Alex Scott (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Former Arsenal defender Alex Scott has spoken candidly about the dark side of her fame after achieving immense success as a football pundit and television presenter.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Scott shared intimate details about her life, career, and the intense scrutiny that comes with public recognition. The retired footballer revealed disturbing instances of online abuse, including threats and racist attacks, which emerged alongside her rise to prominence.
Scott retired from professional football in 2017 and quickly carved out a new path in football media. She became a prominent face on BBC, appearing on shows like Football Focus, Match of the Day, and FA Cup coverage. However, her journey to the top of British sports broadcasting has been fraught with challenges, as she endured backlash and hateful remarks from detractors.
Speaking about the impact of these experiences, Scott said, "There are negatives to fame. I’ve had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats. When I was reported incorrectly to be replacing national treasure Sue Barker as the host of A Question of Sport, people were saying, 'She’s only on TV because she’s black, female and younger. She’s just ticking boxes.'
Scott revealed the toll this abuse took on her personal life, recounting one particularly harrowing experience: "I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face. But luckily, there are other people who keep me smiling. They’ll come up to me in my local shop and say, 'Keep going,' and that’s what I do."
Despite these challenges, Scott's resilience has kept her at the forefront of football media. Her ability to connect with audiences and her deep knowledge of the sport have solidified her as one of the top contenders to succeed Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day when his contract expires at the end of the season. Scott is competing with other seasoned broadcasters like Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan for the role.
With her inspiring story of perseverance, Alex Scott remains a trailblazer in the world of football broadcasting, proving her ability to thrive despite the vitriol she has faced.