Football pundit Steve 'Tommo' Thompson is suspended by BBC after describing players' scuffle as 'handbags'

A FOOTBALL pundit has been suspended by the BBC — for describing a scuffle between two players as “handbags”.

Steve “Tommo” Thompson was relieved of his duties for using the familiar matchday phrase after ­listeners complained.

He made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 0-0 draw away at Accrington Stanley in the Sky Bet League One last Saturday.

It is so common it appears in the Collins Dictionary as “an incident in which people, ­especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm”.

Freelancer Steve, 65, who played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be “devastated” by the BBC’s decision.

Lincoln fan Bernard ­O’Mahoney is campaigning for his reinstatement. He said: “As any football fan knows, ‘handbags’ is an incredibly well-known saying.

“I can’t begin to think who’d be offended by it. The BBC has lost touch with the public.”

Fan Marcus Greatorex added: “It’s just an old term. The BBC should pay more attention to songs on their stations promoting knife crime and drug use.”

The BBC said: “After listeners raised concerns, Steve acknowledged some of his comments on air didn’t meet the standards we expect. He is taking a break but will be back in the New Year.”

THE SUN SAYS

THE BBC has been in the grip of “woke” madness longer than almost anyone.

But dropping a footy pundit for calling an ineffectual on-pitch scuffle “handbags” is a new level of foolishness.

Who exactly is offended by this term, so common it’s in the dictionary?

No one outside the imagination of hyper-sensitive producers.

The BBC is growing more distant by the day from the public whose licence fees it needs.

It’s one own-goal after another.

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