Sporting world in mourning over death of legendary commentator
The sporting world is mourning the death of beloved commentary icon Gerald Sinstadt.
The former BBC and ITV commentator died this week at the age of 91.
The Englishman covered four football World Cups, as well as the Olympic Games and golf majors.
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He became one of football's most well-respected and recognisable voices.
"We are deeply saddened at the passing of Gerald Sinstadt, who was a brilliant broadcaster as well as an influential and supportive figure for young people entering into broadcasting," ITV said.
BBC Sport executive producer Andrew Clement said: He was a craftsman, a very good commentator and just a lovely man."
At ITV Sport, we are deeply saddened at the passing of Gerald Sinstadt, who was a brilliant broadcaster as well as an influential and supportive figure for young people entering into broadcasting. pic.twitter.com/a3aF98LU3K
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 10, 2021
Sinstadt was behind the microphone for some of football's most iconic moments.
He called Diego Maradona's goal at the 1994 World Cup before the Argentinian was kicked out of the tournament after failing a drugs test.
He was also the sideline reporter on the day of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 when 97 people were killed in a crowd crush.
He also covered four of Sir Steve Redgrave's five Olympic gold medals in rowing.
“The game made my job easy and I thought: ‘Hang on, I can do this,’” Sinstadt said previously.
“Unfortunately, I soon realised you couldn’t just turn up on the day and hope for the best.
"If you don’t do your proper research the listener will soon catch you out.”
Sporting world mourns death of Gerald Sinstadt
Sinstadt was perhaps most famous for being one of the first commentators to call out racism in the stands from football fans, doing so during West Bromwich Albion's 5-3 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 1978.
"Gerald Sinstadt was the football voice of my childhood growing up in the north west," said fellow commentator Nigel Adderley.
"A great commentator and journalist. ‘Kick Off’ was a brilliant programme - Friday’s 6.30 meant only one thing."
Phil McNulty of the BBC said: "Gerald Sinstadt was a brilliant commentator and the voice of North-West football for so long for so many of us."
Football great Phil Lineker added: "Saddened to hear that Gerald Sinstadt has left us.
"A wonderful broadcaster and brilliant wordsmith with such a distinctive voice. RIP Gerald."
Sad to hear the news about Gerald Sinstadt. As a tribute here’s one of my favourite pieces of his commentary. Thanks for the memories Gerald. pic.twitter.com/sSSBb6XBhb
— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasTV) November 10, 2021
Saddened to hear that Gerald Sinstadt has left us. A wonderful broadcaster and brilliant wordsmith with such a distinctive voice. RIP Gerald.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) November 10, 2021
Gerald Sinstadt was a brilliant commentator and the voice of North-West football for so long for so many of us. Later showed his versatility & craftsmanship with @BBCSport https://t.co/5GpwKv88oS
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) November 10, 2021
Sad news breaking today on the passing of the brilliant commentator & presenter Gerald Sinstadt, a truly legendary broadcaster who brought joy to millions, RIP Sir 😢 pic.twitter.com/FaUNw5wGkU
— Football Back Then ⚽️🏐⚽️ (@FootballThen) November 10, 2021
1/2 So very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of my friend Gerald Sinstadt at the age of 91.
Gerald was a renowned sports commentator, broadcaster, published author and newspaper columnist - and a judge (and voice-over man) for the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sports Awards. pic.twitter.com/JpaedCI7ZH— Martin Tideswell (@MartinTideswell) November 10, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of broadcaster Gerald Sinstadt.
Tranmere fans will remember his voice fondly from this commentary from our game against Exeter in 1987.
Rest in peace, Gerald. pic.twitter.com/Ohom9A2iaq— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) November 10, 2021
Stoke City are saddened to learn of the passing of Gerald Sinstadt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. https://t.co/HddzEf9d5h
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) November 10, 2021
So sad to hear of the death of Gerald Sinstadt. One of the iconic voices of British sport. Rest in peace. https://t.co/eGhmhtv5Fn
— Danny Jamieson (@DannyJamieson) November 10, 2021
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