BBC football reporter steps aside live on air following Parkinson's diagnosis

22 June 2023 , 05:24

1157     0

Roddy Forsyth has been at the BBC for over 40 years (Image: SNS Group)

BBC broadcaster Roddy Forsyth has confirmed he will step down from his role following Scotland's victory over Georgia.

The veteran Radio 5 Live figure has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, which he has cited as the main reason for his decision. Forsyth has been with the BBC for more than 40 years and has covered Scotland and four World Cups and three European Championships.

Roddy admits the combination of Parkinson's and osteoarthritis has made the role too difficult from a practical basis and he will step down as a result. The 69-year-old also took the opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, which is rapidly on the rise.

He said on air after Scotland's 2-0 win: "I'm afraid this is the last game I will cover as a Scotland reporter for BBC Sport and that's 42 years after I made my first contribution. Sadly for me it's a combination of Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis that's made it too difficult to continue lugging equipment and sitting outdoors at Scottish grounds in mid-winter for four or five hours.

"At a full house like we had tonight with 50,000 people here, the odds are that 100 people in the crowd will have Parkinson's. This is twice as many as it would have been five years ago. Parkinson's is the world's fastest growing neurological disorder and it afflicts 145,000 people in the UK.

Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped

"No cure has yet been found but recent research has uncovered exciting lines of enquiry so if you get the chance to contribute to a Parkinson's charity please help. You will be investing in a healthy future for yourself and your loved ones.

BBC broadcaster Roddy Forsyth has confirmed he will step down from his role

"Can I please say a massive thank you to BBC Sport, my terrific colleagues and its wonderful listeners for making this job such an exceptional experience. It wouldn't have been possible without you."

Forsyth started with the BBC in 1981 and began his current role in 1986.

He also covered Scottish football for the Daily Telegraph. Tom Connor, BBC Scotland's sports editor, said: "He's a brilliant communicator who has led audiences through the twists and turns of the game in Scotland for decades with his memorable commentaries and analyses.

"At BBC Scotland, we're grateful for his many radio contributions and also the interviews he conducted so skilfully for the landmark television series, Only A Game. We wish him all the best."

Parkinson's UK Scotland also paid tribute to Forsyth for furthering the conversation about the disease: "We're sending best wishes to Roddy Forsyth who's announced that he's retiring as a broadcaster and has Parkinson's.

"Thank you for talking about your diagnosis Roddy - and for four decades as the voice of Scottish football."

Samuel Meade