Skip to content

Rainbow Laces: Tom Allen joins Soccer Saturday and celebrates goal as Charlton beat AFC Wimbledon

TV comedian makes his commentary debut alongside regular reporter Mark McAdam in goal-laden League One clash at The Valley; Jonny Williams strike catches duo by surprise in Addicks' designated Rainbow Laces match

Jon Holmes

@jonboy79

Saturday 12 December 2020 23:22, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Comedian Tom Allen showed off his commentating skills as he joined reporter Mark McAdam for a dramatic match at The Valley!

Matches featured on Soccer Saturday are usually covered by just one reporter - but for Charlton's seven-goal thriller against AFC Wimbledon, Mark McAdam was happy to have some extra help!

Joining Mark at The Valley for his commentating debut was top TV comedian Tom Allen, who enjoyed his trip to West Ham last season for an episode of Sky Sports' 'I'm Game' series so much that he was easily persuaded to have a go at keeping Jeff Stelling and viewers informed with live updates on the show.

With home supporters back in the stadium for this Sky Bet League One fixture, Charlton were showing their support for Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, supported by Sky Sports as a member of TeamPride, raising awareness around LGBT+ inclusion in sport.

Tom Allen, Soccer Saturday, Charlton vs AFC Wimbledon, Rainbow Laces
Image: Tom was making his Soccer Saturday debut - and it turned out to be a goalfest

After a first half in which Tom witnessed three goals but struggled with the chilly conditions in the gantry, he emerged after a warming half-time pie and was treated to four more as the hosts surged to a 5-2 victory in Sky Bet League One.

The highlight came midway through the second half when Jeff crossed live to SE7 for news of the Charlton equaliser, only for Jonny Williams to complete the turnaround while Mark was in full flow.

Jonny Williams goal celeb, Charlton vs AFC Wimbledon
Image: Jonny Williams is mobbed by his team-mates after hitting Charlton's third goal

As the Addicks fans roared, Tom celebrated too and couldn't fail to feel a special bond with the goalscorer...

Watch what happened in the clip above!

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Charlton's 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League One

More clubs activate campaign

Meanwhile, there was plenty more Rainbow Laces visibility across British football on Saturday, such as Aston Villa players warming up in 'Part of the Pride' T-shirts before their win at Wolves.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa is seen wearing a T-Shirt reading 'Part of the Pride' as Aston Villa show their support for the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa at Molineux on December 12, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Image: Aston Villa players wore rainbow T-shirts as they warmed up at Molineux

Rainbow captain's armbands were again in use in the Premier League, while top-flight and EFL clubs who were at home this weekend used the fixtures to activate the campaign with corner flags, substitute boards, and matchday messaging.

Harry Maguire, Rainbow Laces, Manchester United
Image: Manchester United's Harry Maguire wore a rainbow captain's armband during the goalless derby draw with Man City at Old Trafford

Earlier on Sky Sports News on Saturday, Burton Albion coach Ben Watkiss shared his story of being an out gay man working in the men's professional game.

The 24-year-old said being able to be his authentic self in an inclusive environment like Burton have created has been hugely beneficial to him, and spoke of his hope that more LGBT+ people in football - including players - might get to experience the same feeling.

"If a [male] player was to come out, they'd be welcomed with so much love, support and goodwill. I think the biggest part now is on people who are currently within the game and who are openly gay to be visible, seen, and to share positive experiences."

Sky Sports is a member of TeamPride which supports Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign. If you'd like to help inspire others in sport by sharing your own story of being LGBT+ or an ally, please contact us here.