Clive Tyldesley ‘sacked by Soccer Aid bosses after he was slammed for fat-shaming comedian Tom Davis and rapper Chunkz during charity match’ just weeks after veteran commentator was replaced as ITV’s voice of football
- Clive Tyldesley has reportedly been sacked from Soccer Aid commentary duties
- The 66-year-old has been accused of ‘fat shaming’ some of 2020’s participants
- Rapper Chunkz and comedian Tom Davis were left ‘devastated’ by his jibes
Veteran commentator Clive Tyldesley has reportedly been sacked from featuring on future Soccer Aid matches after he was criticised for ‘fat-shaming’ players during this year’s event.
The match was aired on ITV in September and featured former players and celebrities taking on each other in an England vs Rest of the World clash in a bid to raise money for charity.
But according to The Sun two players among the England team in Tom Davis and Chunkz were left ‘devastated’ after being ‘fat shamed’ by Tyldesley during his commentary of the game.
Commentator Clive Tyldesley has reportedly been sacked from his role on Soccer Aid
The 66-year-old has been accused of ‘fat shaming’ Tom Davis (left) and Chunkz (right)
Chunkz came on a first half substitute for Davis during the clash at Old Trafford
Chunkz was a first half substitute early on, replacing comedian Davis in attack during the encounter at Old Trafford which England lost on penalties following a 1-1 draw that raised £11million.
As the rapper, 24, came on, Tyldesley said: ‘Tom Davis is about to be replaced, and by somebody bigger than him.’
Later jibes at Chunkz included Tyldesley saying he was so big you could ‘take guided tours around him’.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Clive’s been told he won’t be back for next year’s Soccer Aid because of the comments he made.
‘It was clear that while Clive thought he was just having a laugh, no one really found his jokes funny, let alone Tom and Chunkz who bore the brunt of them.
‘Soccer Aid raises millions for children and is watched by kids and young people across the UK. Having them listen to someone like Clive then mocking players for their weight seems totally unacceptable.
‘Clive understands why he won’t be back.
Tyldesley has broadcasted some of the biggest games in football over the last 22 years
Tyldesley shared a video online earlier this summer, saying he was baffled by the decision to take away the lead ITV football commentary job and replace him
‘And it will be put forward as them bringing in new blood when it comes to the commentators on next year’s game.’
The news caps off a miserable year for the 66-year-old having already been replaced as ITV’s No 1 commentator following 22 years in the role back in July.
Tyldesley was replaced by Sam Matterface as the channel’s lead commentator and expressed his disappointment in the decision during a statement.
A self-made video, in which he spoke of his upset over the move, was viewed almost 10 million times.
Tyldesley has since been signed by Americans CBS Sports to lead their Champions League commentary – along with former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.