The great John Motson has sadly died at the age of 77.
The legendary BBC football commentator had been retired from commentary duties since 2017, but his stature within the sport will long hold influence over the way in which sport is broadcast.
He gave many of English football's most famous moments an immortal soundtrack, and was the voice of FA Cup final day for the best part of 30 years in the UK.
His iconic soundbites and best commentary lines are numerous - but one of his very best came in describing a similarly iconic Ireland goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
John Motson gave amazing commentary of legendary Robbie Keane goal
John Motson covered a remarkable ten World Cups for the BBC, and he was in Japan and South Korea for the 2002 tournament.
Ireland were there too and, after the upheaval of captain Roy Keane's pre-tournament departure, faced a mammoth task in their second game against the mighty Germany. The 90 minutes were up, with Ireland desperately searching an equaliser to Miroslav Klose's 19th minute opener.
As the clock ticked deeper into injury time, the ball fell from a Niall Quinn header to the feet of Robbie Keane, and the rest has become immortal in Irish footballing history.
What made the goal even better was that the BBC's finest was on commentary. Take it away Motty...
WORLD CUP REWIND: #OnThisDay in 2002 Ireland, without Roy Keane after the shitstorm in Saipan, draw 1-1 with Germany thanks to a last-gasp leveller from Robbie Keane. John Motson captures the drama perfectly... pic.twitter.com/azLqGwhV5P
— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) June 5, 2018
Motson captured the frenzied energy of Keane's late equaliser perfectly, and produced one of his most famous lines of commentary in describing the frantic scenes in the crowd and on the Irish bench:
Oh, surely this time for Keane - and Ireland do it! Robbie Keane, in the second minute of stoppage time, has scored the equaliser.
Look at these scenes! Just look at these scenes!
And you can't say they don't deserve it. This has been a spirited second-half performance, and it has brought its reward in dramatic fashion!
One of the most famous goals in Irish football history, narrated by one of the best to ever do it in a commentary booth. A match made in heaven.
John Motson's commentary is also associated with many of the most iconic moments in English football history, particularly in the FA Cup. He gave another moment of iconic commentary on an Irish goal in 1978, when his excitement was palpable in describing Liam Brady's famous stunner against Spurs at Highbury.
RIP John Motson. Pioneer for Football Commentary. Will be sorely missed
John Motson’s commentary “Look at that, oh look at that. What a goal by Brady!” against spurs December 1978
pic.twitter.com/ILqMHCpRCm— The N5 History (@TheN5News) February 23, 2023
For most football fans growing up in the UK in the late 20th century, Motson was the voice of the sport. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from both former players, and major figures within the football media.
One of the greatest moments in our history perfectly described by the legend John Motson. #RIPMotty https://t.co/t75HPlfNNe
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) February 23, 2023
As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.
— Clive Tyldesley (@CliveTyldesley) February 23, 2023
RIP John Motson 💔
An absolute Legend of the game.
So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.
🎙️ ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/R9nWShRTzD— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 23, 2023
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
"He was somebody I admired enormously" 🌟
Martin Tyler pays tribute to John Motson 🤍pic.twitter.com/yWVnJgezz7— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 23, 2023
John Motson will be sorely missed by all in the football community.
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