Fans slam ITV over 'shocking' decision to axe Clive Tyldesley... as they brand the legendary commentator a 'national treasure' ahead of his final match with the channel at Euro 2024

Football fans have slammed ITV as the broadcaster's iconic commentator Clive Tyldesley picked up the microphone for the final game of his career at the organisation.

The 69-year-old has worked for the broadcaster for the last 28 years and his relationship with ITV dates all the way back to 1986 when he was briefly employed as a standby commentator for the Mexico World Cup.

His final outing comes as he leads their showing of the last-16 Euro 2024 tie between host nation Germany and Denmark in Dortmund.

The legendary commentator will make an abrupt exit after close to three decades with the channel at full-time after being axed from his role.

Tyldesley was stood down as ITV's lead England commentator three-years ago in favour of Sam Matterface and will now leave his position within the company entirely.

He previously revealed to Mail Sport that he 'doesn't know why' he has been asked to step down.

Now, supporters of Tyldesley posting on social media have tuned in to watch Saturday evening's last-16 match and heaped criticism on ITV for the decision.

Tyldesley was lined up alongside Scotland legend Ally McCoist who has starred on co-commentary duties for a range of broadcasters in recent years.

Commenting on X, one post stated: 'Shocking that you lot are getting rid of Clive Tyldesley so I am switching off ITV channel from now on.'

Another similarly added: 'It's mental ITV are letting Clive Tyldesley go after a round of 16 tie. He's brilliant. By far & away the best commentator they have. Alongside Ally McCoist, that's the best duo for me. I hope Sky Sports give him a gig, or TNT.'

A third post on social media directed at the company said: 'The fact this is Clive Tyldesley and Ally McCoist’s last game on ITV is genuinely nothing less than an absolute disgrace.'

Another online comment reflected on the veteran broadcaster's iconic career, adding: 'Can someone tell me why ITV has removed Clive Tyldesley after this game? He's a national treasure.'

On the morning of the game Tyldesley shared his matchday routine in a series of videos on his Instagram story.

The first video showed him preparing a cup of tea in the bar area of the hotel where he has been staying near Dortmund's Westfalenstadion, while other updates gave fans a final run-through of his preparations.

There is however hope that fans could be hearing Tyldesley's dulcet tunes in the not-so-distant future after he stressed to Mail Sport that he is not retiring.

‘It’s a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so,’ he added. 

‘This is not my decision – it’s theirs. If they want to highlight the fact that I have been with them a long time that’s also their decision.'