Chris Sutton wowed by BBC commentator Ian Dennis after his Leeds United reaction to Gary Lineker drama
Chris Sutton has waxed lyrical on the “brilliant” BBC man Ian Dennis for his choice to commentate on the Leeds United clash against Brighton on Saturday (11 March) amid the backlash of the Gary Lineker scandal.
After Lineker was suspended from his BBC presenting duties due to a Tweet on the government’s new immigration policy, fellow pundits, presenters and commentators refused to work for the BBC corporation over the weekend.
However, Dennis was on hand to provide Leeds fans with commentary of their entertaining 2-2 draw against Brighton in the Premier League on 5 Live despite many of his colleagues stepping down from their duties temporarily.
Writing for the Daily Mail (Monday 13 March, page 67), Sutton praised the choice that Dennis took, admitting that he was in full support of freedom of speech but that it was “important to provide a service” to the fans.
He wrote: “Many football fans will have been really disappointed with the reduced coverage. The brilliant Ian Dennis, who went ahead with covering Leeds v Brighton on 5 Live on Saturday, summed it up best on air.
“He said that he is a commentator and felt it was important to provide a service to the 5 Live audience.
“And that’s where I stand. Gary has had great support from fans and fellow broadcasters, pundits and presenters. I support free speech. The power to be able to speak freely is pivotal.”
Selfless decision
Although Lineker’s right to freedom of speech is extremely important, the choice that Dennis took was a selfless one and one that fans who were unable to attend the match at Elland Road would have been extremely grateful for.
All the pundits and presenters on Match of the Day, Football Focus and Final Score all had due grounds to step aside amid the BBC circus this weekend and can’t be criticised for their actions, but the BBC still needs somebody to take up the mantle and provide coverage of Premier League matches.
Luckily for all the Whites fans caught in their cars during the match, Dennis was on hand to supply coverage of the crackling atmosphere in West Yorkshire and the clash that really could have gone either way.
Although the draw is by no means a bad result for Javi Gracia’s team – considering Brighton’s unstoppable form of late – the results of their respective relegation rivals paint it in a different light.
Whether the Whites will rue their missed opportunities to nick all three points is yet to be seen, but they must now turn their attention to a vital clash against Wolves this weekend (Saturday, 18 March).
In other Leeds United news, a key member of the Elland Road hierarchy appears to be headed for the exit after what has happened behind the scenes.
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