Doncaster radio show celebrates going viral
By Amy Britton
February 26, 2024

The UK’s oldest football phone-in show paid homage to a viral phone call on Friday after broadcasting live from a Doncaster pub.

The Salutation, on South Parade in the city centre, played host to BBC Radio Sheffield and sports fans from across the region as its Football Heaven show came live from the pub’s beer garden.

It followed a call to Praise or Grumble – the show’s fan phone-in since 1986 – on 3 February after Doncaster Rovers’ draw against Sutton United, which host Rob Staton described as “the weirdest call I’ve ever had,” in 14 years of hosting the show.

During the 90-second call, a Rovers fan known only as ‘Paul’ addressed many issues before abruptly signing off by saying: “I’m off to Sal for a pint. See you later mate,” leaving Mr Staton and listeners bewildered.

A clip of the call later went viral on X – gathering more than 800,000 views over multiple posts.