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      Alex Scott dances backstage at SPOTY after going braless in elegant red gown for awards ceremony

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      ALEX SCOTT has given fans a backstage pass into the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards.The Football Focus presenter wore a red dress as she presented Mary Earps with the award.
      Alex Scott shared a video of her dancing backstageCredit: Instagram
      She danced to Beyonce’s HeatedCredit: Instagram
      She would later hand Mary Earps her award
      After the gong was given out, Scott shared a video of her getting into party mode on her Instagram story.
      The former footballer danced to Beyonce’s “Heated” from her latest album and posed with the microphone.
      Scott was one of the co-hosts alongside Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding.
      This year was the award’s 70th edition and the second successive year a Lioness has won the top prize after Beth Mead picked up the gong last year.
      READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTT
      Earps was rewarded for winning the Finalissima with England as well as the Golden Glove at the women’s World Cup.
      She helped England to the final where she saved a penalty, but the Three Lions ultimately came up short to Spain.
      Scott was seen mouthing words of encouragement to Earps as she hoisted the award aloft in a landmark moment for women’s football.
      Scott stunned on the red carpetCredit: Getty
      She presented Mary Earps with her awardCredit: PA
      Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne joined her at the gala to support her from the VIP seats.
      Most read in Football
      The singer shared a backstage snapof the two in the Media City dressing room.
      Elsewhere, Fatima Whitbread picked up the Helen Rollason Award, Pep Guardiola picked up coach of the year and hisManchester City side won team of the year.
      Snowboarder Mia Brookes won Young Sports Personality, Sir Kenny Dalglish won a lifetime achievement award, volunteer Des Smith won Unsung Hero and Erling Haaland won World Sport Star.
      Check out Alex Scott’s most dazzling and daring outfits…
      Alex wore a see-through dress at the GQ AwardsCredit: Alamy
      Scott, who works primarily as a pundit for the BBC, dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: Rex
      Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
      She is a presenter on Football Focus and The One Show
      Scott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: Rex
      The former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
      The 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PA
      Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA
      She attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      Mary Earps laughs off BBC SPOTY row with fun TikTok as fans share support for Lioness goalkeeper

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      MARY Earps has laughed off the BBC SPOTY row with a fun TikTok as fans share their support.The Lioness goalkeeper and World Cup finalist, 30, scooped the Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday after topping the public vote.
      Earps bagged the win as the second female footballerCredit: PA
      She shared fun TikToks today laughing off the mixed opinions of her winCredit: TikTok/@1maryearps
      Earps saved a penalty against Spain in the final
      Joey Barton questioned why Earps won
      After dazzling on the red carpet in a stunning black gown, she collected the iconic trophy from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
      She is just the second female footballer to be crowned – a year after her Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead became the first.
      And with Emma Raducanu the 2021 champ, the award has been won by three women in a row, a feat not seen since the 1960s.
      While the country backed her, Joey Barton and Piers Morgan were just a few people who lead complaints following her win.
      read more on earps
      Barton, who claimed women are not qualified to talk about the men’s game, questioned why Earps won it ahead of a host of champions in other fields.
      And Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize because she hadn’t “actually won something”.
      Still in high spirits today, the female footballing legend decided to laugh off the mixed opinions.
      Posting to her one million followers on TikTok, Earps shared a fun video sat next to a couple on a plane.
      Most read in Football
      The pair were completely unaware they were sat next to the goalie as they read a newspaper article about her win on Tuesday.
      Earps jokingly shied away and hid under her cap.
      And in a post last night, she danced with her huge trophy.
      Flooded with support from hundreds of fans, one person said: “There is only one Mary Earps in the world and that is more than good enough.”
      Another wrote: “Well done. Well deserved you’re an amazing goalkeeper.”
      A third commented: “As an English man and a United fan you make me very proud.
      “You are a true inspiration not just for every young girl and lady but for anyone that can dream of reaching their targets in life.”
      Earps, who nearly quit football two years ago, accepted her award smiling from ear to ear.
      She said: “I feel a bit sick, actually.
      “I would like to say how humbled I am to be on a stage with such athletes. Sport is a fantastic thing that brings people together.
      “Thanks for voting for me, I probably should have started with that!
      “This is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade, the Lionesses and United have had an incredible couple of years. It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn’t be where I am without some incredible people in my corner.
      “They have been with me through the really really not-so-great times.
      “The last couple of years have been unbelievable. Thank you to my team-mates and my coaches.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I don’t know what else to say so I’m going to stop before I get the boot from Gary Lineker.”
      Piers Morgan joined in on leading complaints
      Earps danced with her trophy last nightCredit: TikTok More

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      Piers Morgan leads complaints after Mary Earps is named BBC SPOTY despite ‘winning nothing’ – but fans hit back

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      PIERS Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The 30-year-old goalkeeper was a key part of the Lionesses side which reached the Women’s World Cup final in the summer.
      Piers Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won BBC SPOTYCredit: Rex Features
      Earps followed previous winners Emma Raducanu and teammate Beth MeadCredit: PA
      Credit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      Morgan disagreed that the Lionesses star should have claimed the prizeCredit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      The Manchester United shot stopper also won FIFA’s Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
      She followed previous female SPOTY winners tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and England team-mate Beth Mead.
      But Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize.
      On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.”
      Read more Sports News
      Piers added: “No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?”
      Another user said: “Mary Earps wins SPOTY for helping England win nothing. Oh but she did save a penalty so guess that’s enough, such a political winner this year second and third weren’t much better either.”
      But others were supportive of Earps receiving the accolade.
      The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: “Hugely well deserved, Mary. Congratulations! W”.
      Most read in Football
      Cairon Lee said: “She thoroughly deserved to win it she played a critical role in helping England to the final and giving them a shot to win it she has done a massive amount for goalkeeping as well as woman’s sport so well deserved in my opinion.”
      Guillermo Ravelo wrote simply: “She deserves it.”
      Earps saved a penalty from Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the final, but the Lionesses were unable to add to their 2022 European crown as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      At club level she kept 14 clean sheets as United finished second in the Women’s Super League.
      She hailed the part her teammates had played in her achieving this individual accolade.
      “I would not be here without my team-mates with the Lionesses and at Manchester United because we’ve achieved some incredible things over the last couple of years,” she said.

      “While individual accolades are great, they only come after team success. This is their trophy just as much as mine.”
      Former England cricketer Stuart Broad, who retired at the end of the fifth Ashes Test in the summer, was second in the BBC public vote and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was third. More

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      Ian Wright reveals the moment he decided to leave Match of the Day in emotional statement

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed the moment that “fast-tracked” his decision to step down from Match of the Day.The Arsenal legend, 60, announced this morning that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright has announced that he is stepping down from Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      Wright is part of the BBC’s top team with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: BBC
      He first appeared on Match of the Day in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Highbury in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      After announcing his decision on social media Wright, who turned 60 last month, wrote: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      He then went on to add: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      In recent years he has become part of Match of the Day’s top team alongside Alan Shearer, with host Gary Lineker.
      Last season he made history by appearing on the show with Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the duo becoming the first father-son combination in the show’s entire run.
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      Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Piers Morgan wrote: “Congrats on a magnificent run, Legend.. and on quitting at the very top of your punditry game. We’ll miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside son Shaun Wright-PhillipsCredit: BBC
      Wright was also on MOTD between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC More

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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      Read more on The Sun
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More

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      BBC axes legendary sports show on screen for 50 years – just 3 years after Sue Barker dropped as presenter

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      LEGENDARY BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years.Bosses say dwindling ratings and limited iPlayer appeal forced them to blow the whistle on the show, which first aired in 1970.
      BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years, Sue Barker presented the show alongside Matt Dawson (L) and Phil Tufnell (R)Credit: PA
      The Beeb insists it is not for sale and say it reserves the right to bring it back in the future.
      A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “Due to inflation and funding challenges difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment.”
      For 24 years the show was hosted by former Wimbledon tennis star Sue Barker.
      Famous team captains included ex-England rugby legend Matt Dawson, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and ex-Scots footballer Ally McCoist.
      Read More on this story
      Ian Botham and jockey Frankie Dettori also starred as captains on the show, which broadcast 1,365 episodes between 1970 and 2021.
      Its heyday came in the 1980s and it broke records in 1987 when over 19 million tuned in to watch Princess Anne taking part.
      Under Barker, the quiz show achieved an average four to five million viewers every episode.
      But in September 2020, it was announced Barker, then 66, would be replaced as host by Paddy McGuinness.
      Most read in Football
      Ex-Team GB hockey star and Morning Live presenter Sam Quek, and ex-rugby international Ugo Monye replaced captains Dawson and Tufnell.
      But Barker’s departure was mired in controversy after she claimed bosses forced her to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord.
      Speaking to BBC Breakfast last year, the presenter described the corporation’s handling of her departure as “insulting”.
      She added: “I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.
      “They wanted to refresh the programme and that is absolutely fine.
      “I was asked to announce I was leaving for the good of the show. I was astounded.
      “Was that because I was too old or not good enough? Either way, it was insulting. Did they expect me to sack myself?
      “Naively, I’d expected more after 24 years. Why had we been shown so little respect?”
      The re-brand proved a death knell to viewing figures, slumping to a record low of 730,000 on August 19 last year.
      More tuned in to watch Channel 5’s Britain’s Poshest Farm Shops that night.
      Read more on The Sun
      On Friday, insiders told the Mirror that presenters and captains had been informed of the show’s fate and were “gutted”.
      It is a particular blow for McGuinness, 50, who recently lost his presenting role on Top Gear after programme makers scrapped the motoring show he’d presented since 2018. More

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      BBC bosses ‘are talking to Gary Lineker’ after Match of the Day host slammed Rwanda plan in ANOTHER Twitter storm

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      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host was slammed for blasting the Government’s Rwanda plan.The TV host, 63, found himself at the centre of yet another Twitter storm after urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker about his recent tweetsCredit: PA
      The TV pundit called out the government and Grant Shapps for the Rwanda schemeCredit: PA
      In a letter which is campaigning for change, Together With Refugees branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and said asylum policies are not working.
      And Lineker landed himself in hot water after co-signing a letter with other celebs, calling for the scheme to be thrown out.
      Now, BBC bosses are “talking to Lineker” about his posts, the Times reports.
      The former England star turned pundit said about the letter: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
      read more on gary lineker
      “That’s why I’m backing this new campaign, because fair really can begin here.”
      The Beeb are now said to be discussing whether their updated social media guidelines, which came into play in September, are tight enough after Lineker is accused of ridiculing cabinet minister Grant Shapps and Conservative backbenchers.
      Talks between bosses and Lineker about his tweets are reportedly set to take place.
      A BBC spokesman said: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
      Most read in Football
      “While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
      “We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
      Lineker previously sparked an impartiality row in March after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Grant Shapps said on Monday morning that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      When asked if the Match of the Day host should continue expressing political views, Defence Secretary Mr Shapps told Times Radio: “He’s been through all of this before.
      “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues.
      “The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country?
      “That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”
      He added: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC.
      “As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point.
      “I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”
      Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right – we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people. What the people want is to stop the boats and to tell overpaid crisp salesmen to put a sock in it.
      “Alongside cracking down on illegal migration, we need another robust system which keeps Lineker as far away from the public as possible, to give us all a rest from his Left-wing, out-of-touch nonsense.”
      The Beeb row comes as the Prime Minister is trying to convince his own backbenchers to support his Rwanda Bill, with both the right of the party and the One Nation faction set to announce whether they support it later on today.
      Read more on The Sun
      The Bill seeks to declare Rwanda a safe country and also empowers ministers to ignore parts of the Human Rights Act.
      Mr Shapps told Sky News Home Office modelling suggests that of the current cases which are challenged successfully, “99.5% of them would not be challenged once this is in place”. More

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      BBC and ITV picks for FA Cup third round revealed as fuming fans say ‘ridiculous.. who wants to watch them?’

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      THE kick-off times and dates for the FA Cup third round have been released. With fans not happy about what fixtures have been selected for TV coverage.
      Spurs vs Burnley has been controversially chosen for TVCredit: PA
      Alfreton Town won’t get a mega-money payday should they beat Walsall in a replayCredit: Getty
      Matches will be on BBC and ITVCredit: @EmiratesFACup
      It all gets underway on January 4 as Crystal Palace welcome fellow Premier League side Everton at 8pm on ITV4.
      The match is scheduled for Thursday after talks with the Metropolitan Police.
      Cops were concerned due to ten London teams being drawn at home in the third round, stretching their resources.
      The day after, Tottenham face Burnley in another all Prem tie that gets underway at 8pm on ITV1.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The local derby between Sunderland and Newcastle kicks-off at 12.45pm on Saturday 6 January – another selected by ITV.
      With the 3pm blackout in place, the next instalment for fans will be at 5:30pm on BBC One as Middlesbrough entertain Aston Villa.
      The jam-packed weekend slows down with just one match live on Sunday – but it is a big one with Arsenal taking on Liverpool at the Emirates at 4:30pm on BBC One.
      And the third round will come to a close on Monday night at 8.15pm as Wigan play Manchester United on ITV1.
      Most read in FA Cup
      Maidstone United, who play in the sixth tier, will not be shown as they face Stevenage or Port Vale.
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      And non-league Alfreton Town need to overcome Walsall in a replay to earn a trip to Southampton – but that will also not be shown on tele.
      The selections made by the broadcasters have been slammed by fans as the lower league clubs have been snubbed from a mega-money payday.
      One said: “This is scandalous. Give the non-league teams some air time! I’d much rather watch Maidstone vs Port Vale/Stevenage than Tottenham vs Burnley. Disgraceful.”
      Another added: “My oh my they are stinking ties why are they selected for TV?”
      A third fumed: “What happened to the magic of the cup and giving lower league clubs a platform?”
      More commented: “Ridiculous who wants to watch them?”
      FA CUP THIRD-ROUND DRAW IN FULL
      Read more on The Sun

      Luton vs Bolton
      Shrewsbury vs Wrexham or Yeovill
      Arsenal vs Liverpool
      Stoke vs Brighton
      Norwich vs Crewe Alexandra
      West Ham vs Bristol City
      Tottenham vs Burnley
      Fulham vs Rotherham
      West Brom vs Aldershot or Stockport
      Southampton vs Alfreton or Walsall
      AFC Wimbledon or Ramsgate vs Ipswich
      Peterborough vs Leeds
      Millwall vs Leicester
      Watford vs Chesterfield or Leyton Orient
      Sunderland vs Newcastle
      Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff City
      Crystal Palace vs Everton
      Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
      Nottingham Forest vs Blackpool or Forest Green Rovers
      Wigan vs Man Utd
      Man City vs Huddersfield
      Blackburn vs Cambridge
      Gillingham vs Sheffield United
      Swansea City vs Morecambe
      Chelsea vs Preston North End
      QPR vs Bournemouth
      Coventry City vs Oxford United
      Brentford vs Wolves
      Plymouth Argyle vs Sutton United
      Maidstone United vs Stevenage or Port Vale
      Newport County or Barnet vs Eastleigh or Reading
      Hull City vs Birmingham City More