WHITE FURY AT BBC AXE
DAVID WHITE last night claimed he had been dropped as a BBC commentator at the last minute because of the sex abuse scandal. The former England international was ready to talk to BBC Radio Manchester listeners during Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Watford until bosses took him off duty at 11am yesterday. White, an alleged victim of sex abuse who spent more than 10 years at City, was left bewildered by the decision and claims no specific reason was given by the broadcaster. ‘It’s annoyed me. It’s just totally wrong and sends out the wrong message,’ White told Sportsmail last night. ‘They didn’t need to censor me. My personal best for not talking about this is 18 years. I’m pretty sure I can do 90 minutes. It’s all wrong. I’m angry. Not on my behalf, but others who have campaigned. And the others who want to say something. ‘You don’t have to be as brave as Andy Woodward or Paul Stewart, it could just be taking that step to tell a loved one.’ White is paid £30 for occasionally co-commentating on Manchester City’s matches.
Sportsmail understands the 49-year-old has been taken off the air indefinitely, meaning he will no longer contribute to the station’s popular Blue Tuesday programme. A 45-minute interview with White was also recently cut due to legal reasons. ‘It just seems a negative thing to have done,’ White added. ‘I hope I’ve demonstrated over the last month that I’ve been very measured.’ A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We are fully supportive of what David has been through. We made changes to our commentary team for tonight’s game in light of legal advice about an active court case. We’re looking forward to having David on air again soon.’