More stories

  • in

    ‘Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the Day

    GABBY Logan used an old turn of phrase to promise that Match of the Day will NOT radically change from next season.Logan, 51, will team up with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates to host the BBC’s flagship football show, with Lineker stepping down from the role after 26 years in the hotseat.Gabby Logan has vowed fans that Match of the Day ‘won’t be totally different’ in the futureCredit: AlamyKelly Cates (left), Mark Chapman (centre) and Logan have teamed up to host the BBC’s flagship football show from the start of next season, with Gary Lineker stepping down after 26 yearsCredit: PAGary Lineker will step down from the BBC flagship show in MayCates, Chapman, and Logan are set to split presenting duties for Match of the Day and the Sunday show between the three of them.Lineker’s quitting statement said the Beeb planned to make changes when its new contract for the rights to Premier League football began in August.But, despite the end of an era, Logan has vowed that the content of the show will stay the same.Logan told the ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast: “We’ve all presented the show before as stand ins.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But it will feel very exciting at the start of next season. It won’t be totally different.”Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s a football highlights show, we’ve got the same kind of pundit.”And it’s all about the football.”The idiom is a warning against accidentally throwing away something good when discarding something else.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan also revealed the lengths to which she and her co-hosts went to keep the news a secret ahead of January’s official announcement.The former Sky Sports presenter was forced to keep it from her closest pals and family, only husband Kenny being told.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly She explained: “I didn’t even tell my mum. I set up a group chat and called it ‘The Match of the Day three’.”And there were disappearing messages as Chappers [Chapman] was really paranoid about this. The only person I told was Kenny!”Logan was not the only one to keep her new position secret. New colleague Cates also kept it to herself, with even Dad Kenny Dalglish kept in the dark.They will become the show’s first permanent female presenters.Logan said broadcasting was a “completely different landscape” for women working in sport, both in front of and behind the camera, since she started her career.She added: “There are now so many great male and female broadcasters.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, so many more females working in sports, not just in front of the camera or the microphone, but also behind the scenes.”The BBC have confirmed that Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will continue as pundits of Match of the Day next season. More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks at ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs Fulham

    IT’S the question all Manchester United fans are asking.And when Gary Lineker put it to Wayne Rooney live on BBC before the FA Cup tie with Fulham, the United legend needed a deep intake of breath.Former Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney might have guessed the question was coming but still found it difficultCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDRooney’s face said it all when asked about Ruben AmorimCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDMatch of the Day host Lineker turned to the pundit and said: “Nice easy question for you. What have you made of Ruben Amorim’s tenure so far?”Rooney puffed out his cheeks as he prepared to reply – four months after Amorim was appointed boss and with United now 14th in the Prem.Ex-England skipper Roo raised an eyebrow and smiled as he joked: “Good, easy one!”The ex-Everton striker, who was sacked as Plymouth manager in December, added: “It’s been a difficult start of course with results.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”But I think we’ve seen what he’s trying to do, with players going out on loan, and I think there’s a lot of players who need to leave the football club and I think he’s slowly trying to do that.”Really think his time will start next season.”Rooney also argued: “I think they have to find a way to get through this season. “I think the FA Cup there is still a chance of going and trying to win a trophy.Most read in FA CupRuben Amorim saw United fall behind on Sunday vs FulhamCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But I think there’s big changes at Manchester United on and off the pitch.”I think from next season we’ll start seeing the real change.”Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant Less than an hour later, Rooney was contemplating another awkward situation.Calvin Bassey nodded the only goal of the first half for Fulham in stoppage time at Old Trafford.And yet again it came from woeful United defending.Rooney called that opening period of Sunday’s fifth-round clash a “tough watch”.He claimed there were stars “playing in the wrong positions” – labelling that a key problem for Amorim to solve in the summer transfer window. More

  • in

    BBC commentator condemns Millwall fans’ vile chants as stricken Mateta is stretchered off and given oxygen

    BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce condemned Milwall fans’ vile chant aimed at Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta was stretchered off the pitch needing oxygen after colliding with keeper Liam Roberts – who was sent off. Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off after a collision with keeper Liam RobertsCredit: ReutersRoberts’ boot caught MatetaCredit: GettyThe keeper was sent off as a resultCredit: ReutersTravelling fans at Selhurt Park could be heard singing “Let Him Die” -which Pearce condemned on air. He said: “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves to anyone with their chant about Mateta. The club could be revisited about that.”According to the Daily Mail, the FA are to investigate “Chelsea rent boys” chants aimed at Ben Chilwell – on loan to Palace from the Blues. But “let him die” aimed at Mateta will not as “does not breach regulations.” READ MORE IN football Just six minutes were on the clock in the FA Cup fifth-round clash when the Palace’s Will Hughes played a superb long pass up the field.Mateta and Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper tussled for the bouncing ball – but Lions stopper Roberts came rushing out of his box.The 30-year-old did appear to win a part of the ball but he then clattered into Mateta’s head with his stray boot.Referee Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue with Palace still on the attack but once the shot was headed away, he stopped the game.Most read in FootballAnd after initially allowing Roberts to stay on the field, Oliver was sent to the pitchside VAR monitor to watch a replay.He decided to overturn his decision and announced the sending off over the in-stadium tannoy before brandishing the red card.How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham FA Cup clash – Expert’s best bets | Weekend WagerMateta stayed down for several minutes as he was treated by the medics on the pitch.After nearly ten minutes on the ground, he was carried off on a stretcher to the corner of the ground where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital.The French striker received oxygen as he was taken away.Eddie Nketiah came on in his place in a concussion substitute – meaning Palace still had their five remaining subs.Millwall also were forced into a tactical change as Lions No1 Lukas Jensen came on between the sticks – with Luke Cundle sacrificed by Alex Neil.A Japhet Tanganga own goal and Daniel Munoz strike gave Palace the lead before Wes Harding pulled one back in the 14TH MINUTE of added time.Eddie Nketiah made it 3-1 meanwhile Eagles owner Steve Parish slammed Milwall keeper Roberts for “endangering” Mateta’s life. Palace manager Oliver Glasner was asked about Mateta’s sickening injury after the game. Honestly, I didn’t want to see it, I just watched it and it is terrible. I’m sure the goalkeeper didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, no player wants this. Oliver Glasner Glasner said: “He is conscious and he is in hospital. His ear looks terrible. It’s a very serious injury so we hope all the best for him. “We are not really happy, we can’t be really happy. Of course, it’s a great win and into the quarter-finals but when you lose a player, especially with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach.”Honestly, I didn’t want to see it, I just watched it and it is terrible. I’m sure the goalkeeper didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, no player wants this. “But f you got to the ball with this with this intensity, with the foot at that height, you can’t do it because it’s so dangerous and we all have responsibilities for our health. I don’t want to blame him but it is a terrible foul.””I didn’t see it like it was in the game, it was so quick, I could see the keeper had a lot of intensity, but he touched the ball first. But I could see it now in slow motion and it’s worse.”Millwall boss Alex Neil said: “I think the ball went in behind, Liam Roberts has come out which he has done in many games he’s played. “He’s misjudged it and caught the lad. He has mistimed it, he got sent off which at that stage made the game doubly difficult for us.”I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent? We don’t want the lad to be injured. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We wish him well and hope he is back on the pitch soon. It was a mistiming, he was sent off, he is disappointed and will hope Mateta is fine, which we all do.”You are playing Premier League opposition on their own ground so it is a difficult task with 11 men. The nature of the goals probably disappoint me the most.” More

  • in

    Are there FA Cup replays in the fifth round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

    THE FA Cup fifth round is underway with some huge ties taking place.And Football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the fifth round beginsLast term, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.However, in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup fifth round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup fifth round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.What are the FA Cup fifth round ties?Friday, February 28Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff CitySaturday, March 112.15pm – Crystal Palace v Millwall12:15pm – Preston North End v Burnley3pm – Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers5.45pm – Manchester City v Plymouth ArgyleSunday, March 21.45pm – Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion4.30pm – Manchester United v FulhamMonday, March 37.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town More

  • in

    BBC snub Keely Hodgkinson world record attempt for Blue Planet episode first broadcasted EIGHT years ago

    THE BBC will not broadcast Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt this weekend on their main channels in a stunning snub.Team GB’s 800 metres Olympic champion is aiming to run the fastest time over the distance indoors on Saturday at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt will be shown on BBC IplayerCredit: PAThe feat is the headline act of the inaugural Keely Klassic and other top British stars will be involved across the six-hour hybrid athletics/entertainment meeting.It will be her first appearance in running conditions since the Paris 2024 Olympics when she became Britain’s tenth female track-and-field winner in history.Yet TV bosses are not showcasing the 4.30pm race on BBC1 or BBC2 and it has been squirrelled away instead on the BBC iPlayer – away from casual viewers.BBC1 will be showing Blue Planet II – the Green Seas episode was first broadcast on November 26, 2017 – before Final Score, the football results programme, starts at 4.30pm.READ MORE IN SPORTAround the same time, BBC2 will show a repeat of the 2022 historical drama Mr Malcolm’s List and then it is an old episode of antiques show Flog It!The failure to give her event prominence is surprising given that Hodgkinson, 22, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last December.Hodgkinson’s success at the Stade de France last August was the BBC’s most watched event of the last Olympics with 9.1 million viewers tuning in to see her glory over two laps.It was one of 14 gold medals for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis year she is going for a Track Treble, trying to win gold at the European Indoors, World Indoors and World Outdoors within the space of seven months.The BBC declined to comment but it is understood Salford-based bigwigs feel they are supporting the Keely Klassic rather than snubbing it by displaying the action on the iPlayer and digital platforms.Amazing moment Keely Hodgkinson smashes British record to become sixth fastest woman ever ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics More

  • in

    ‘You scared me there’ – Alex Scott given a fright by BBC presenter’s comment after picking last ball of FA Cup draw

    ALEX Scott almost jumped out of her skin after thinking that the BBC had messed up the FA Cup fifth-round draw.Scott was in charge of picking the balls for the draw as giant-killers Plymouth Argyle were drawn against Manchester City.Alex Scott was scared for a second during a moment of confusion during the FA Cup drawCredit: BBCWalcott and Scott burst into laughter as they realised there had been no mistakeScott was joined by former Arsenal midfielder Theo Walcott and presenter Kelly Somers on Monday night.Walcott picked out the home teams, while Scott was on hand to draw the away sides.As the draw was about to end, Scott was given the task of grabbing the final ball, which was the No. 6 of Ipswich.When she read out the number, Somers stated: “And the last ball should be… Ipswich Town.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe short delay sparked a moment of panic for Scott, who was worried that the trio had gone wrong somewhere.The former right-back looked on confused and placed her hand to her chest as she exclaimed: “Oh, you scared me then. I was like, what?”Walcott and Scott burst into laughter as they realised there had been no embarrassing faux pas, as fans called the rest of it a fix.And Somers reassured the duo: “Perfectly done – do not worry.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSomers then issued an apology as she said: “Sorry for scaring you there, it was expertly done.The FA Cup fifth round will be played across the first weekend of March.ITV forced to apologise as Plymouth hero says ‘I f—ing love it’ TWICE live on air after shocking LiverpoolPlymouth were the story of the last round as they stunned Prem leaders Liverpool 1-0 and ended Arne Slot’s hopes of a quadruple.Manchester United meanwhile, were drawn in one of three guaranteed all-Premier League ties, taking on Fulham at Old Trafford.Chelsea and Tottenham both suffered early exits to Aston Villa and Brighton.FA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town More

  • in

    ‘Makes zero sense’ – Fans raging as Doncaster v Crystal Palace NOT on TV as viewers tune in to BBC to find EastEnders on

    FOOTBALL fans have been left raging after finding Doncaster Rovers’ clash against Crystal Palace was not on TV.The League Two outfit host the Premier League side in the fourth round of the FA Cup tonight.Doncaster Rovers host Crystal Palace in the FA CupCredit: ReutersMany fans were keen to tune in to the fixture but were left stunned at the BBC.After flicking on the channel they discovered the football was not on offer and soap opera Eastenders was on instead.They took to social media to vent their frustration at the broadcaster.One posted: “How is Doncaster vs Palace not on tv?”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second commented: “Palace ain’t on BBC it’s Eastenders.”A third wrote: “Moving the Palace vs Doncaster game to Monday just to not show the game on live tv makes zero sense.”A fourth said: “Monday nights without football are awful.”Despite complaints, the match was not shown on terrestrial television.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it could be watched by those who had access to BBC iPlayer with the game also accessible via the red button.The fourth-round fixture was moved to the Monday night in order to feature on television.Fuming Ange Postecoglou covers face with hands as he loses it over reporter’s question after Tottenham’s FA Cup KOFA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich TownThe draw for the FA Cup fifth round has already taken place with fans claiming it was ‘rigged’.This was down to Manchester City drawing Plymouth Argyle at home in the next stage.There is still one more game to come in the fourth round as Nottingham Forest face Exeter City tomorrow night. More

  • in

    ‘Lineker never misses a chance’ – Fans in stitches as BBC show host trolling Alan Shearer in throwback clip from 2007

    FANS hailed Gary Lineker’s lethal trolling after he enjoyed a trip down ‘memory pain’ at Alan Shearer’s expense.Prem record scorer Shearer never won silverware in 10 years at Newcastle.Gary Lineker showed Alan Shearer an awkward clip from 18 years agoShearer had a different look back in 2007 but unfortunately not much has changed for Newcastle in terms of a lack of trophiesFellow pundit Shay Given was also dragged into the trollingAnd when the two ex-England strikers were together in the BBC Match of the Day studio on FA Cup fourth-round day, Lineker went straight THERE…Admittedly, it came on the day Newcastle fought back to oust League One Birmingham 3-2, albeit with a controversial goal.But back in 2007 the story could not have been more different when the two sides met at St James’ Park in a round-three replay.Toon cult hero Nolberto Solano even bagged an own goal as Brum triumphed 5-1, despite a reply from James Milner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBirmingham netted three times after Steven Taylor saw red for the Magpies.And Shearer’s MOTD colleague Shay Given was the Toon keeper that day.Lineker showed a flashback clip from 18 years ago, when Shearer was an MOTD rookie after retiring as a player at the end of the previous season.Beeb host Lineker was seen addressing grinning studio pundits.Most read in FootballBruno N’Gotty netted as Brum won 5-1 at Newcastle 18 years agoCredit: ReutersJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe ex-Tottenham striker said: “No shortage of cup winners, though, in the studio.”Alan Hansen with Liverpool, Lee Dixon with Arsenal and… Alan Shearer, who went close a couple of times with Newcastle.”Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Lineker mocked Shearer for being “really confident” Newcastle would beat Birmingham back then – and for always predicting his old club were set for glory.He said to the 260-goal Prem marksman at the time: “I suppose this would be typical if this is the year they go and do it, now you’ve retired?”Shearer admitted ruefully: “I’ve been saying it for the past 10, 11, 12 years – this might just be our year.”MOTD then returned to live coverage, with gleeful viewers suggesting “Lineker never misses a chance!” to taunt pal Shearer.One reckoned the ex-Barcelona ace delivered a “straight bullet”.And another fan twisted the knife by saying of Shearer: “He never won anything at Newcastle that’s for sure unless he played for them in the 60s.”By this stage, Given might have thought he’d escaped stick – for being between the sticks for the 5-1 humiliation.However, Shearer then joked Birmingham’s triumph was “only because Shay was in goal”.READ MORE SUN STORIESGiven said, “Don’t look at me, lads!” – before adding: “I know, I know – I can’t remember!”One viewer responded: “Some things never change! Shearer taking Ls even off the pitch, and Shay caught in the crossfire.” More