Posted on 9th August 2022
The BBC announced this week that they have stopped broadcasting the full classified results on BBC 5 Live as part of its Sports Report programme.
The announcing of the results has become a staple in millions of match-goers’ lives as they head home from 3pm kick-offs every Saturday.
Malcolm Clarke, chair of the FSA said: “The classified football results on the radio have been one of the great traditions of British football.
“Listening to the classified results has always been one of those beloved, shared routines for match-going fans.
“This feels like yet another of football’s great traditions has gone and it is a deeply regrettable decision from the BBC – I hope they will think again.”
The BBC said: “With the addition of the 5.30pm live Premier League match to our coverage, Sports Report has been condensed into a shorter programme. We will still offer a comprehensive goal service throughout the day on air and on the BBC Sport website as well as Final Score on BBC1. We would like to thank everyone who has read the results on 5 Live over the years.”
The reading of the classified football results on Sports Report has always been part of the Saturday match-day fabric for many fans. @5liveSport @bbc5live decision to scrap the service shows a lack of understanding of fans. It’s about continuity, the pyramid, information…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 8, 2022
Tracey Crouch MP, who chaired the Fan-led Review of football governance last year, was one of many to voice their dissatisfaction at the move.
She said: “It is a shame that a longstanding service to fans appears to be being squeezed out at the expense of Premier League coverage. It should be remembered that the majority of football fans do not support a Premier League club.”
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