Comedian Tom Allen hits back at criticism from social media users over the Sky Sports appearance which he made last Saturday.
He was pitch side with Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam prior to kick off for the fixture between Charlton Athletic and AFC Wimbledon with the Addicks in 6th and the Wombles 14th in the League One table at the time.
Before the game they spoke about the Rainbow Laces campaign, with Tom revealing how fans were more welcoming than he expected.
Missing my football commentary this week? Here’s a full roundup of my fascinating insight from last Saturday for #RainbowLaces with my friends @SkySports and of course @markmcadamtv at the game at @CAFCofficial ! pic.twitter.com/8pKqmrFzTR
— Tom Allen (@tomallencomedy) December 19, 2020
Tweeting after the game, Tom wrote: “Had such a fun time reporting for @SkySports yesterday with my friend @markmcadamtv for the #RainbowLacesCampaign.
Thanks for the lovely comments and to Jeff Stelling & @CAFCofficial for making me so welcome.
Among so many nice comments I’m a bit upset by some of the negative if I’m honest: as far as I know there isn’t a right or wrong way to respond to goals at a game, I was just being myself, not knowing much about football but still enjoying it.
I guess I wasn’t doing a conventional report but my response is still valid and everyone should surely feel the same – welcome to just enjoy the football whoever they are?
Sorry if I’m so ‘unbearably different’ for some – I wasn’t putting on an act though, I was just being myself. I suppose that’s the importance of the campaign – some feel angry
at anything different to what’s often seen. Feel very grateful to have the support of Mark and everyone at Sky – they’re doing brilliant things. #RainbowLaces pic.twitter.com/s6HL8iGWsE
— Tom Allen (@tomallencomedy) December 13, 2020
He made a few puns before attention turned to manager Lee Bowyer who spoke about the club and how supportive they have been towards it all.
A 5-2 win in favour of Charlton played out in front of 2,000 fans, however Tom continued to divide people’s opinion as he laughed and joked the whole way through.
Tom Allen joked about the diamond formation, with Lee Bowyer saying he couldn’t tell him what formation he would use for the game, but did say it ‘is a bit diamondy’.
Mark McAdam was talking closest to the camera, Tom Allen was in the background. But there were some viewers tuning in and questioning why he was there as he ‘didn’t know anything about football’ (something which he deliberately makes out for fun on air).
He said Wimbledon was very attacking, Darren Pratley was being run ragged, and was also shocked how one player near fell over the advertising boards.
Tom Allen talks more sense on Soccer Saturday than Paul Merson and Tim Sherwood. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3rBw0qbxer
— Aaron McIntosh (@AaronMRRFC95) December 12, 2020
Jeff went back to The Valley with a goal going in, something of which Tom Allen approved of, claiming it was a good goal for Charlton as they took the lead.
“The ball went in the net and everyone was clapping” as he said in his hat then boogied behind Mark. You could tell he was making the best of a situation he’s rarely in.
Minutes later, the cameras returned to Tom and Mark, with the comedian expressing how Wimbledon’s equaliser was ‘majestic, Jeff, majestic’.
He added: “Exciting from Pigott, it is Joe Pigott isn’t it, smashed it in the back of net.”
The Wombles then made it 2-1, with Tom saying that Wimbledon did very well.
It’s a goal fest!!! @tomallencomedy pic.twitter.com/KunnxINCcT
— 909originals (@909originals) December 12, 2020
Mark said it was ‘fairytale stuff’, before Tom replied “I don’t know what fairytale stuff you’ve been watching.”
Five goals flew into the net with Charlton currently 3-2 having been 2-1 down. One of the goals was well timed on camera as Bromley born Tom was leaping for joy as it was scored.
The Rainbow Laces campaign began because Stonewall look to fight homophobia, biophobia and transphobia in sport.
It encourages LGBT+ acceptance among children and young people involved in community and education initiatives such as Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Kicks, and within Academies.
Coaches, teachers and leaders will be equipped with bespoke resources and programmes developed by the League and Stonewall which promote positive attitudes towards the LGBT+ community.
Clubs come together to celebrate the latest Rainbow Laces campaign and show support for all LGBT people in football.
At matchdays, we have seen Rainbow Laces ball plinths, handshake boards and substitutes boards as well as the LED perimeter boards at the stadiums highlighting the campaign.
There was also rainbow armbands for captains, rainbow laces and pin badges to let everyone show their support.
Digital channels for clubs and leagues featured a rainbow Premier League logo and promoted the campaign as well as the LGBT+ inclusion work of our clubs.
Fans reacted as comedian Tom Allen hits back at criticism from fans over his Sky Sports appearance last week…
Knowing and loving both of you I was crying at some of it yesterday, and my (straight) footie mates were messaging saying ‘what the fuck, this needs to happen every week!’ 😂😂😂 “He’s bald and looks like me!” is the insight we need! 👏👏👏
— Darren Styles OBE (@bydarrenstyles) December 13, 2020
Cannot believe there was negativity. It was superb to see you as a neutral, just enjoying the fact that goals were going in, and doubly enjoying people looking like you scoring 🙂 You’ll always be welcome at our awesome club
— Chris Bloomfield (@cdbloomfield) December 14, 2020
Tom Allen is a ledge!!! Was hilarious yesterday. I had no idea why he was there but as the goals rained in it and he increasingly went full Kammy and had no idea why or how it was fucking funny.
— Barry Glendenning (@bglendenning) December 13, 2020
Was splendid tbf…even had the missus asking me to tell her when you were on and that coming from a woman who has never in 24 yrs of knowing her has ever watched a single episode of soccer Saturday…to you sir i doff my hat..👏👏👏…see you soon again hopefully
— Mark Taylor (@taylorwigan69) December 13, 2020
You are amazing – thank you for highlighting this negativity. If everyone spoke up (not just the moaners) then hopefully there would be a majority of happy positive people outshining the nasty, miserable mood-hoovers. I think that’s what we all need right now❤️❤️❤️
— Katie Brewer (@FDSKatie) December 13, 2020
I absolutely loved it. Was lovely seeing you there even though they hadn’t warned you about the cold 😉 And what a game – 7 goals! Please do it again. 😀⚽️ very entertaining
— Dee Dooney (@DeeDoon) December 14, 2020
I’ve watched this show more or less every week for years and can assure you, you were magnificent. Doing anything remotely different in football scares a certain percentage of fans, but tbf they need a kick up the arse. Good on you xx
— Kelly Welles (@kelly_welles) December 13, 2020
Morning @tomallencomedy I watch sky sports Saturday every week, it’s comfort viewing hanging out with Jeff and the guys. I had to double take yesterday when you suddenly popped up into view but you made it one of the very best soccer Saturday afternoons. Please do it again.
— Eric Gresswell (@TheGress) December 13, 2020
You were absolutely fantastic Tom! There are no instructions when it comes to being a fan of football, be-it for a day or for a lifetime. Those who think otherwise are simply not worth the time or the energy. Look forward to seeing you back on the show.
— Nick Turner (@nickturner1883) December 13, 2020
“Top or bottom, I don’t know the difference”
— Ultra Mugnus (@mkn1ght) December 19, 2020
You’re welcome at The Valley any time, Tom. Can’t promise 7 goals every week, mind!
— Just James (@LegoHeadJim) December 19, 2020
Better than that miserable git Souness 😂
— Tom Nolan (@tomnolann) December 19, 2020
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