Matt Le Tissier has been given the boot from Sky Sports’ ‘Soccer Saturday’.
The former footballer has confirmed his departure from the show – which sees former stars of the beautiful game give their opinions on football matches and other talking points – and admitted he "enjoyed his time" with Sky Sports.
Confirming his departure, he wrote on Twitter: "Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day Smiling face with open mouth (sic)"
Chris Kamara – who is a regular on the show – tweeted: "Good luck Tiss it’s been a pleasure working with you (sic)"
According to The Sun Online, former Southampton legend Le Tissier was axed from the programme on Tuesday (25.08.20) along with his fellow pundits and former footballers Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
This comes a month after Clive Tyldesley was left "upset, annoyed, and baffled" after he was "moved aside" as ITV’s number one footballer commentator.
The 66-year-old broadcaster was replaced in the role by former Sky Sports News presenter Sam Matterface
In a video posted on his Twitter account, Clive said: "If you haven’t seen the announcement I am being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator.
"Quite a few people have been in touch with me asking me to react, to comment. "I’m not sure that would be a very good idea at the moment.
"I was told about three weeks ago, so I have had some time to get my head around the decision, but I haven’t got my head around it.
"To be clear, this is ITV’s decision, not mine, and I’m upset, annoyed, baffled.
"I would have been interested with commentating the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago, but now I won’t be commentating on any of the big England games in the coming year and I’m going to miss them. I love this job, and it’s gone.
"Why? I don’t know. I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken. Already I’ve had the producer of a broadcast that I am working on asking me if I have got any health issues. No, I have got no health issues. Asking me if it is something that I have done. No, there’s nothing.
"I gather that one or two sites are reporting that I’ve been sacked. Well, I guess I have from one job, but I’ve done nothing wrong.
"I’m the same broadcaster, the same person that I’ve always been. Like me or hate me and you’re entitled to do either.
"Like everybody else in football I am a matter of opinion and I totally get that, and I totally respect ITV’s right to change their opinion of me. ITV have been really good for me and yes I’ll carry on as their number two commentator.
"But let me make it quite clear: I have not stepped down. I have been moved, moved aside. I’ve not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that."