"Antti Niemi? He’s Not Finished, He’s Only 28!" – Remembering The Greatest Radio Phone-In Ever

It remains one of the most iconic radio call-in moments of all time.

Back in 2002, just hours after Scotland manager Craig Brown announced his squad for the upcoming international break, a passionate Hearts fan rang into talkSPORT to reveal his fury at goalkeeper Antti Niemi being overlooked for the national side.

The only problem? Hearts goalkeeper Antti Niemi was a seasoned Finland international.

Former Manchester United and Scotland defender Arthur Albiston, who was hosting the radio show, had to break the news to the confused fan live on-air and it makes for incredible entertainment. Just take a look at the clip above.

If you aren't able to watch the above YouTube video for one reason or another, then here is the full transcript of that iconic talkSPORT moment.

Caller: I was wondering about the goalkeeper selection for the Scotland squad, and he must know Hearts have got a good team, we get Colin Cameron in the squad and Steven Pressley but I just don't know why, for at least three seasons, he's been ignoring Antti Niemi.

Albiston: Antti Niemi?

Caller: Aye! I dunnae know why he doesn't get a game?

Albiston: ...for Scotland?

Caller: Aye!

Albiston: ...he's from Finland.

Caller: He's what?!

Albiston: He's Finnish.

Caller: He's not finished, he only 28!

Albiston: ...no, not finished, he's from Finland.

Caller: What do you mean?

Albiston: His nationality is Finnish.

Caller: He's not Scottish?

Albiston: No!

Caller: Ohhh, I thought he was Scottish!

Image: PA

In another classic talkSPORT clip, just moments after seeing his team get battered 7-2 at the hands of Bayern Munich, one Spurs fan called in to confirm he'd already called in sick to work.

The North Lonodon side were well beaten at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Bayern ran away with the spoils.

One fan was left so sick watching the game he's already called in sick for work on Wednesday and left the work Whatsapp group because of the eight Arsenal fans, as he explained on the show.

Never forget.

Topics: Football News, radio, Football

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_