Townsend jokes MK Dons are a 'franchise' on air then braces for complaints

Andros Townsend joked that MK Dons might be English football’s one exception to the rule that the sport has no franchises, then swiftly braced for the fallout while commentating on Switzerland’s round-of-16 victory over Colombia at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday.

The former England winger was working alongside ITV colleague Seb Hutchinson when the conversation turned to the American concept of sports franchises. After Hutchinson noted that football does not have franchises, Townsend offered a pointed aside: “There might be one… Milton Keynes.” Hutchinson quickly said he would “stay out of that one,” prompting Townsend to add: “The complaints are coming again. Sorry, sorry.”

The remark carries particular weight given Townsend’s own history with the club. He spent a loan spell at Stadium MK from Tottenham in 2010, making nine appearances and contributing two goals and two assists before returning to Spurs.

MK Dons’ origins remain a sensitive topic in English football. The club was formed after Wimbledon FC controversially relocated from south-west London to Milton Keynes in 2003, a move that alienated a large section of the original fanbase and led to the formation of AFC Wimbledon by supporters who refused to follow the club north.

Townsend, 34, who has been playing in Thailand for the past year, is covering the World Cup in North America as part of ITV’s commentary team. He represented England on 13 occasions during his career, which included spells at Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Everton.

On the pitch in Vancouver, Switzerland edged Colombia on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes — the only 0-0 draw of the knockout stages so far. The Swiss advance to face Argentina in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with Lionel Messi’s side having come from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 earlier in the week.

England, meanwhile, face Norway on Saturday, with a win set to put Thomas Tuchel’s side into a World Cup semi-final for the second time in three tournaments.