17 December 2023 , 18:31
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Legendary football commentator Martin Tyler has claimed that he was booted out of Sky Sports rather than stepping away on his own accord.
Tyler, who aged 78 is still behind the mic for various other broadcasters, left Sky following the end of last season as the company continued its shake-up both in front of and behind the camera. With Peter Drury now their lead commentator for the biggest Premier League games, such as Sunday's clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, Tyler has shed light on his hotly debated exit.
"I didn't step down, I was stepped down," the acclaimed commentator told the Sun, reflecting on his 33-year stint. "I haven't retired. I'm very grateful to some channels who have decided that I've still got something to contribute."
Viewers of TNT Sports' coverage of the Champions League clash between Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday will have heard Tyler's tones, as he provided coverage of a swashbuckling 5-3 win for the Portuguese giants to seal their place in the knockout phase. Despite no longer being with Sky, the 78-year-old stressed that he doesn't harbour any bitter feeling towards them.
"Please don't think there's any bitterness about Sky at all, they gave me a wonderful run," Tyler went on to explain. "I've got many friends there, I'll be watching in the press room at the Emirates after the Arsenal-Brighton game, the coverage of Liverpool versus Manchester United and it'll bring back a lot of personal memories. I wish everybody well."
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Upon confirmation of his departure, which was announced in June following the end of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, his statement made no reference to his newly voiced claims that he was forced out. "In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports' innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League," Tyler declared.
Martin Tyler continues to work for other broadcasters (Getty Images)Get involved! Were Sky Sports right to axe Martin Tyler? Join the debate in the comments section.
"It has been a privilege to play a small part in the broadcasting history of the greatest league in the world. Along the way I have worked alongside legions of wonderful professionals in all aspects of the television industry. I thank them all for their support and expertise. It has been an honour to be a member of a very gifted team."
Sky declined to comment.