Clive Tyldesley leads calls for commentators to use banned word once per season without losing their jobs
CLIVE TYLDESLEY has led calls for commentators at certain times to be allowed to say “f***”.
The veteran commentator was at the forefront of ITV’s football coverage for 22 years including five World Cups and five European Championships.
Tyldesley was replaced by Sam Matterface in 2020 but continued to work for CBS Sports and Amazon Prime.
The 69-year-old was memorable for his iconic phrases but admits there are times when eloquent language does not quite cut it.
And he shared that commentators should be allowed to use explicit language during those tense times in games.
He said on the Football Authorities podcast: “I just think once a season a commentator should be allowed to use the F-word without losing their job.
“Some goals, some moments, some misses, simply demand a swear word — the swear word — to capture their full impact.
“I would need to choose the moment carefully . . . but sometimes you need to say what you see.”
The veteran pundit is still at ITV and will be apart of their Euor 2024 team in Germany with Sam Matterface, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight.
Co-commentators for the tournament include former footballers Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Tyldesley who appears on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, also blasted Wembley security after pitch invasions marred last Saturday’s Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
The pundit – who has covered five World Cups, 17 Champions League finals, and nine FA Cup finals – said: “Pitch invasions at the start of Saturday’s game were not a laughing matter.
“I think there are all kinds of implications now for Wembley’s ability to stage major international matches.
“It’s a real worry.”