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    Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

    GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Jermaine Jenas will NOT work for TNT Sports this month after he is sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts’

    JERMAINE JENAS will NOT be working for TNT Sports this month following his axing from The BBC.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder has been fired from the national broadcaster due to alleged “inappropriate behaviour”.Jermaine Jenas has been axed by the BBC over alleged “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: GETTYJenas’ Beeb axing has raised questions over his future with TNT SportsCredit: PAJenas is currently not slated to be on TNT Sports for the next few weeksCredit: GettyJenas was sacked after a female member of staff on The One Show claimed she received “unsolicited texts” from the 41-year-old.The Beeb have launched a probe into the allegations, which have raised questions about his punditry duties with TNT.And according to The Mirror, TNT currently don’t have Jenas “pencilled in for games over the next few weeks”.TNT have yet to release a statement on the allegations made against Jenas, who was part of their broadcast team for Liverpool’s trip to Ipswich last Saturday.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASThe allegations against Jenas have likely ended his dream of succeeding Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.Jenas’ axing comes just weeks after the Beeb announced an independent review into its workplace culture in light of the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.A well-placed source told The Sun: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.”Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.Most read in FootballJermaine Jenas is understood to be “devastated” by his BBC axingCredit: GETTY”After some immediate routine enquiries, the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.”The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’”At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”Jenas was live on talkSPORT when news of his sacking broke, although he declined to provide an in-depth comment on his dismissal.The married dad-of-four said “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.”There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”The retired midfielder later added: “I’m not happy about this situation.”I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.” More

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    Match of the Day confirm appointment of new pundit just hours before start of new Premier League season

    MATCH OF THE DAY chiefs have added a former Lioness to the line-up this season.The shift comes after Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped down from the role in May after 27 years on the show.Retired Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has joined Match of the DayCredit: GettyShe joins a new look panel that will also see Theo Walcott and Joe Hart joining regulars Alan Shearer and Gary LinekerCredit: GettyIn a new-look campaign, the BBC have added Steph Houghton to their line-up of new pundits.The newly-retired Manchester City captain will join fellow newbies Theo Walcott and Euros pundit Joe Hart.Houghton eased into punditry with the BBC during England women’s games after missing out on various Sarina Wiegman’s squads after fitness concerns.Alan Shearer will continue as a weekly pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according to the Beeb.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Houghton, 36, said: “I am looking forward to being able to share my experiences and provide insights into the game that I love.”She has won three Women’s Super League titles across her spells with Arsenal and City.The defender also has 121 caps for her country, leading the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Walcott – who debuts on Match of the Day this Saturday alongside regular host Gary Lineker – said: “I grew up watching BBC Sport so I’m over the moon to be joining.”It’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited to get going. Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary.Star-Studded Glamour at the ‘It Ends With Us’ Premiere”There’s plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I’ve had to offer different views.”Houghton announced her retirement from football in MarchCredit: Getty More

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    BBC turn to two former England stars to replace Ian Wright after Arsenal legend’s emotional Match of the Day exit

    ARSENAL hero Theo Walcott will be taking the hot seat next to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day next season.It comes after former Gunner Ian Wright, 60, emotionally stepped away from the role after 27 years at the end of the last campaign.Ian Wright’s Match of the Day replacements have been namedCredit: PAWright joined the footie show during his playing career in 1997Credit: BBCTheo Walcott will fill into his shoes next seasonCredit: RexJoe Hart was confirmed as the second ex-England star to replace WrightCredit: GettyNewly retired Joe Hart will also appear alongside the regular team in a new look panel for the 24/25 Premier League season.The former Manchester City and Celtic goalkeeper eased into punditry with the BBC during England’s run to the Euros final and will be in the studio for the first weekend of Prem action.Meanwhile, Walcott, 35, has regularly featured on Sky Sports’ top-flight games since calling time on his career last summer, after a stint back at boyhood club Southampton.Alan Shearer will continue in his weekly role as a pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according tot the BBC.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Weekly panellist Wright – endearingly nicknamed “Wrighty” – departed Match of the Day in May and has since revealed the reasons behind his surprise exit.He told the Stick to Football Podcast: “It’s time. I had a dear friend who said that sometimes you’ve got to know when to step back, change, rest, have a break, and say no, it’s just time.”The way I am now, because I have to get back to London from Manchester after filming it’s like 3:30am in the morning – it’s a long day. Most read in Football”It takes me two to three days after that to get ready and there are other things I’m doing which I just haven’t got the energy for sometimes.”New duo Hart and Walcott starred for England at several international tournaments and have racked up an impressive 738 Premier League appearances between them.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott became England’s youngest-ever senior star, aged 17 years and 75 days against Hungary in May 2006, before being included in the World Cup squad that summer.The 35-year-old brings plenty of Prem knowledge, having notched 108 goals in 270 Arsenal appearances before joining Everton in 2018.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldWhile Hart picked up 75 caps during his nine year spell as the Three Lions’ No1.Speaking on his new role, the ex-goalkeeper said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”On Wright’s Match of the Day exit, previous host Des Lynam, 81, said: “It’s a shame, because he has developed into a first-class broadcaster and pundit. “He speaks from the heart and people like that. He’s never bland. He made his first appearance on MotD when I was there. “He came on, as a player, and said ‘Des, this is my Graceland’ because he’d watched it since he was a boy.”Lynam also backed Micah Richards to step into Wright’s shoes and become a regular pundit on the BBC’s flagship footie show.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ‘I think it’s Richards isn’t it? He’s got a sense of humour and he knows football.”I think he needs to calm down a little but his opinions are quite solid, though I don’t think anybody can quite match Wrighty.”Alan Shearer remains on the panel to show Walcott and Hart the ropesCredit: BBCJoe Hart will be on screen most Saturday’s for Match of the DayCredit: BBCWalcott will also replace fellow Arsenal star WrightCredit: Getty More

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    Fans ‘crying, heartbroken and speechless’ as BBC football pundit steps down.. with SunSport columnist replacing him

    FANS were left devastated to learn that Garth Crooks is leaving his role picking the team of the week for the BBC.Crooks, 66, became beloved for his all-out-attack choices that often left his team playing bizarre formations.Garth Crooks will no longer pick the BBC’s team of the weekCredit: PA:Empics SportHis teams often saw wingers shoe-horned in as wing-backs and forward players anchoring the midfield – much to the delight and bemusement of fans online.Reacting to his shock departure as the new season approaches, one fan said this was: “The worst news to wake up to. Crying. Heartbroken. Speechless.”Another invoked a famous Wayne Rooney tweet by saying: “Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week has passed away. RIP u will live on forever. Cant believe it. I wanna run to u. Really cant believe this.”A third fan said: “No one really cared about the actual opinions in the BBC Team of the Week, they just wanted to see what insane formation Garth Crooks had cooked up and who he had thrown left wing back despite their actual position being available.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Spurs striker had been the BBC’s go-to man for picking the team of the week for a number of years but he is now being replaced by a SunSport columnist.Former Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney will be stepping in to replace Crooks.Writing for the BBC about his new role, Deeney said: “I’m delighted to tell you that I am taking over from the legend that is Garth Crooks to select BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week every weekend, and it is a great honour to get to fill his shoes.”I’ve always had massive respect for Garth for his amazing career in the media after his playing days ended and, as someone who is following in his footsteps now, I’ve always looked up to him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.”I also really admire his approach because, when he has an opinion, he is not afraid to say it and he is always able to back it up – yet he never comes across as someone who is trying to be controversial just to get likes or views on social media or anywhere else.”Garth genuinely believes in what he says, and the same applies to me, or at least I’d like to think so!”Troy Deeney will replace Garth CrooksCredit: RexMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More

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    Former Match of the Day host Des Lynam suggests female pundits are unqualified to cover men’s matches

    EX-Match of the Day host Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matches.The BBC footie show is regularly fronted by women, including Gabby Logan, with other female guests.Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matchesCredit: Rex FeaturesLynam, now 81, said: “I’ve got no gripe with female presenters. “But when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about — ie, the men’s game.”After a pause, he added to the Radio Times: “In my view.”The veteran broadcaster also questioned the influx of international players, saying: “I’ve supported Brighton all my life, but I can’t name the team now.Read More on Sport“There’s only about two I know, the others are all foreign boys who have come from South America and all sorts of places.”When Lynam left the BBC for ITV after three decades in 1999, Gary Lineker became the main host of Match of the Day — a position he holds 25 years on.Controversially, he is reportedly paid £1.3million a year. Lynam said: “I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or firemen does, but it’s the market — that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker is “a very lucky chap” who has had “two great careers”. Lynam added: “When I left, he immediately got the job and he grew into it very rapidly. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for my money I think he does a first-class job.” More

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    BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenes

    DENISE LEWIS said an emotional goodbye to the BBC as she quit her job as a pundit to start a new career. The 51-year-old has been on screens since 2009 and announced her shock departure live on TV. Denise Lewis said an emotional farewell to the BBCHer colleagues gave her a huge send-off, with Micheal Johnson handing her a bunch of flowersLewis brilliantly dropped her mic as she said goodbyeAs the Olympics athletics action came to a close in Paris, Lewis revealed she was taking up a new job as President of UK Athletics.Presenter Gabby Logan and colleagues Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Johnson gave the Sydney 2000 gold medallist an incredible send-off.After an stunning montage of her best moments, the American runner gave Lewis a huge bunch of flowers and said: “We love you and we are going to miss you. It’s been amazing working with you.”Ennis-Hill added: “I grew up watching you and was inspired by you. Now I’ve got to sit next to you. READ MORE IN OLYMPICS”It’s been such an honour and thank you for guiding me. Wish you all the best.”Logan said: “I’m a superfan and I got to call her a colleague. “Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis looked emotional as she said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenesLewis then brilliantly signed off by dropping her microphone on the table to huge cheers from behind-the-scenes BBC employees.Opening up on her new role, the former heptathlon star explained: “It’s time to try to help develop the sport that has been so amazing to me.”I would not be in this position if I had not dared to dream, had a club, all the volunteers that make the clubs what they need to be.”I will be working with the membership, predominately grassroots as that is where the work needs to be done.”We need to make sure the pipeline to events like this [Olympics].”We need to encourage local communities to get involved with athletics.”BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More

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    BBC One fails to broadcast gender row boxer’s quarter-final to show gymnastics

    BBC ONE opted not to show Imane Khelif’s boxing quarter-final victory over Anna Luca Hamori.Khelif’s 46 second first round win over Angela Carini sparked a global gender debate, after the Italian broke down in tears.Imane Khelif defeated Hungarian Anna Luca HamoriCredit: GettyKhelif booked her place in the semi-finalsCredit: GettyThe Algerian, 25, was born a woman – but failed a gender test at the Russian-led IBA sanctioned World Championships in New Delhi last year.It has not been specified what the exact nature of the gender test was.But they have confirmed that she did not undergo testosterone examinations.And Khelif does not identify as transgender or intersex.READ MORE IN SPORTHer participation in the women’s welterweight event sparked controversy, however, with the Italian Prime Minister among those to criticise the situation.Carini has since apologised to Khelif.With Khelif’s campaign having become a huge story, plenty of fans wanted to watch her second bout.But with BBC One opting to show Team GB’s star gymnast Max Whitlock instead, some struggled to find coverage of Khelif’s fight with Hamori, which was shown on iPlayer.Most read in BoxingOne fan wrote on social media: “Anyone find the khelif boxing in uk, got fire stick. Tried all different countries on Eurosport and nothing on bbc about boxing. Strange one.”While a second asked: “I can’t find the women’s boxing on BBC iplayer?”Boxer who fought BOTH Olympics gender row stars breaks her silence on controversy that is overshadowing Paris GamesThe BBC have been contacted for comment.Coverage on iPlayer did opt to reference controversy surrounding Khelif.While Discovery Plus’ broadcast of the bout chose not to speak about it.Following her unanimous decision victory over Hamori, Khelif has guaranteed herself a medal in the 66kg event.Khelif produced a majority decision win over HamoriCredit: PA More