Jeff Stelling criticizes Sky Sports for ‘unbalanced’ Brighton vs Arsenal coverage
The Gunners took another step towards Premier League glory with goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard, a former Seagulls man. Former Gunners striker Alan Smith worked with Rob Hawthorne in the commentary box, commenting on the ex-Arsenal presence at the game and suggesting a more balanced approach for future matches. In a related development, several ex-Arsenal players were on punditry duties for the game, prompting discussion on the composition of commentary teams and punditry choices. Former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling explained his decision to leave the show after over 25 years, citing disillusionment with the program’s direction.
He expressed frustration with the lack of consideration for his views and the toll of constantly fighting against the show’s changing dynamics, leading to stress and health concerns. The challenging experience of hosting Soccer Saturday had taken a toll on Stelling, leading him to make the difficult decision to step away. Ultimately, he felt that the show’s evolution had diminished its distinctiveness and resulted in significant personal stress and strain.
