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Seagulls pundit says goodbye to listeners
9:52am Thursday 27th November 2008
Comments (5)A radio broadcaster at the centre of a row over insulting disabled people on air has resigned.
Andrew Hawes, who has spent a decade commentating on Brighton and Hove Albion matches, took the microphone for the last time during Tuesday’s defeat at Stockport.
The broadcaster was suspended from BBC Southern Counties Radio alongside Albion phone-in host Ian Hart after the pair used the phrase “windowlicker” on air – a derogatory term for a mentally disabled person.
The tasteless joke, made during a fans’ phone-in after a Seagulls match last month, sparked a backlash from disabled charities.
But the club, Albion fans and local charities threw their support behind the pundits and both were later re-instated.
However, on Tuesday night, Mr Hawes revealed on air that he was leaving, saying: “It’s time for me to try other things”.
He thanked his colleagues at the station and the listeners but did not reveal what he planned to do in the future.
Mr Hawes was yesterday unavailable for comment but dozens of supporters paid tribute to him on Albion fans’ website North Stand Chat.
One said: “Sad news indeed.
Hawesy has provided a touch of class and eloquence to Albion coverage and has it really been ten years now?
Amazing.
“I hope he’s moving on to something better. Albion’s media coverage will be worse for his absence.”
Another wrote: “I have always thought Hawes was a brilliant commentator.
It was easy to see there was so much dedication to his work.
“Whoever the station gets to replace him it will never be the same without him.”
Mr Hawes has commentated on some of the biggest games in Albion’s history, including the play-off final win over Bristol City at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in 2004, and the giant-killing match against Manchester City in the FA Cup this season.
A spokeswoman for the BBC said: “We can confirm Mr Hawes has decided to leave the BBC to pursue other things.
“We wish him well and the best of luck for the future.”
Has Andrew Hawes been victimised for his comments? Tell us below.
Your Say YourThe Argus
remy heath, brighton says...
10:41am Thu 27 Nov 08
Charismatic Andrew, Patcham says...
12:58pm Thu 27 Nov 08
remy heath wrote:I tend to agree with you, although I can't help feeling he'd be much better without all that black tape across his face.
I wish him luck, but I think he should stick to radio. He has the right look for radio.
PC mcgary no452, Thakeham says...
1:24pm Thu 27 Nov 08
Arther Daley wrote:Interesting thought there Arther. But he`s not even remotely talented enough to grace in airwaves with mssrs: Skues & Doolan.
Plenty of talent in the BBC local radio network,(except it seems at our own BBC SCR). Maybe he could join other radio Leg-ends such as ol; cardboard shoes (aka) Keith Skues on BBC radio in the Eastern Counties and of course ED Doolan on BBC WM ?
He would fit in with one of the more morribund stations like BBC Radio Stoke or BBC Radio Northampton
Tye, worthing says...
11:58am Mon 1 Dec 08
Broadcaster Andrew Hawes
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Arther Daley, all over the manor says...
10:23am Thu 27 Nov 08