Cruelly Chris Waddle was dumped by BBC Five Live as commentator for the final. Colleagues say it’s part of the war against middle-aged white men. Would they have done the same to a commentator of colour?

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For as long as I remember Chris Waddle has been commentating on BBC Five Live. He bought a lot to the broadcasting game having played for England 62 times and in an illustrious career turned out for Newcastle United, Tottenham, Marseille and Sheffield Wednesday. Not to mention going continuing to play semi pro in his fifties for Hallam. An amazing career.

He was likely to bring a lot to the final as penalties as all the “experts” thought them likely to play an important part. After all Waddle had booted the ball over the bar in the semi- final shootout with West Germany in 1990.
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He never got behind the mike. He had commentated on the Denmark semi-final  and there was no suggestion that he wouldn’t be there for the biggest game in our country for 55 years.

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Instead his role went to Chris Sutton and former international Karen Carney. I am not aware of her work. I’m sure she is good but not clear what her voice or knowledge would add.

Putting that to one side is that anyway to treat a loyal colleague?

Waddle is said to be devastated by the dumping and has now quit Five Live and a colleague said; “ He felt forced to go and believes he is the latest victim of apparent bias against older, middle-aged white men. There is a lot of upset at the BBC.”

My question is this; If John Barnes had been a regular commentator ( I rather admire his views)  would they have dumped him after literally years of good service.

I doubt it don’t you.
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