Football stars arrive for funeral of John Motson as loved ones remember BBC commentary legend

FOOTBALL stars have arrived at the funeral of John Motson as friends and family remember the legendary commentator.

The BBC pundit and iconic voice of football died aged 77 last month leaving the world of sport in mourning.

Getty Images – GettyJohn Motson sadly passed away last month at the age of 77[/caption]

PAMark Lawrenson, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs arrive for the funeral[/caption]

PAPundit Garth Crooks was also seen attending the ceremony to send off Motty[/caption]

PAMartin Keown arrives ahead of a funeral service for sport commentator John Motson[/caption]

PACommentator Martin Tyler arrives at the funeral service[/caption]

Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, celebrated 50 years at the BBC in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.

The legendary commentator covered more than 2,000 games, including 29 FA Cup Finals, and covering ten World Cups and ten Euros.

Former footballers and broadcasters Mark Lawrenson, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs were pictured at the funeral which is taking place at the Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes today.

While pundits Garth Crooks and Martin Keown were also seen arriving to pay their respects to Motty.

And legendary Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler was also spotted making an appearance.

BBC presenter and former England star Gary Lineker is also expected to attend to salute the commentary legend.

According to local reports, no flowers were requested for Motty’s funeral.

And it is expected that there will be a lot of sheepskin coats at the ceremony to honour the legend.

The commentator was famed for his signature coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.

Motson was born in Salford and began his journalistic career in Barnet – the team he supports on the Barnet Press.

He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.

His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.

Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.

His breakthrough came during Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup replay.

Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.

He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”

It helped propel his career even further – with Motson going on to voice major FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup finals.

Motson’s last day at the BBC came at Crystal Palace’s 2-0 home win against West Brom in 2018. Palace’s then-boss Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programmes from his first and last matches.

He later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.

Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.

A huge factor in his success was Anne, who kept a log detailing all his games.

Motson said: “My research is based mainly on my wife’s wonderful record book which she keeps dutifully and diligently every day of the season with all the teams, matches, appearances, goalscorers, newspaper cuttings, you name it.”

Motty in his signature sheepskin coatRex