More stories

  • in

    ‘What’s the point?’ – BBC staff raging as major shake-up sees TACTICS correspondent job offered after huge redundancies

    BBC SPORT are set to hire a “Football Correspondent (Tactics)” as part of a shake-up across the department.The Beeb have made redundancies in order to create 27 new roles.BBC Sport is set to undergo big changesCredit: GettyThe BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, formerly of The Times and The Athletic, is looking to freshen up their coverage.According to the Mail, the new tactics role has “raised eyebrows” among Beeb staffers.The Mail were told by an insider: “What’s the point of having all these people who have played the game at the highest level to then bring in a journalist who will presumably never have kicked a ball professionally to spout off about how the likes of Pep Guardiola should be setting up their teams?”Beeb staffers were recently told about the huge shake-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA meeting then took place at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football to talk through the impending changes.Present at the meeting was Match of the Day’s star pundit Alan Shearer.The former Newcastle striker reportedly stressed the importance of experts providing “accurate” analysis.BBC bosses are shifting the focus of their sports coverage from broadcast to digital.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis has seen them decide to axe their Sportsday programme.Gary Lineker announced earlier this season that he will depart Match of the Day at the end of the season.’Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the DaySpeaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker explained: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.”Lineker added: “So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”The former England forward, 64, will be replaced by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates on rotation.Gary Lineker is set to step down as MOTD hostCredit: PA More

  • in

    ‘Killing it’ – Alisha Lehmann risks Instagram ban as stunning Juventus star strips off to see-through lingerie

    ALISHA LEHMANN has pushed Instagram’s boundaries with her latest racy post.The Juventus star, dubbed the ‘World’s sexiest footballer’, boasts almost 17 million followers on the photo-sharing app. Alisha Lehmann has wowed fans with her latest Instagram shootCredit: InstagramThe Swiss star rocked a daring see-through topCredit: InstagramShe paired the look with matching black underwear, risking an Instagram banCredit: InstagramLehmann joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyLehmann previously spent three years with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.The 26-year-old joined Juventus last year and has bagged 2 goals in 15 games for the Serie A side.Away from the pitch, Lehmann is a model and is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.And her latest stunning look proved a real head-turner for her legion of adoring fans.READ MORE ON SPORTRocking a see-through black top, Lehmann showed off matching lingerie in the risque post.She captioned the sultry snaps: “Second skin.”One fan responded: “Killing it as always.”Another swooned: “Alisha you look wonderful!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a lovestruck third added: “Sculpted by Michelangelo.”And a fourth said: “Absolutely stunning, ignore the haters Alisha.”Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League team Lehmann joined her boyfriend Douglas Luiz in swapping the Midlands for the Old Lady last summer.But she hit out at their wage differences after the Brazilian penned a £100,000-a-week contract.The Swiss winger told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Everyone would like to have the same salary.”I often speak to Douglas at home about this and tell him it’s not fair.”We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.”It’s something that affects me because I’m a woman. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously, there’s still a long way to go on the path we’re on because there may never be equal pay.”There will have to be a very strong will to make a change in this direction.”Lehmann is dating fellow Juventus star Douglas LuizCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7The star spent three years playing in the WSL for Aston VillaCredit: RexThe glam 26-year-old has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has almost 17 million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snaps of her glamourous life in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the worldCredit: instagramShe is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘This is not going to stop me’ – Michail Antonio issues defiant comeback statement after escaping death in horror crash

    MICHAIL ANTONIO said the broken leg he suffered in a December car accident is not going to stop him from returning to professional football.The 34-year-old striker crashed his Ferrari in a single-vehicle crash in Epping last December.Antonio said he was grateful to be alive following the accidentCredit: Steve Bell for The SunMichail Antonio is on the mendCredit: InstagramAntonio visited the London Stadium to thank the Hammers for their supportCredit: GettyHe underwent surgery shortly after, later writing on Instagram that he was grateful to be alive.Set to turn 35 years old in late March, many expedcted Antonio to hang up his boots following the injury, but he has set his sights on a swift return to play.He is working six days per week to get back to full fitness and is refusing to give up on his playing career.Speaking to BBC Morning Live he said: “I’m 100 per cent I will be back on the pitch.Read more football”This is what I focus on, this is why I’m in six days a week.”With just three months having passed since the accident, Antonio has already returned to solo training, getting back to running.But Graham Potter has not shed any light on when he may return to play.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAntonio, though, is nonplussed, keeping his head down as he focuses on his recovery, saying this week the player was taking “baby steps.”Most read in FootballHe continued: “Mentally, I believe [in myself] too because I never give up.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury “I’m always focused, I’m always pushing myself. “This is just another setback and this is not going to stop me.”Jamaica manager Steve McClaren said Antonio is targeting a summer return.He said: “The impact [of the crash] was horrendous.”He is confident he will come back and is aiming for the summer period.Steve McClaren was appointed Jamaica manager in July 2024″He is a true character off the field, always bubbly and great for the squad. We miss that.”He says the one thing he has got is motivation. When warriors have motivation, they tend to achieve their goal.”Antonio has scored just once in 14 appearances this season, most recently appearing in West Ham’s 3-1 loss at Leicester City in December, just four days before the accident.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has scored five times in 21 appearances for Jamaica.He is the Hammers’ top Premier League goalscorer (68) of all time. More

  • in

    ‘We live in a time of wet wipes’ – Fans slam ‘nonsense’ ITV after apologising as X-rated comment overheard on live feed

    FANS slammed “nonsense” ITV for apologising after an X-rated comment was heard on live TV.The incident occurred moments before Liverpool faced Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.ITV issued an apology after swearing was heard ahead of Liverpool vs NewcastleCredit: ReutersBoth sides were cheered onto the pitch by fans ahead of kick-off.And with the game set to get underway, Arne Slot and Eddie Howe’s men both gathered in separate pre-match huddles.However, cameras close by the players managed to pick up some unwanted audio.A swear word was heard by Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk urging his side on to victory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We worked so hard to be here. Let’s f***ing do this together, come on.”And moments later ITV produced an apology to anyone offended by the bad language, with fellow broadcasters Sky Sports also saying sorry live on air.But that itself drew backlash from supporters, who felt there was no need for an apology.One fan said: “We live in a time of wet wipes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother declared: “Stop apologising for bad language when covering sports.“You poked a camera into a team talk, what did you expect?”Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalOne noted: “Utter nonsense by ITV.”Another boomed: “If that offends you switch off the footy and watch Songs of Praise.”One cried: “It’s not tiddly winks, people are about to watch a game full of emotions.”Another added: “I’d have been surprised if there hadn’t been swearing!” More

  • in

    Bundesliga clash delayed by nearly an HOUR in row over ultras’ banners as stadium announcer begs for help

    EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’s Bundesliga clash with VfL Bochum was delayed by 50 minutes following a dispute between ultras and security staff.The Europa League quarter-finalists were due to take on hosts VfL Bochum at 2:30pm UK time.Eintracht Frankfurt banners were deemed to cover emergency exitsCredit: ReutersOfficials pleaded with the Eintracht supportersCredit: APThe match was delayed, however, due to an issue with the Eintracht Frankfurt fans’ banners.Stadium security determined that the banners were blocking emergency exits.This was therefore deemed a safety hazard, thus preventing the game from being able to kick-off.Players were sent back to their dressing rooms as staff pleaded with fans to take the banners down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stadium announcement warned supporters that the game would not be able to take place if the banners remained in place.The tannoy announcer stressed: “That isn’t in your interests or ours.”Following extensive talks the banners were finally taken down.Players were then able to re-emerge for a second full warm-up, with the game finally kicking off 50 minutes late.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn December, VfL Bochum’s clash with Union Berlin was mired with controversy.The game initially finished 1-1, with outfielder Philipp Hofmann having to go in goal after stopper Patrick Drewes felt unable to continue after being struck by a lighter from the crowd.Cologne star Anthony Ujah celebrates goal by grabbing horns of goat mascot Bochum chiefs opted to appeal the referee’s decision to resume the match.The German football federation’s sports court accepted their case and awarded them a 2-0 victory.Head of the court Stefan Oberholz claimed that they had “no other choice”.Eintracht raced into a 2-0 half-time lead in today’s match.Rasmus Kristensen put them one up in the 27th minute, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya doubling their advantage shortly after the half hour.Bochum then pulled one back but ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi clinched a 3-1 victory for the visitors with a goal in stoppage time.Eintracht Frankfurt raced into a 2-0 lead at VfL BochumCredit: Rex More

  • in

    ‘Embarrassing our manager is taking that…’ – Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to Timber

    CHELSEA fans were not impressed with Enzo Maresca after he was “disrespected” by Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber. Blues head coach Maresca, 45, watched his side fall to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the Emirates. Enzo Maresca and Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber had a bizarre altercation on SundayCredit: GettyTimber was overhead on Sky’s cameras telling the Chelsea boss to ‘try harder’Credit: Sky SportsMaresca was then seen shaking hands with the Arsenal defenderCredit: RexMikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal kept their mathematically-possible title hopes alive.The loss leaves Chelsea back in fourth place, five points behind high-flying Nottingham Forest.Maresca and Timber were involved in an incident during the closing stages of the match in North London. The Arsenal full-back was caught on camera leaning in and telling Maresca on the sideline to: “Try harder, try harder.”READ MORE ON CHELSEAMaresca responded with his mouth covered, before Timber cheekily held out his own hand.The Chelsea boss shook it, with play resuming deep into stoppage time on the field.The footage quickly went viral – and some Chelsea fans were not impressed at Maresca’s light-hearted reaction. One fumed on X: “Absolutely embarrassing our manager is taking that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Imagine this with any other Chelsea manager ever, oh wait it wouldn’t happen.”While a third commented: “This is so embarrassing man.”Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress A fourth added: “This is not Chelsea we used to know.”And a fifth responded: “Elite manager would have been fuming at this point.”Chelsea suffered a blow in the run-up to kick-off with top scorer Cole Palmer ruled out.The England star was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad earlier this week.But it remains to be seen if he’ll be fit enough to play in the March internationals after suffering a knock in training.Maresca said: “He had an injury yesterday during the session. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was a very light session and that’s why we think it’s nothing important. “We still need to wait and we hope he can be back after the international break.” More

  • in

    Chelsea player ratings: Sanchez at shot-stopping best despite loss but Nkunku and Sancho hardly deserving of game-time

    CHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea produced a limp performance as they lost 1-0 to ArsenalCredit: AFPThe Blues struggled to create chances at the EmiratesCredit: GettyChelsea were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Andy Dillon delivers his Chelsea player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 7Back in goal as the in-out, twists and turns of the Chelsea keepers this season rolls on. Within ten minutes he had passed the ball straight to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and gave his side a massive scare. Then he made a spectacular one-handed save off team-mate Levi Colwill. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBeaten within 20 minutes by a surprise header from a corner. Great instinctive second half save from Mikel Merino again with one hand and was Chelsea’s best player. ‘I spent ages just looking at him’ – Playing vs Cristiano Ronaldo is my career highlight says star-struck Chelsea aceBoss Enzo Maresca said he had given Sanchez time out recently to rest his head. None of this will have helped stressed levels.Wesley Fofana – 5Getting back up to speed after a lengthy injury lay off. Slotting in at right back as part of the three man defence. Was so lucky to get away without any punishment when he put his boot down hard on the back of Declan Rice’s leg. The Arsenal midfielder even got his backside out to show ref Chris Kavanagh the rapidly appearing red raw studs marks. And again when he went in late on Leandro Trossard. Cautioned for show of petulance throwing a ball onto the pitch.Benoit Badiashile – 5Seemed off the pace and wasteful with his passing and shaky under pressure. Coming back from a long injury lay off into a team which while winning has looked unconvincing. Maybe using Tosin with his more experienced brain might have been a better choice for a tough away London derby?Or even switching Colwill to the left hand centre back role might have made life a little more comfortable for Chelsea? Did make one or two decent tackles though in the second half.Levi Colwill – 5Almost scored an own goal though it would have been a harsh one on him. Then maybe through frustration followed through on Trossard and got a booking. Possibly as a final warning from the ref that he wouldn’t take much more rough stuff from Chelsea who had been quite physical. Does look more at ease on the left side of defence than in the middle where he was here.Levi Colwill struggled at the backCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella – 6Booed by the Arsenal fans at every touch. Maybe a back handed compliment as he can be quite dangerous on the front foot.Has been a prolific scorer for Chelsea with the inverted full back system but didn’t get much chance to go forwards as he often does with positive effect. Can go to ground easily but was clearly cynically fouled by Odegaard in the second half as the needle cranked up between these two teams.Reece James – 6Drafted into midfield as part of the reshuffle in Cole Palmer’s absence. Played there recently against Copenhagen in the Conference League and scored a cracker. Played some neat passes forwards and is clearly a class player and was called up to the England squad on Friday as a sign of that despite being carefully managed by Chelsea following a run of hamstring injuries.Moises Caicedo – 6Is becoming a key figure at the heart of the Chelsea team. Is hard to get past but also made a couple of stray passes in a first half particularly in which the visitors did not seem to have their heads in the game. With the £115m price tag though he needs to be taking control of games in the Rice does for Arsenal at times.Moises Caicedo was involved from the startCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho – 5Has not made the impact he would have hoped for after being given a chance to rejuvenate his career on loan from Manchester United. There was even talk of an England recall during some of his better spells. But he is not exactly playing his way into Chelsea begging their rivals to sell him permanently to them in the summer.Enzo Fernandez – 6Showed fight at least but in a weird way with silly spats, notably after a clash with Gabriel which left the Arsenal centre back on the deck. He stood over the Brazilian and clearly mouthed something uncomplimentary. It riled up Arsenal and their fans. At least that is the spirit of the old Chelsea though which the fans admire.Christopher Nkunku – 5Anonymous for the first half. It is hard to see where this £50 million player fits in. He has complained of lack of game time but when given some has not made significant impact to make his manager rethink. Did not last the 90 minutes and cannot say he made much of an impression.Christopher Nkunku made little impact on the gameCredit: ReutersPedro Neto – 5ALWAYS up against it as a so-called ‘false nine’. Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea have fit, recognised strikers at the moment and it shows on both sides. Too often outmuscled by Arsenal’s more imposing defensive players. Although he is playing out of position. Must be said that he spends a lot of time complaining and it’s a waste of precious energy.SubsTyrique George (for Sancho 76 mins) – 6Given a big task to drive at Arsenal when the game was already up.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (for Nkunku 76 mins) – 6Tried to get a few runs going but despite scoring in midweek was kept on the bench.Romeo Lavia (for James 82 mins) – N/AHis return from injury will be a big boost for the Blues. But he just has to remain fit.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Badiashile 86 mins) – N/AMalo Gusto (for Fofana 86 mins) – N/A More

  • in

    Arsenal player ratings: Tireless presser Mikel Merino shines but Martin Odegaard cuts frustrated figure and Saliba shaky

    ARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a gorgeous looping header that nestled into the net at the unmarked Chelsea back-post.Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners in their London derby against ChelseaCredit: GETTYA first-half header from Mikel Merino was enough to separate the teamsCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard’s goal, however, wasn’t enough to cover up a poor performance in front of goal for the Gunners. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard missed chances and should have sent Arsenal into the half-time interval at least two goals up.Marc Cucurella nearly equalised for the Blues after a David Raya howler as the keeper spilled his volley and the ball nearly rolled in at the back post.Two ugly fouls from Wesley Fofana could have both seen red, but somehow, the Chelsea defender went unpunished. The first, a clear stamp on Declan Rice’s hamstring after bundling him over. And the second, a reckless lunge that caught Trossard late on the shin.After sailing through to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, the Gunners reduced the gap to 12 points at the top of the table but still lacked the attacking instinct a true number nine brings. Enzo Marseca’s Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to cause the Gunners any real issues and dropped more points in the race for the top four.Despite Raheem Sterling’s player-of-the-match performance midweek, the Arsenal winger was ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea and had to watch from the stands.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMikel Merino’s header was his sixth goal of the seasonCredit: GETTYCole Palmer missed his side’s visit to North London due to illness and will have to wait even longer for his first Premier League goal since January.The attacker has yet to play a single minute at the Emirates Stadium in his career.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress Here is how SunSport’s Conor Jones rated Arsenal’s performances in North London.DAVID RAYA – 6/10The goalkeeper had a quiet first half but nearly let a Cucurella volley slip straight through his hands and into the back of the net.He showed his confidence in possession and distributed well as the Gunners piled pressure on their London rivals.Nonetheless, the silly mistake tainted a clean sheet and nearly cost his side valuable points.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Described as a “liability” by Arteta, Lewis-Skelly silenced his critics with a strong performance at the Emirates.Attacked well down the left, causing Wesley Fofana issues from early on and held his own against a tricky Jadon Sancho but did have quiet periods.A lovely run coming in from the left earned his side a dangerous freekick in the 70th minute.Following his maiden call-up to the England side, the left-back put in a mature performance against Thomas Tuchel’s former side.WILLIAM SALIBA – 5The Frenchman didn’t face much from the Chelsea attack but reacted slowly to clear a ball forward from the Blues and nearly set Enzo Fernandez through on goal.A short header back early in the first half allowed Nkunku gave chase and forced the keeper to clear.Got a lively reaction from the Arsenal faithful after a strong challenge earned his side a goal kick.Saliba didn’t have his greatest gameCredit: GettyGABRIEL – 6Was strong at the back and started a couple of attacks with positive balls forward and a marauding run in the second half.Shepherded the Chelsea attack well with Saliba and rarely put a foot wrong but did pick up a yellow for a late challenge.Could have offered more from set pieces, but Odegaard’s deliveries left a lot to be desired.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7The Dutchman was dangerous down the right flank and nearly broke the deadlock with a ball across the six-yard line, but the Gunners failed to bundle the ball over the line.Tracked back brilliantly after an Arsenal corner and drew a huge cheer from the home crowd with a strong challenge on Pedro Neto.He dealt with Nkunku fairly comfortably when he had to, but that wasn’t often.Timber was dangerous down the sideCredit: APDECLAN RICE – 6Rice was bright from the start, taking two shots in the first ten minutes but failed to test Sanchez between the Blues’ posts.Nearly earned Wesley Fofana a red card after a disgusting stamp that VAR failed to intervene with.Hammered a dangerous freekick into the wall and made positive runs going forward but, like his teammates, lacked the creative spark.THOMAS PARTEY – 6The Ghanaian was confident in possession and used his strength well against Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park.His role as a six in the Arsenal midfield allowed Rice and Odegaard to push forward while he kept Enzo and the rest of the Chelsea midfield fairly quiet.Could have offered more going forward, but that was a common issue amongst the Gunners.MARTIN ODEGAARD (Capt) – 5 (TIERNEY 90 mins)The Gunners captain whipped in a delightful ball to the front post which Mikel Merino brilliantly flicked over the Blues’ keeper but failed to impact the game elsewhere.Should have had a second assist midway through the first half but Martinelli failed to hit the target.Picked up a yellow for a frustrated late challenge on Cucurella after he failed to test Sanchez with a limp strike.Odegaard struggled to have his normal impactCredit: EPALEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Nearly scored on the end of a dangerous delivery from Gabriel Martinelli in the second minute but sliced his shot wide of the right post from the edge of the area.The Belgian almost returned the favour after his press forced Robert Sanchez to give possession away to Martinelli, but the Brazilian failed to capitalise.Like Martinelli, he failed to take the few chances he did get and contributed to Arsenal’s attacking woes.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 (NWANERI 78 mins)Created well but his finishing was well below par and cost him two massive chances in the first half.Could have made it 1-0 in the first ten minutes after Sanchez passed the ball straight to him, but the Brazilian hit a limp strike straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.The winger missed a second chance midway through the first half as he struck a horrendous effort beyond the post and into the home fans after Odegaard played him through.Found Merino at the back-post with a nice ball, but the Spaniard’s volley was met with a strong save.While he is positive on the ball, Martinelli is not the answer to Arsenal’s struggling attack.Martinelli missed several chancesCredit: GettyMIKEL MERINO – 8The Spaniard followed up an uninspiring display against Manchester United with a fantastic header at the front post, looping the ball over Sanchez.His role as a makeshift striker has been heavily criticised, but Merino backed up his tireless pressing with a goal at the Emirates.Nearly scored a second with a volley at the back post but failed to beat an impressive diving save by Sanchez.The Gunners still look flat up front and another goal from a corner wasn’t enough to cover that up.SUBSETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI 78 mins) Tried to make an impact with the little time he had but struggled to get the better of Cucurella.KIERAN TIERNEY (ODEGAARD 90 mins)N/A More