Alex Scott has shared a defiant anti-racism poem with fans after being targeted by vile trolls over reports of her being cast on A Question of Sport.
It was reported this week that Alex, 35, has been selected to replace axed 64-year-old presenter Sue Barker.
Soon after the rumours broke out on social media, footballer Alex became the victim of vile racist remarks from trolls in response to the news.
These comments including some on Twitter referring to her potential casting as a “box ticking” exercise, while another troll wrote “No experience or good presentation skills. But her colour gets her the job.”
Nevertheless, Alex killed them with kindness as she took to her Instagram Story to post a poignant anti-racism poem she wrote back in 2018.
Sharing a snap of the poem written on the Underground service information board with her 368k followers, it read: “I was that that girl that played football, I really didn’t care.
“I was that girl that played football, long brown hair. I was that girl that played football, with no regrets.”
She continued: “To the colour of my skin, I was that girl that played football, because I always wanted to win. I retired from football with medals and honours galore, I retired from football to open a new door.
“Now I talk about football live on your TV, some want to say I’m ticking a box, but that’s not me.
“Football is football and that is what I see. Hi, Hello, I’m Alex Scott and you know what, football is me.”
News of her taking over from Sue appeared to be confirmed by former footballer and BBC commentator Gary Lineker on Twitter as he congratulated Alex on her new role.
On Thursday he tweeted: “Congratulations and good luck to @AlexScott on being the new host for Question Of Sport.
“Smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role. Oh… and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem.”
Despite the nasty remarks from trolls, celebrities such as Piers Morgan and Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff have advocated Alex in the role.
Freddie tweeted: “Congrats @AlexScott on the new job , never mind the knobheads you’ll be brilliant”.
Sue is set to film her final episodes with team captains Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson later this month.
“I’ve absolutely loved my 24 years fronting A Question of Sport,” Sue told The Mirror, “its been my dream job.
“But I understand the BBC want to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.”