Match of the Day host Mark Chapman has sparked concern after his unusually subdued style on Saturday evening while appearing on the highlights show

Match of the Day host Mark Chapman has sparked concerns from fans on social media after his "uninterested" hosting. Chapman, 53, took on the MOTD reigns last season as part of a rotating cast to replace Gary Lineker.

However, fans have admitted they're tuning out of the famous football show after Chapman's unusually subdued style on Saturday evening. He was very quick with words, opening the show with: "Five games on Match of the Day.

"Martin Keown and Steph Houghton are with us, and we start with Aston Villa against Manchester City, commentary from Simon Brotherton." And he signed off, with folded arms: "That's it from us. Thanks to Martin and Steph. Goodnight."

One fan, to social media, said: "I admitted last week that I’ve stopped enjoying Match of the Day. And this week’s programme illustrated exactly why. Just look at the way Mark Chapman opens the show. Flat. Lifeless. Almost uninterested.

"Football is about passion, enthusiasm, banter, anger, love, joy and despair. Yet the BBC has somehow managed to package its highlights into a programme almost entirely devoid of emotion!"

A second shared: "Mark Chapman couldn't give f*** tonight on Match of the day! What's his problem? Monotone, expressionless and simply going through the motions."

And another added: "Anyone notice something strange with match of the day at the moment? Mark Chapman very very brief, and serious, saying the minimum with no smile.

"Seems rushed, now lower thirds for pundits introducing them when on screen for the first time. Are they just tight on time?"

Chapman has built a reputation as a relaxed and humorous broadcaster, having presented Match of the Day 2 for years before becoming one of the BBC's three rotating presenters following Gary Lineker's departure.

He has also found himself in the headlines in recent weeks after reports emerged that he is in a relationship with fellow Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates.

Chapman and Cates share hosting duties alongside Gabby Logan, and reports suggest they started dating earlier this year.