BBC Sport: 50 Years of Match of the Day – Special programme airs tonight!

The BBC will broadcast a special programme this evening looking back at the last 50 years of Match of the Day.

MOTD first broadcast on Saturday 22 August 1964, with highlights of Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield, and quickly grew to be essential weekly viewing during the season.

This hour-long documentary charts the history of this iconic programme and highlights its long-ingrained place at the heart of Saturday night television.

The programme discovers why Match of the Day holds such a special place in the nation’s affections with classic archive featuring George Best, Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, David Coleman and Jimmy Hill and brand new contributions from Jose Mourinho, Sergio Aguero, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney, Des Lynam, Rio Ferdinand, Ian Wright, Michael Owen, Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer, John Motson and stars from the England women’s football team.

Viewers also hear from fans of the show including Sir Alan Sugar, Sue Johnston, Piers Morgan and Russell Brand. Barry Stoller, who composed the iconic Match of the Day music, talks for the very first time about how the tune became the most recognised theme tune on television beating EastEnders and Dr Who! There are also special performances of the music by Lethal Bizzle and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The show looks at how MOTD has evolved over the years, remaining the main place for football viewers to watch action. We also remember how the programme dealt with tragedy, when 96 Liverpool fans Iost their life at Hillsborough. And Sergio Aguero takes us back to the very spot he scored the most famous of last-minute MOTD goals.

The programme starts at 10.35pm on BBC One and BBC One HD tonight!