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      ‘Psychopathic’ Arsenal Invincible ‘would have been a criminal if it weren’t for football’, jokes former team-mate

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      EMMANUEL PETIT claims football “saved” fellow Arsenal legend Martin Keown from a life of crime.Petit revealed the ex-hardman “reminded me of psychopaths” but controlled his behaviour as he knew he was being watched on TV.Martin Keown famously confronted Man Utd’s Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyEmmanuel Petit says he and fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira were ‘so happy’ to have Keown playing behind themCredit: Action Images – ReutersKeown, 57, now a BBC and BT Sport pundit, won the last of his three Premier League titles with the Gunners as one of the 2003-4 “Invincibles”.But French World Cup winner Petit reckons only the discipline of sport kept the former England centre-back on the straight and narrow.The ex-midfielder, 53, told talkSPORT: “I always told him that football saved his life. Otherwise he would have been a criminal.”You know, the rules on the pitch… the fact that he could fight on the pitch, but with referees, things like this, he knew that television was looking at him, fans were looking at him, so he had to behave – with good manners as well.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I remember so many things with him. This guy sometimes reminds me of psychopaths.”Petit smiled as he added: “I told him football saved you. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble in normal life because he’s such a nice guy but all of a sudden in the space of one second he can change.”Keown was at the centre of one of English football’s most notorious images – aggressively taunting Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy over a missed penalty in September 2003.But Petit gave another dramatic example of what he believes was the defender’s sensitive temperament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe explained how Arsenal team-mates intervened against Sheffield Wednesday when Keown got his fingers around Paolo Di Canio’s throat.The former Chelsea and Barcelona star said: “You could see his eyes – he was not there anymore. He just wanted to kill Paolo Di Canio.The Wags of the North London Derby”So the way he plays, the way he used to take care of the strikers all the time – me and Patrick (Vieira) in midfield were so happy to have Martin at the back for you.”Petit also joked that Keown’s defensive partner Tony Adams was “clever” at “managing Martin just like someone who is walking with his dangerous dog”.Arsenal defensive icons Tony Adams and Keown hold the Prem trophy in 2002Credit: Getty More

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      I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running Marathon as he thinks Man Utd have ‘already kicked off’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE declared he was in a “rush” after mistakenly thinking Manchester United had already kicked off at Wembley after he’d completed the London Marathon.The 71-year-old billionaire recently completed his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and takeover of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon before heading to watch Man UtdCredit: ReutersThe Utd chief told BBC he was in a ‘rush’ to get to Wembley as they interviewed him afterwardsCredit: BBCSir Jim was spotted in his seat at Wembley just after half timeCredit: BBCHe continues to make a number of changes off the pitch, while United are hoping for some joy on it this afternoon.The Red Devils face Coventry City at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final this afternoon, where the winner will face holders Man City after they beat Chelsea yesterday.However, Ratcliffe joined the thousands of other runners in the capital this morning for the London Marathon and recorded a personal best time of 4hrs 30mins 52secs.And after Ratcliffe had crossed the finish line, he joined the BBC for a quick chat before making the dash to Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRatcliffe started his conversation with BBC presenter Gabby Logan with: “I’m in a rush… I need to get to the match.”Even though he still had 45 minutes to go until the action got underway at Wembley, he then mistakenly said: “They’ve already kicked off haven’t they, so I’ll have to be quick.”After revealing that he recorded a time of around four-and-a-half hours, he then got down to discussing a potential Manchester derby against City in the FA Cup Final.After awkwardly mishearing Logan refer to Coventry as underdogs, he thought that she was talking about the Red Devils’ chances against their neighbours.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe said: “We are definitely the underdog. Unfortunately. Not for long though.”Asked to compare running a marathon to his progress at United, he replied: “There are some parallels, I have to say. It just sort of requires some grit.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old Trafford“Always, in the marathon, after 30k it gets quite difficult. “I don’t think we are quite at 30k in the football yet, we’ve still got some way to go.”When asked if it equated to a half marathon, he replied: “No, not even there really… probably only the first 10k.“But it’s a long journey really the football because one of the biggest problems is that you get these new guys to come into the team, really capable people, but they are all on gardening leave.“So it takes you six months, a year or 18 months – it’s a real issue in football. “They can’t work for us, the fans are impatient and I have some sympathy with that.“But it’s a journey and, whether they like it or not, they have to be a bit patient. It’s not a lightswitch, it takes a bit of time.”United confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director this week from Southampton.Wilcox, whose previous roles include technical director at Southampton and academy director at Manchester City, will report to the sporting director.The new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.The London MarathonSome of the other celebrities that were spotted crossing the finish line along with Ratcliffe:

      Singer Tom Grennan
      Comedian Romesh Ranganathan
      Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham
      Actress Ruth Wilson
      Actor Christopher Eccleston
      Actor Phil Dunster
      Actor Jamie Borthwick
      Actress Emma Barton 

      Wilcox’s arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.Another thing Ratcliffe and INEOS want to do is transform Old Trafford – or build a completely new stadium and make it a “Wembley of the North”.When asked about that by Logan, He replied: “I’d love to do that. I think that would be fantastic for the north of England.“I think that whole area of southern Manchester, it’s where the industrial revolution began, and that’s why they built Old Trafford there.“The workers would finish their shift, walk to the ground – so it was where industry and manufacturing began.“It’s a really important area but it’s run down, so to regenerate that area and build a Wembley of the North would be a marvellous project and we could achieve it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSuddenly, he intervened again to cut-short the conversation by signing off with: “Anyway, I need to get to the match.”Although he did have time before he dashed off to reveal that it would definitely not be the tube that he would be using to get to the national stadium.Sir Jim reiterated his desire to build a ‘Wembley of the North’ new stadium More

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      Former wonderkid, 28, quit football for Strictly Come Dancing after rainbow flick over Man Utd ace in training

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      KAI WIDDRINGTON’S fancy footwork extends well past the dancefloor.The Strictly Come Dancing star, 28, decided against following his dad into football as he swapped his boots for tap shoes.Kai Widdrington poses with dance partner Helen SkeltonCredit: GettyWiddrington’s twinkle toes could have been put to use in footballCredit: RexThe Strictly star was on trial for Southampton’s academyCredit: PAAnd one current Manchester United ace may be glad he did after Widdrington, who was competing against him at Southampton’s academy, embarrassed him in training.Kai – the son of Aldershot boss Tommy Widdrington – told talkSPORT’s Hawksbee and Jacobs show: “That was the best thing that happened to me you know.”I always use the analogy of Billy Elliot, I mean my dad’s from the North East right and I’m telling my dad at 12 years old.”I got a contract offer from Southampton to be a left-back and I’m a right-footed left-back so I could play with both feet.READ MORE FOOTBALL”So I was half decent right and I was quite quick and I turned it down to dance with the British champion. Bearing in mind at this time I wasn’t very good, but apparently she fancied me right.”So I was like ‘yeah go on then!'”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWiddrington’s competition for a full-back spot was United flier Luke Shaw, also 28.He revealed to the Daily Mail: “I remember rainbow flicking Luke Shaw once in training.Most read in FootballStrictly fans can’t believe Kai Widdrington’s ‘real age’ after it’s revealed on the show “I’d never done that in my life, I was on trial wearing blades on an astroturf and getting rinsed, so I rainbow flicked.”He’s probably not bothered now on quarter of a million pounds a week at Manchester United!”Kai’s brother Theo plays under their former footballer father with the Shots.But unlike Billy Elliot, he had plenty of support from his dad.He added: “The tipping point for me was Sunday football was obviously on a Sunday and [dancing] competitions were on a Sunday. So I had to choose basically and I just loved dancing that little bit more.”The conversation I had with my old man was like ‘listen Dad, I just love dancing that little bit more’ and to be fair to him, I was never worried to tell him. That’s how I knew it was going to be OK.”You know, during the week where he’d be training with Salisbury or wherever else he was, he would drive me two hours to have an hour lesson then drive me back, he was the most supportive dad.”He was and wasn’t the Billy Elliot dad!”Luke Shaw came through Southampton’s youth ranksCredit: Action Images – ReutersDad Tommy added: “Kai has no regrets about football. He is Premier League in terms of what he is doing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was world champion at 14 in Latin American dancing. He could have signed for Saints when we moved to the south. The bloke who was left back at the time was Luke Shaw!”I remember them saying to me when he went on trial ‘I am not sure he is better than the one we have got (Shaw) but we will keep him.'”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      BBC in major broadcasting change for Euro 2024 with England games affected

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      ALAN SHEARER revealed he will be co-commentating during England’s matches at Euro 2024 this summer.This marks a massive change by the BBC as Shearer wasn’t part of the channel’s commentary team during Euro 2020 and instead worked as a pundit.Alan Shearer will be co-commentating England’s Euro 2024 gamesCredit: GettyHowever, the 53-year-old, who amassed 30 goals in 63 caps with the Three Lions, appears to have jumped the gun during the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast.The Newcastle legend joined Gary Lineker as well as Micah Richards and the trio were asked to rank their various TV roles of presenter, pundit, commentator and co-commentator from hardest to easiest.That led to yet another hilarious banter segment that seems to have set the scene for BBC’s coverage of the Euros.Each TV personality issued various different responses but Richards insisted co-commentators need to work mostly on instinct.Read More on FootballThat was when Shearer quipped: “Does that mean I will be getting hammered for doing the co-comms in the England games in the Euros?”Richards jokingly responded: “100 per cent.”And Lineker added: “I must say, you have actually been pretty good so far.”But that obviously could go wrong…”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat was when the whole panel, including Shearer, laughed their socks off.The Premier League record goalscorer mostly conducts studio punditry but has experience on commentary.Alan Shearer congratulates Ireland star Sammie Szmodics after reaching 30-goal landmark for Blackburn RoversAnd now it seems like the legendary striker will be calling the action during England’s bid of winning their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.The BBC are yet to announce their presenter and punditry lineup for the Euros.Shearer will be covering England’s bid of winning their first trophy since 1966 More

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      Steve Bruce talks about ‘tickly bum time’ in live BBC blunder before making awkward sex joke about former team-mate

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      LEGENDARY ex-defender Steve Bruce has spectacularly failed to play it safe at the back – as he made two saucy gaffes on live radio.The Manchester United hero invented “tickly bum time” – then made an awkward sex joke about former team-mate Gary Pallister.Gary Pallister might be interested to hear Steve Bruce’s intriguing reminiscencesCredit: Getty – ContributorBruce and Pallister were iconic defensive partners at Man Utd in the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe two centre-backs won three top-flight titles, a trio of FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup alongside each other at Old Trafford.But Bruce’s famous no-nonsense style deserted him on air.He began to crack when BBC 5 Live Sport asked him about the monumental title battle between Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.That’s when he reconditioned iconic ex-United boss Alex Ferguson’s “squeaky bum time” expression into something potentially more Blue than Red Devil – namely “tickly bum time”.READ MORE TOP STORIESThis colourful description could have escaped as a one-off blunder – until Bruce surpassed himself with his follow-up effort.The ex-Newcastle and Sunderland manager, 63, was explaining how United’s stars had no time to rest under a strict regime in the 1990s.And his second own goal came via an odd explanation of how his partnership with Pallister worked so well.Bruce said: “We messed about which helped a lot when you play with each other… I don’t mean literally.Most read in FootballEx-Newcastle boss Bruce unwittingly doubled down on his first gaffeCredit: Getty”You play alongside each other – and that’s the way it works.”The ex-Aston Villa chief’s “flashback” to his golden years as a player stunned listeners.Erik Ten Hag previews Man United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea”What’s going on with Steve Bruce tonight?” asked one football fan, who posted the clips online.Luckily for listeners, full-time went on his interview before he had the chance to rise the occasion by clinching a hat-trick of cheeky errors.Pallister and Bruce were a classic link-upCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing fans claim Ben Whittaker’s entrance is ‘worst you’ve ever seen’ in Diversity-themed ringwalk

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      BRITAIN’S brash boxing hope Ben Whittaker caused a sensation of an unexpected kind – as fans dubbed his ringwalk the “worst ever”.The Olympic hero made it seven wins from seven fights by outpointing Leon Willings – but only after a dodgy Diversity-themed entrance.Ben Whittaker’s bizarre entrance was bashed on social mediaCredit: Reuters”I dropped him in the first, I thought ‘ooo’ shall I get him!” 😅Ben Whittaker reacts to his victory over Leon Willings 👇 pic.twitter.com/0qyUKmNx4o— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) March 31, 2024

      Benzo’s pre-fight walk-on was described as choreographed by Ashley Banjo.He’s the street dancer who led troupe Diversity, judges on Dancing on Ice and co-presented BBC game show Can’t Touch This.But Whittaker’s ringwalk – a mix of tumbling dancers, cloud effects and streaks of fire – looked more like something from Eurovision.And viewers piled in with a mainly negative response to his lavish mini-display at the O2 Arena on the Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke undercard.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne rated the light-heavyweight ace’s arrival “the worst you’ve ever seen”.Another joked: “Didn’t realise we were back at GCSE drama.”Other thumbs-down verdicts included: “Underwhelming” …”Got bored before he came out tbh” … and “Load of nonsense”.And one enthusiast fears Whittaker is already too big for his boots.Most read in BoxingWhittaker celebrates victory over Leon WillingsCredit: ReutersHe wrote: “Only had 7 fights and walking in like a world champ!!!”But a few fans were in Whittaker’s corner over the “cool” ringwalk.’You need to sort your commentary out’ says Ben Whittaker in awkward interview on live TV leaving pundits looking sheepish The 2020 Olympic silver medallist went on to beat Willings comfortably – by 78-73 on the referee’s scorecard.”Good fight,” reacted one fan, and “Loved his style, please don’t change,” urged another. More

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      BBC make shock change to England vs Belgium broadcast which could leave millions of fans unable to follow friendly

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      BBC have relegated England in a move that could impact the way thousands of supporters tune in to tonight’s game.The Three Lions will face Belgium at Wembley in their latest international friendly ahead of Euro 2024.England have been relegated by the BBC but it’s good news for Welsh fansCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday and he is expected to make several changes to his side later.However, there has now been a huge change for those hoping to listen in to the action.The Telegraph states that the match will no longer be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live.The Beeb have instead opted to provide commentary on Wales’ crunch play-off clash with Poland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe winner of that will join Southgate’s side in Germany at the Euros.The Three Lions have now been switched to their digital station Radio 5 Sports Extra.The match is also being broadcast live on talkSPORT.And fans can also tune in to watch it live on television courtesy of Channel 4.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe move comes after the closure of Radio 4 long wave.That will mean that people will not be able to listen to Test Match Special unless they have access to either a digital radio or the internet.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThat decision was criticised by many after being confirmed by the BBC.And it was called “dreadful” by ex-England captain Sir Geoffrey Boycott.Meanwhile, Southgate is believed to be set to start Kobbie Mainoo for the first time later.The midfielder, 18, has burst on the scene at Manchester United this term.He initially missed out on the senior squad this month, but after a number of injuries, he was called up late.Mainoo then came off the bench against Brazil to win his first cap and impressed with his cameo.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow he could start in the middle alongside Declan Rice, who will captain the team for the first time.Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa are both hoping to get the nod in defence while Ivan Toney is likely to lead the attack. More

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      Alex Scott puts on leggy display in elegant black dress as fans label BBC presenter ‘absolutely stunning’

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      FANS say they know why Alex Scott is “glowing” even more than usual.”I guess love does that,” said one admirer after the BBC sports presenter posted radiant snaps in a black dress.Fans say Alex Scott looks ‘incredible’ in recent snapsCredit: The Mega AgencyShe began dating singer Jess Glynne last yearCredit: RexThe Lionesses’ legend, 39, has appeared blissful and relaxed at glamorous events alongside partner Jess Glynne in recent weeks.And she beamed in a solo shoot that the former Arsenal defender shared on Instagram.Fans raved “Look at youuu” and “Beautiful queen” as Alex flashed a big smile in the four photos.She wore a long gown with a slit down one side and matching high heels.READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTTThe response from her followers included: “elegant” … “beautiful” … “stunning” … “incredible” and “gorgeous”.And this opinion attracted many likes from other followers: “Alex you are glowing ❤. I’m guessing love does that.”The 140-cap former England star has been dating pop singer Jess since last summer.The Sun revealed their relationship back in October after they were first seen together in public three months earlier at Wimbledon.Most read in FootballSince then the couple have shared a string of happy snaps.Alex posted pictures when they from a Brit Awards after-party earlier this month.Alex Scott braves wind and torrential rain as she stuns in tartan jacket on BBCAnd Jess says she is “getting used to” their relationship being widely shown in public.But she also told Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place podcast: “I do love to somehow keep my personal life to myself. It’s so important.“Even though we’re both in this public space, what we have, that’s ours.“I feel like that’s something I will always do.”The former right-back won 140 capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More