Match of the Day legend Des Lynam, 77, is ‘devastated’ and denies having dementia after his former co-star Mark Lawrenson announced he was struggling with the illness on a football podcast
- Ex-footballer Mark Lawrenson, 62, was speaking on the Off The Ball podcast
- Claimed that ex-co star Des Lynam, 77, was ‘not well’ and might have ‘alzheimers’
- Former Match of the Day presenter said he was ‘devastated’ at hearing the claim
Des Lynam has been left distraught after a former Match of the Day co-star suggested he had been suffering from ‘Alzheimer’s or dementia’.
Ex-footballer Mark Lawrenson, 62, claimed the broadcasting icon had been ‘struggling a bit’ and that his health had deteriorated recently.
He was being interviewed on the Off The Ball: The Football Show podcast when he was asked about his work as a pundit opposite the 77-year-old.
Presenting legend Des Lynam has been left distraught after a former Match of the Day co-star suggested he had been suffering from ‘Alzheimer’s or dementia’
‘I don’t think he’s too well at the moment. I think he’s struggling a little bit. I don’t know if it’s Alzheimer’s or dementia whatever it is but he’s not in the greatest of health I’m afraid,’ he said.
The podcast’s presenter, sports journalist Neil Treacy, then responded to the remarks last month: ‘Sorry to hear that. We wish him well.’
Paying tribute to the retired presenter, Lawrenson said that Lynam ‘always had a bit of a twinkle in his eye, always liked a bit of a laugh and joke.’
Ex-footballer Mark Lawrenson, 62, claimed the broadcasting icon had been ‘struggling a bit’ and that his health had deteriorated recently
He also added that the Grandstand presenter would often not use the autocue when recording Match of the Day live.
But Lynam and his family are said to be ‘devastated’ after the football pundit made the claims, according to the Sun.
His agent on Saturday night insisted he did not have Alzheimer’s or any similar condition.
Des Lynam presented Match of the Day between 1988 and 1999, with Lawrenson serving as a commentator on the programme infrequently throughout
One insider close to Lynam said: ‘Des was devastated when he heard Mark had announced this.
A spokesperson for Lawrenson has since claimed the pundit and former Liverpool defender ‘didn’t remember that podcast, but it would have been a throwaway remark if anything’.
Des Lynam presented Match of the Day between 1988 and 1999, with Lawrenson serving as a commentator on the programme infrequently throughout.