BBC finds way to make Match of the Day even more unpopular

(Left to right) Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson

Barely a weekend goes by without industrial-strength vitriol being poured on the BBC's Match of the Day.

The Beeb's flagship footy show has got it in the neck for its glib and superficial punditry, its baffling match sequencing, its weird futuristic set and especially those bizarre shiny shirts.

It's almost like they're going out of their way to irritate the public.

In fact, the only thing that could make them even less popular is an appearance from one of Britain's most hated men.

Scourge of Middle England, tormentor of Andrew Sachs, spouter of pretentious twaddle - surely only Russell Brand could make MOTD plummet further in the national estimation?

Well, consider it done. On Saturday night, Brand will don his buttoned-down collar and mount the fabled Match of the Day sofa alongside Brazilian legend Leonardo and MOTD regular Alan Shearer.

Among the matches benefiting from Brand's cod-philosophical musings is his beloved West Ham's clash with Manchester United at Upton Park.

Still, it might be worth containing your outrage just this once, as it is all part of a Sport Relief special aimed at raising money for good causes at home and abroad.

Early Doors suggests you make a healthy donation here - then you can swear at the telly all you want.

And don't worry - next Saturday it'll be back to the unique brand of sunshine and light provided by the likes of Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson.