WHAT HAPPENED?
Co-commentating for TNT Sports and having surprisingly named Austin player of the match for Spurs’ 2-1 loss to Newcastle, McCoist strayed from the impartiality typically expected from neutral broadcasters. It came as Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes went through on goal to try and extend the visitors’ lead in stoppage time, with McCoist shouting ‘save it!’ directly into his microphone, just as Austin – who was making his debut for the club nine years after joining aged 16 – was faced with the one-v-one situation.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Rich Banks wrote on X: “What an embarrassing MOTM pick from Ally McCoist there btw, who cares that he’s waited 17 years on the bench. Not even been the best keeper on the pitch [sic].”
“Someone needs to get Ally McCoist off the commentary,” said Louie.
Peter N, otherwise known as gooner1947, posted: “What a complete embarrassment McCoist is. A pathetic commentary and gives MotM to Austin the Spurs keeper. Sober up McCoist!!”
Robbie Gowman added: “Ally McCoist with the most one sided ridiculous commentary ever listened to this 95 mins, asking keeper to save Barnes shot man hahahaha [sic].”
Christian commented: “The more you listen to Ally McCoist on commentary the more you dislike him He talks absolute waffle because he wants to be liked.”
A furious cam_nufc added: “Brandon Austin MOTM 😂😂😂 f*ck right off Ally McCoist you f*cking weapon.”
AK, meanwhile, called for McCoist to retire from commentary altogether: “Ally McCoist btw, I hope you retire ASAP.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Austin was a bizarre Player of the Match choice in the first place. At the time of being chosen, before the Barnes save, the 25-year-old had conceded more goals than saves he’d made, and Martin Dubravka in Newcastle’s goal had actually made more stops. Indeed, it was as though McCoist was willing Austin to justify being picked, which angered many supporters.
WHAT NEXT?
Fraser Forster, himself a stand-in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, was missing from the game due to illness and it remains to be seen who will be starting in goal when Spurs host Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. Four days later it’s a potential FA Cup banana skin away at non-league Tamworth.