Broadcaster Jimmy Magee has accused RTE of “ageism” over their decision not to use him in their TV World Cup coverage.
The football legend, known as The Memory Man, has covered 12 tournaments for the State broadcaster in a career lasting nearly five decades.
And the 79-year-old – who travelled to Brazil on his own dime – doesn’t think that RTE are acting as they should.
Outspoken: Jimmy won’t take decision lying down | VIPIRELAND.COM
“This is the first time for me not to be doing any television work during the World Cup for RTE and if I’m honest it probably hasn’t sunk it yet,” he told the Star.
“Age would be my guess and I don’t agree with ageism. I don’t think it makes a bloody difference what age you are as long as you can get the job done.”
However RTE claimed they made the decision out of worry to Jimmy’s health.
A spokeswoman said: “Jimmy Magee has worked with distinction on every World Cup for RTE but this year we had to be mindful of the grueling schedule of games in a vast country, exposure to varying climates, potential of disease etc.”
