Fans show concern for Mark Chapman after presenter's 'subdued' display on Match of the Day

Football fans have expressed their concern for Match of the Day host Mark Chapman after Saturday night's episode.

Chapman, 53, is a hugely popular presenter across TV and radio, working for the likes of BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports and Match of the Day.

He is one of three co-hosts of the iconic show alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, and it was his turn in the presenting chair last night.

But, during the programme, which saw Steph Houghton and Martin Keown join Chapman as pundits, the 53-year-old appeared to be quite subdued and not as chatty or warm as usual. 

This began with his muted and short introduction when Chapman looked down the camera and said: 'Five games on Match of the Day. Martin Keown and Steph Houghton are with us, and we start with Aston Villa against Manchester City, commentary from Simon Brotherton.'

Then, at the end of the programme, he signed off with his arms folded and added: 'That's it from us. Thanks to Martin and Steph. Goodnight.'

Several football fans noticed the apparent difference with Chapman and took to social media to show their concern.

One said: 'I like Mark Chapman, generally a top presenter but has he received some bad news or something this evening? I can't recall ever seeing him look any more disinterested or unhappy as he does tonight on @BBCMOTD.'

Another added: 'Anyone notice something strange with Match of the Day at the moment? Mark Chapman very very brief, and serious, saying the minimum with no smile. 

'Seems rushed, now lower thirds for pundits introducing them when on screen for the first time. Are they just tight on time?'

A further concerned fan wrote: 'Is it me or is Mark Chapman not happy on tonight’s Match of the Day?'

Another shared: 'Mark Chapman was worryingly subdued last night on @BBCMOTD. Hope he is ok.'

An extra fan, commenting on the abrupt start to the show, said: 'Strange vibe in the studio tonight. Can't get over that straight to business intro from Chapman...' 

A final supporter said: 'Just watched MOTD, what's up with Mark Chapman? Looked so disinterested tonight. Is something bothering him? Very odd, not like him at all.'

Chapman's subdued performance comes after reports broke last month of job cuts at BBC Sport, with 41 roles to be scrapped as part of a cost-cutting drive across the corporation.

Daily Mail Sport understands that figure includes the job of seven journalists - including four senior roles.

Sports bulletins on the 24-hour BBC News channel will also be lost as part of the drive to save money, staff were told last month. 

The impending cuts - as reported by Daily Mail Sport - are likely to mean some staff have to reapply for their jobs, with some said to be considering strike action.

Meanwhile, news also broke earlier this month that Chapman was dating his fellow Match of the Day co-host Cates. 

Although their shifts presenting the show do not overlap, Chapman and Cates did appear on Celebrity Gogglebox on the same sofa together in July, and since reports of their relationship emerged, they have been seen out in public. 

Chapman was previously married to his wife Sara for 19 years until she died aged 44 in 2020 after a battle with cancer. They had three children together.

Cates, who is the daughter of Scotland and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, was married to TV producer husband Tom Cates, with whom she has two children, but they split in 2021.