Clive Tyldesley has reportedly been axed by ‘Soccer Aid’ bosses.
The veteran commentator is said to have been given the boot by the team behind the Unicef charity football match after he was accused of "fat shaming" rapper Chunkz and comedian Tom Davis during this year’s game, and as a result he is not expected to take up the mic for next year’s fixture.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "Clive’s been told he won’t be back for next year’s ‘Soccer Aid’ because of the comments he made.
"It was clear that while Clive thought he was just having a laugh, no one really found his jokes funny, let alone Tom and Chunkz who bore the brunt of them.
"’Soccer Aid’ raises millions for children and is watched by kids and young people across the UK. Having them listen to someone like Clive then mocking players for their weight seems totally unacceptable."
It’s said that Clive – who at one pointed joked you could "take guided tours around" Chunkz – "understands" the reasons for his axing.
The insider added: "People made their voices heard on social media and the bosses at ‘Soccer Aid’ listened. Clive understands why he won’t be back.
"And it will be put forward as them bringing in new blood when it comes to the commentators on next year’s game."
The decision comes almost three months after Clive was scrapped as ITV’s number one footballer commentator, and he admitted he hadn’t got his head around the decision to relegate him to number two commentator – meaning he won’t be commentating on any "big" England games anymore.
In a video posted on his Twitter account, he said: "I’m the same broadcaster, the same person that I’ve always been. Like me or hate me and you’re entitled to do either.
"Like everybody else in football I am a matter of opinion and I totally get that, and I totally respect ITV’s right to change their opinion of me. ITV have been really good for me and yes I’ll carry on as their number two commentator.
"But let me make it quite clear: I have not stepped down. I have been moved, moved aside. I’ve not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that."