BBC backlash: Beeb facing multiple calls to reinstate reading of the classified results as icons of the broadcaster's football coverage over the years queue up to bemoan the decision

The BBC is facing mounting pressure to reinstate the classified football results on its flagship Sports Report radio programme after the ‘cheap’ decision to drop them.

Yesterday, Sportsmail revealed that the broadcaster had unceremoniously ditched the long-standing, Saturday 5pm British institution, loved by generations.

And as the backlash grew yesterday, BBC icons Des Lynam, John Motson and Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson called for an immediate rethink by Radio 5 Live bosses.

Lynam, who presented Sports Report from 1970 to 1977, said: ‘It seems cheap.