The BBC included a subtle tribute to Danny Murphy’s late childhood cat at the close of its World Cup final coverage on Sunday (19 July).
Former footballer Murphy, went viral earlier this month after sharing an impromptu anecdote about his cat, named Bob, while commentating on the fixture between Ivory Coast and Norway.
Revealing that Bob went missing after jumping in a Royal Mail van, Murphy drew bemused reactions from viewers, many of whom likened him to Steve Coogan’s bungling radio-jock character Alan Partridge.
Viewers spotted a reference to Bob the cat in the BBC’s closing montage for Sunday night’s cup final – a match that saw a dominant Spain land a 1-0 victory in extra time over a bad-tempered Argentina side.
Underneath a section crediting the broadcaster’s co-commentators for the tournament (including Murphy, former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam, and ex-Chelsea pro Pat Nevin, among many others), a separate section paid tribute to the “Commentary Mascot”.
“Bob the Cat (RIP)” read the credit, in an allusion to Murphy’s late pet.
Murphy had in fact discussed the fate of his cat on multiple occasions through the World Cup tournament, held this year in North America.
After the initial anecdote about Bob went viral, the former Fulham midfielder followed up the story while commentating on Spain vs Austria.
He revealed that Bob returned to the family home weeks after jumping in the post van, but exhibited erratic behaviour and was ultimately re-homed.
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“Unfortunately he had gone feral and we couldn’t re-integrate him into the home, and he ended up living with my friend’s parents in Preston,” Murphy told viewers.
“That was the life he had and now he has passed away, unfortunately, many years ago. Thanks for all the concern those who have been messaging us.”
He then followed this up with a further update during Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Spain, stating that his family had been forced to give Bob “the red card”.
“We did try and settle Bob back into the house, but he started bullying and fighting his sister, Mary,” he said.
“We made decision to give him the red card and send him up the road to Preston. I think it was the right decision.”
Murphy has been a football pundit for the BBC since 2013, having retired that year after playing for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, England and other teams over the course of 20 years.
