Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling and politician George Galloway have become embroiled in a bizarre spat on social media over the future of the popular show Soccer Saturday. Stelling, 66, has presented the much-loved programme for over 20 years, which over time has become a huge hit with viewers.
Recently they have made a string of big changes, however, with pundits such as Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier being sacked by the broadcasting giants.
Some football fans have been left disappointed by their replacements, and have complained that the show has gone downhill ever since.
One of those is former Labour party MP Galloway, who took to Twitter on Saturday night to send a message to Stelling.
“For many years I enjoyed Jeff Stelling on a Saturday afternoon with his panel,” he wrote. “Now I find it unwatchable. Is it just me?”
Stelling was left far from impressed with Galloway’s criticism, and quickly replied: “Oh George I must have done something right to join the multitude of things you don’t like!!”
Galloway didn’t stop there, however, and responded: “But I do like you. Very much. Get your old friends back together Jeff. You know it makes sense.”
A number of other Twitter users weighed in, with the majority seemingly agreeing with Galloway’s view.
One wrote: “I enjoyed it with Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier and it’s a shame these guys left.”
Another added: “I agree it’s not as good as before. Same format and same jokes. I’ve gone back to final score on BBC1.”
Galloway finished by saying: “Just don’t understand it. They got rid of a proven formula and replaced it with inferior punditry.”
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Soccer Saturday, and how long Stelling remains their flagship presenter.
Earlier this year ex-Liverpool defender Thompson opened up on the shock decision which led him to lose his job.
In an interview with Mail Online he said: “It became a way of life, so taking that away… I miss it. Yes, I miss it.
“We were a band of brothers. But you do know that change has to happen.
“We did it for 16 years. Even though people don’t remember us as players, they knew us as Soccer Saturday. So it was part of their lives.
“It even became a cult thing. There was a Jeff Stelling university drinking game! (A shot of spirit every time Stelling said ‘doom and gloom’ and another when Chris Kamara screamed: ‘Unbelievable, Jeff’).
“The whole thing was a testimony to Jeff, who was the leader of the band and for me, the best TV sports presenter.”
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