Des Lynam ‘devastated’ after ex-Match of the Day co-star Mark Lawrenson suggests he has Alzheimer’s
DES Lynam is distraught after former Match of the Day co-star Mark Lawrenson suggested he had Alzheimer’s.
Broadcasting icon Des, 77, and family are said to be “devastated” after the football pundit claimed he was “struggling” with dementia.
Des’s agent on Saturday night insisted he did not have Alzheimer’s or any similar condition.
Lawrenson, 62, was paying tribute to the retired presenter in the Off The Ball podcast.
He said: “I don’t think he’s too well at the moment. I think he’s struggling a little bit. I don’t know if it’s Alzheimer’s or dementia but he’s not in the greatest of health I’m afraid.”
The podcast’s presenter, sports journalist Neil Treacy, then responded to the remarks last month: “Sorry to hear that. We wish him well.”
One insider close to Des said: “Des was devastated when he heard Mark had announced this.
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“He’s enjoying retirement now, so the last thing he wants is to be worrying friends and family, or them thinking he’s ill when he’s not. Des is fit and healthy.”
A spokeswoman for Des said: “I can assure you Des is not suffering from Alzheimer’s disease nor any form of dementia.”
Bizarrely, Lawrenson’s spokeswoman claimed the pundit and former Liverpool defender “didn’t remember that podcast, but it would have been a throwaway remark if anything”.
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