IT was the end of an era last night as Clive Tyldesley signed-off from commentary on ITV for the final time.
And the iconic commentator gave a nod to an iconic Scottish band as he bid farewell to the broadcaster.
2
Tyldesley, 69, was in the gantry alongside Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist to call last night's Germany vs. Denmark clash at Euro 2024.
It became apparent in the lead-up to the round of 16 showdown that this would be Tyldesley's LAST game as an ITV commentator.
He revealed that he'd been aware of the situation for the past five or six weeks after receiving a call from an ITV footie chief and told he would be heading home after the last 16.
Tyldseley also revealed that his contract wasn't being renewed, bringing an end to a staggering 28-year career behind the mic for the network.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
One of the voices for a generation, Tyldseley was ITV's main man at several World Cups, Euros and FA Cup Finals, but it was his Champions League commentary that no doubt made him a household name for most.
But his tenure as ITV's lead commentator ended when Sam Matterface was bumped up to the number one spot in 2020, with Tyldesley remaining as No2 since.
But now Tyldseley, who also had a popular spell as Rangers TV's commentator, is on his way to pastures new.
It was a drama-filled game for his final ITV outing, with VAR dominating Germany's 2-0 win over the Danes in Dortmund.
Most read in Football
RECORD DEAL Scotland U21 star set for huge £35m move even though he 'doesn't want to leave'
COSTA DEAL Celtic tracking Costa Rica wonderkid who made history at Copa America this week
CANT SAY THAT Cantwell in astonishing spat with Gers fan a month before the season starts
Two goals were chalked-off while the penalty awarded to the host nation - from which they took the lead - was a hot topic of debate.
Kai Havertz slotted the ball home to make it 1-0 after Joachim Andersen had been punished for a handball offence in the box.
Fans hail mark pougatch's classy farewell to clive tyldesley live on tv as itv commentator bows out after 28 years
Tyldesley was none too happy about the spot kick award and made his feelings clear.
And he made reference to an iconic Scottish band during his complaints - one that didn't go unnoticed by punters watching on at home.
Moments after the penalty went in, Tyldseley roared: “The handball rule should be written for the whole game, not for VAR.
“Don’t force a schoolteacher to tell a nine-year-old boy or girl that their body silhouette was unnatural.
“There’s no snickometer on the playing field.
"It’s orange juice time. Rip it up and start again.”
Did you catch the reference?
It was there in the final sentence - "Orange Juice time."
Orange Juice were an iconic Scottish band, founded in Glasgow during the 1970s.
Fronted by the legendary Edwyn Collins, the band enjoyed success throughout the 80s.
Their biggest hit? A number 8 chart success called "Rip It Up."
And that's exactly what Tyldesley was referencing.
2
"Rip It Up And Start Again" is the opening lyric - thrice repeated - at the beginning of the track's chorus.
Hence, "Orange Juice Time."
Some fans noticed the reference and took to social media.
One said: "Was not expecting that reference during a Euro 2024 match."
A second added: "Clive Tyldesley just quoted @EdwynCollins to illustrate his opinion of the offside law.
"'It's Orange Juice time, rip it up and start again.'
"What a wonderful way to mark your last gig on ITV.
The officiating drama in Tyldesley's final game as an ITV commentator also saw his co-commentator McCoist APOLOGISING live on air.
The Rangers icon was initially left annoyed about the decision to disallow Nico Schlotterbeck's early headed goal for Germany.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Referee Michael Oliver quickly chalked it off after penalising Joshua Kimmich for a block in the immediate build-up.
McCoist initially screamed "it's a goal" after viewing initial replays but later changed his mind and admitted Oliver had got the decision right.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
