FANS have hailed Mark Pougatch’s classy farewell to Clive Tyldesley live on air as ITV commentator bowed out after nearly three decades.
The iconic 69-year-old commentator’s deal with the channel came to an end after 28 years with Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark yesterday.
ITV opted not to renew his contract after the last-16 Euros tie but Tyldesley still gave it everything he had on the mic alongside Ally McCoist for the eventful evening at Westfalenstadion.
The dramatic game was halted in the first half after thunder and lightning threatened the wellbeing of players while there was also more VAR controversy.
The Danes thought they had taken the lead against hosts Germany after a shock Joachim Andersen opener.
But the goal was ruled out for a fractional offside for Thomas Delaney in the build-up.
Their misery was then compounded immediately when a penalty was awarded down the other end for an Andersen handball.
The handball didn’t look immediately obvious but VAR stepped in and summoned Michael Oliver to the monitor.
He then gave a penalty for Germany which Kai Havertz converted to make it 1-0, and Jamal Musiala added Germany’s second late on.
After the final whistle, Tydesley got the sum it all up before handing back to the studio for the final.
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He said: “Any discussion of this year’s European champions has got to involve Germany, they are a part of this.
“They will head to a quarter final Against Spain, who knows, maybe Georgia, on the back of this final scoreline in Dortmund – Germany 2 Denmark 0.”
Then Pougatch took over, saying: “Clive, thank you very much indeed. What a way to go out. It was never going to be quiet.
“We will see you very soon and thank you from all of us.”
Viewers were moved by the touching exchange and quickly took to X.
“A wonderfully professional last few words from Clive Tyldesley tonight, “ posted one fan on X.
“Classy from Mark Pougatch on the handover too.
“Thanks for the ITV memories, Clive. You legend.”
Another viewer wrote: “ITV’s football coverage is now better than the BBC’s. But will be weaker without Mr Tyldesley.”
A third commented: “Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
A fourth said: “I bet he was hoping for extra time and penalties.”
While a fifth added: “A travesty he’s not on the England games anymore.”
Tyldesley then shared a clip on his own X this morning, of him singing goodbye while holding a guitar next to an ITV producer and McCoist.
He captioned that with: “Farewell from the team (him, me and producer Annie Barker), thank you for being (mainly) nice.”
Speaking before kick-off, Tyldesley expressed his surprise at the company’s decision not to extend his deal.
He said: “I’ve known for five to six weeks. The ITV football editor phoned me to tell me I would be going home after the last 16.
“I asked if there would be any other opportunities and he said that ITV would not be offering me another contract and so that will be it after 28 years.
“ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them.”It’s a shame it’s coming to an end but it’s a matter of opinion and their opinion is that this is the right call.
“I don’t know why they think that. I’ve never fully understood but I have to accept it. I still think my work is strong enough to resonate with old and young.”
Tyldesley will continue commentating for American broadcaster CBS Sports on Champions League nights.
