The footballing world has lost a true legend as John Motson has passed away at the age of 77.
The iconic commentator was the voice of football in this country for 50 years. He added colour to some of the game’s most incredible moments such as Ronnie Radford’s FA Cup wonder strike against Newcastle in 1971 and David Beckham’s remarkable free-kick against Greece in 2001.
Motson lived and breathed football for five decades, but which team did he support in his personal life?
Which team did John Motson support?
Despite being born in the north west, Motson had an affinity for Barnet FC.
The BBC legend told the Radio Times a few years ago why he supports The Bees.
“I have a long connection with the club,” Motson said.
“I was a junior reporter at the local paper (the Barnet Press) that covered their matches.
“I’ve always lived around Hertfordshire and have looked for their results ever since.”
“I go and watch them whenever I can.”
Motson actually supported Chelsea
While Motson claimed to be a Barnet fan throughout his career, he actually only claimed to support the Hertfordshire club so that he couldn’t be accused of bias.
Indeed, in his book, Motson actually revealed that he is a Chelsea fan.
“You can’t evade the question forever — especially when I look up from my desk while writing this and see two shelves of Chelsea programmes covering 40 years up to 1985,” Motson wrote.
“When I got to Match of the Day in 1971 Chelsea figured in my first, faltering commentary. Somehow my Chelsea loyalties were pushed into the background.
“It was essential that I sounded unbiased and neutral when I was at the microphone.”
“I deliberately avoided answering honestly. ‘Barnet’ was my usual response.
“It was not entirely inaccurate. I had grown fond of the club when I was a reporter on the local paper.
“Chelsea played in the first match I went to with my dad in 1952.”
As a true professional, Motson never let his Chelsea bias show in his commentary, and the fact that he was able to stay neutral throughout his career is a testament to his fantastic work in the gantry.
Motson was a one of a kind commentator and he will be remembered fondly by every fan who grew up with his voice as the sport’s backdrop.