newly crowned league champions, The Dons shocked The Reds 1-0.
“The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.”
The voice of football for over 50 years he set a standard of commentary that will go down in history.
RIP Motty.
