At the age of 91, Gerald Sinstadt, a British sports commentator, has died.
He was a broadcaster who became a legend in the game of football and worked as a journalist for ITV and the BBC.
Four World Cups were covered by him between Mexico 1970 and Spain 1982. He also commented on the semi-final match between France and West Germany.
Sinstadt was also the BBC pitchside reporter on the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy that saw 97 Liverpool football fans die in the soccer disaster.
ITV Sport released a statement on Wednesday saying that they were deeply sorry for Gerald Sinstadt’s passing. Sinstadt was an outstanding broadcaster, as well as a mentor and support figure to young broadcasters.
Gerald Sinstadt, an American sports commentator and author, has been taken from us at the tender age of 91
Sinstadt was right, with John Moston as his fellow commentator.
Paul Armstrong, former Match of the Day editor wrote about Sinstadt’s death: “Very sad news. Sinstadt was an excellent journalist and commentator. He also had the most beautiful words with edits, roundups and features I’ve ever met. He is a charming gentleman, as well.
Sinstadt was born in Kent in 1930. Sinstadt began his reporting career at British Forces Broadcasting Service. Sinstadt then joined BBC Radio, in the 1950s/60s. Sinstadt became the deputy head of sports.
Sinstadt began his career with Anglia Television around the middle of the 1960s. He then became the primary football commentator at Granada Television North West where he covered many matches involving Manchester and Merseyside clubs.
This broadcaster, who was ITV’s third-choice commentator after Hugh Johns or Brian Moore, also had an interest in other sports like football and the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Sinstadt reported on many sports events, including the four World Cups in 1972 and the Olympic Games of 1972.
He was the host of the ITV Friday night show Kick Off and sometimes acted as Dickie Davies’ replacement in the “World of Sport” program. Before Barry Davies, he also covered the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race for Channel 4.
Sinstadt’s remarkable influence on Davies was extraordinary. After meeting the BBC veteran as a young lieutenant, Sinstadt helped to get Davies in the BBC. Sinstadt was then appointed North West commentator for Granada by Davies.
Sinstadt was a match reporter for Match of the Day in the 1990s. He was nicknamed ‘Gerry’ by Des Lynam.
Even in his final years, he continued to play football in Stoke-on-Trent. He was a Staffordshire member of the FA Council as well as the vice-chairman for the North Staffordshire Youth League.
Sinstadt (left), who did rounds for Match of the Day. She continued to work into the 21st-century.
His voice was heard during many iconic sporting moments. Not only was he the voice for France’s controversial World Cup semi-final with West Germany in 1982, but he also covered Diego Maradona’s final goal at the 1994 World Cup prior to the Argentine being banned from the tournament.
Sinstadt was praised for calling out racist abuse directed at the late Cyrille Regis, the third black player to ever play for England, during West Brom’s 5-3 win at Manchester United in 1978.
Following the news of Sinstadt’s death on Wednesday, broadcasters and members of sports media paid respects to Sinstadt.
Sinstadt’s passing was witnessed by broadcasters.
Gary Taphouse, Sky Sports’ commentator, tweeted that Gerald Sinstadt, who died at the age of ninety-one, was an instantly recognisable voice and is well-known for his many great goals over the years.
Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson posted: ‘When I was a kid I got Gerald Sinstadt’s autograph; when I’d grown up I got his advice. “Supersub strikes again” was one of the great lines of commentary – so simple, so apt, so well delivered. This is sad news.
Fellow commentator Nigel Adderley added: ‘Gerald Sinstadt was the football voice of my childhood growing up in the north west. Great journalist and commentator. ‘Kick Off’ was a brilliant programme – Friday’s 6.30 meant only one thing.’