Martin Tyler is an undisputed icon of not just football commentary, but sports commentary in general.
He’s also the proud owner of perhaps the most iconic line in the history of the Premier League.
Sadly, it appears Tyler has reached the end of the line as the doyen of world commentary. After receiving plenty of criticism – especially from Australian fans – throughout the early stages of this World Cup, his dull, lifeless and totally phoned-in coverage reached its nadir in Cameroon’s 3-3 draw with Serbia on Monday night.
This was the most exciting game of the World Cup to date – it had momentum swings, controversy, goals aplenty and drama to spare. Tyler called it as if it was a 4-1 Championship game on a cold wet night in Stoke.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s equaliser – the second goal in just five minutes – was met with a monotone verging on disdain. The delirium in the stands in the Al Janoub Stadium couldn’t have been in greater contrast.
I’m not alone in feeling this way, either. It’s always a sign of poor commentary when a caller’s name is trending on Twitter during a sporting event: it’s usually Brian Taylor on my feed, but seeing a barrage of disappointed posters ripping into an icon was both depressing as a long-time fan of Tyler’s, and deeply, thoroughly deserved.
Tyler’s commentary has always been more calm and collected than manic and exuberant – but part of what made it great was the emotion he mustered at truly great moments. It made them stand out all the more – ‘AgueroOOOO’ the prime example.
He has, unlike so many of his commentary contemporaries across all sports, adhered to one of the great Richie Benaud’s golden rules: “if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, otherwise shut up”. The beautiful game has always been allowed to flow with Tyler on the mic, and rarely if ever does he take centre stage.
But if you can’t even muster any speck of enthusiasm after two goals in five minutes at a freaking World Cup, then when on earth can you?
Tyler’s commentary on Monday night was borderline disrespectful to those who tuned into SBS. Yes, nobody watches sport for the commentators – and nor should they – but there comes a point where lethargic, lacklustre coverage actually detracts from the game.
We’ve reached that point with Martin Tyler.
Compare his ‘efforts’ with those of Peter Drury, who has officially replaced Tyler as THE voice of football in the English-speaking world. His commentary on Sunday night in a game even more momentous (if not quite as thrilling) as Cameroon-Serbia, Morocco’s upset win over Belgium, can’t possibly be heard without getting amped up.
Hell, you don’t even need to be a wordsmith like Drury to be wonderful in the box. Harry Kewell fumbled over words and rode every near miss, good cross and perfect pass in Australia’s win over Tunisia on Saturday night – and it was magnificent.
No one is asking for Tyler to suddenly become supercharged with joy and emotion like those infamous snippets from Latin America TV feeds that, while brilliant to listen to in small doses, would surely get tiresome on repeat.
Just occasional excitement, Martin. Please. Maybe a rise in inflection at a cracking goal, or an incredible save. I’ll literally take anything extra at this point.
There are pretty compelling reasons to not care about this World Cup – Qatar’s long list of human rights, LGBTIQA+ and migrant worker violations, the assumed rampant corruption that enabled this tournament to lodge here a decade ago, and the sweltering heat in which it’s being played. I assume it’s far from easy for a 77-year old man to summon usual levels of enthusiasm in those conditions and under those circumstances.
But in the privileged position of being able to commentate at a World Cup – an opportunity just about everyone on the planet would sell a kidney for – Tyler is letting everyone listening to him down, and badly.
If he’s lost his passion for the game, then fine. Retire a legend of football and sports commentary, and stop souring your legacy with this damp squib of a finish.
Nik
Roar Rookie
One word: pathetic. I had to drink two cups of coffee to stay awake. Peter Drury's commentary was available on World feed but SBS always find some way to ruin your experience.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
I think you've hit the nail on the head . For 40 years he's had the same approach and now the editor is the saying he should retire . Like all english commentators, Jimmy Hill and Bryan Moore they don't over think it . Until they have someone better at 77 years of age he still does a very good job .
At work
Roar Rookie
As a very casual AFL fan, if I hear James Brayshaw on the call I'll switch straight off, can't stand the bloke. And then when he dabbles in cricket it's the worst and completely unsuitable for that sport.
At work
Roar Rookie
I thought that Cameroon equaliser was called off when I was watching it based on Tylers commentary. The dude needs to be retired, either voluntarily or forced.
Mike Tuckerman
Expert
Interesting column, Tim. I do wonder how much Tyler suffers in comparison to Peter Drury (who is far from my favourite commentator). I grew up listening to Martin's SBS World Cup coverage. But like many, I reckon he'd do much so much better with a co-commentator in Qatar.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
I thought Tyler looked unwell in the pre-game chat. He certainly sounded subdued while commentating but I'd rather that than relentless hype.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Many times better than our regulars on Ch 10 and Paramount+, Simon Hill excepted.
Simon Buckingham
Roar Rookie
Yeah a few dipsticks on Twitter !!
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
yeah, we had that multi-talented bloke on Fox doing the A League for years. Given the number of games, Tyler will do. You can always turn him down and listen to another call.
Nick Symonds
Guest
World Cup commentary on The Simpsons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjp1Zrvn8VQ
Waz
Roar Rookie
Have something you don’t like? Go on line and find people who agree with you, then write an article about it … and wait for comments from people who agree with you :laughing:
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Gee, i did not think he was that bad. Will have to listen harder next time.
Brian
Guest
I'd still take Tyler of Basheer or Simon Hill. We might win the Ashes but when it comes to commentators, supporter chants and comedians they're always light years ahead of us.
bob
Roar Rookie
Getting Grandpa Simpson vibes from Tyler, the way he gets easily side-tracked.
Simon Buckingham
Roar Rookie
So your World Cup is ruined???.......FFS
Buddy
Roar Rookie
I became fed up with Mr Tyler at the last world cup. I felt he was disrespectful to Croatia and "wrote them off" as being tired old men with tired legs" and both he and the whole of England underestimated them at their peril. This world cup when he has been commentating, I have tuned into the BBC or ITV broadcasts to gain a different perspective. Can't say I think its better or worse - just different!
Redcap
Roar Guru
Tyler alongside Johnny Warren was great back in the late '90s. Didn't happen often, but they did call a few games together, including the '98 world cup final and the bonkers UEFA final between Liverpool and Alaves. Must admit, I hadn't heard him for a few years given I don't watch the EPL, but yes, he has lost something - a bit of enthusiasm, energy, imagination. He is now in his late 70s, so to an extent it might be understandable.
Voice of Reason
Roar Rookie
Harsh criticism in my view. His time probably has come but I still prefer him to most commentators. Nothing worse than fake hyperbolic commentary - with BT and others, I literally watch the game on mute.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
You said it!! At least they aren’t subjected to the in-joke chucklefest from nine’s motley line up or the incomprehensible rantings of a Mick Ennis, who would really challenge the subtitling skills even at SBS. Or maybe they could get the insightful analysis of SBW.
Bazmace
Roar Rookie
Give me Martin Tyler over Basheer any day. Why SBS wheel out this bore every 4 years is beyond me. Also, having lived in London for years I don’t have the same opinion of Peter Drury. His calling of England games are worse than Eddie Macguire commentating a Collingwood game.