PUNDIT JIBE
Former Match of the Day host Des Lynam suggests female pundits are unqualified to cover men’s matches
The veteran broadcaster also questioned the influx of international players
EX-Match of the Day host Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matches.
The BBC footie show is regularly fronted by women, including Gabby Logan, with other female guests.
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Lynam, now 81, said: “I’ve got no gripe with female presenters.
"But when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about — ie, the men’s game.”
After a pause, he added to the Radio Times: “In my view.”
The veteran broadcaster also questioned the influx of international players, saying: “I’ve supported Brighton all my life, but I can’t name the team now.
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“There’s only about two I know, the others are all foreign boys who have come from South America and all sorts of places.”
When Lynam left the BBC for ITV after three decades in 1999, Gary Lineker became the main host of Match of the Day — a position he holds 25 years on.
Controversially, he is reportedly paid £1.3million a year.
Lynam said: “I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or firemen does, but it’s the market — that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay.”
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The ex-England striker is “a very lucky chap” who has had “two great careers”.
Lynam added: “When I left, he immediately got the job and he grew into it very rapidly. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for my money I think he does a first-class job.”
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