Subject: Colemanballs

Colemanballs:

A term coined by British magazine “Private Eye,” to describe verbal gaffes, errors or misuse of words and phrases spoken by British football (soccer) announcers, coaches or players – initially BBC broadcaster David Coleman and the suffix -balls, as in “to balls up” or make a mistake.

Manchester United have hit the ground running – albeit with a 3-0 defeat.

British football player
Colemanballs

The Belgians will play like their fellow Scandinavians, Denmark and Sweden.

Irish football player & broadcaster
Colemanballs

Playing with wingers is more effective against European sides like Brazil, than English sides like Wales. 

English soccer commentator
Colemanballs

Stronsay is an island surrounded by sea.

(1926 – ) English sports commentator
Colemanballs Misspokements

Dave Wottle has completely misjudged this race… and here comes Wottle!

(1926 – ) English sports commentator
Colemanballs Misspokements Sports

For such a small man Maradona gets great elevation on his balls.

English football player, manager & sports commentator
Colemanballs

If England get a point, it will be a point gained as opposed to two points lost.

English football player & announcer
Colemanballs

Kevin Keegan has now tasted the other side of the fence.

British football manager
Colemanballs

Will he score here? Yes!

English football player & manager
Colemanballs

So that’s 1-0, sounds like the score at Boundary Park where of course its’ 2-2.

sports announcer
Colemanballs

A deflection – that’s what changed the course of the ball.

Irish football player
Colemanballs

If there’s one thing Gus Uhlenbeek’s got, it’s pace and determination.


Colemanballs

Even if he had scored for Alaves, it would have made no difference to the scoreline.

Irish football player
Colemanballs

I think you and the referee were in a minority of one, Billy.

English football player & manager
Colemanballs

Maybe not goodbye, but farewell…

British football commentator
Colemanballs

As I say, if we score more goals than them, then we’ll win.

Colemanballs

I wouldn’t be surprised if this game went all the way to the finish.

Scottish football player
Colemanballs

This evening is a very different evening from the morning we had this morning.

(1926 – ) English sports commentator
Colemanballs Misspokements Time

You’re always going to be struggling if you haven’t got a left foot.

English football player & analyst
Colemanballs

What will you do when you leave soccer, Jack – will you stay in soccer?

Colemanballs

Football is a game of skill, we kicked them a bit and they kicked us a bit.

English football player & manager
Colemanballs