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

    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.”
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    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

    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

    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

    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.
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    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.
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    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

    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?’

    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    Euro 2024 TV schedule confirmed as BBC and ITV split coverage of England matches

    ITV AND BBC have announced their Euro 2024 TV coverage schedule.The tournament kicks off on June 14.
    ITV and BBC have announced their TV coverage of Euro 2024Credit: AFP
    England’s group for next summer’s Euros
    England recently discovered who they would face in the group stage for the tournament, drawing Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in Group C.
    And the Three Lions have now found out what time they will be playing and on what broadcaster they will be shown.
    Gareth Southgate’s side will kick off their tournament with a 8pm clash against Serbia on BBC on June 16.
    Game two will see England play Denmark at 5pm on BBC on June 20.
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    England’s final group stage game against Slovenia will be on June 25 at 8pm on ITV.
    Fellow home nation side Scotland have also discovered when they play their games.
    Scotland’s clash with hosts Germany in Group A kick starts the tournament as a whole and will be shown at 8pm on ITV.
    Their second game will be five day later on June 19 against Switzerland at 8pm on BBC.
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    Game three against Hungary will be shown on BBC at 8pm.
    ITV will have the first three picks, plus the fifth and seventh picks from the Round of 16 fixtures.
    BBC will then have the first and third picks for the quarter-finals with ITV then getting the first pick for the semi-final.
    Both broadcasters will show the final.
    Should Wales qualify into Group D through Play-off A, BBC will cover their opening game against the Netherlands on June 16 at 2pm.
    ITV will show the next game against Austria at 5pm on June 21 before their final game versus France is shown on BBC at 5pm.
    The Euro 2024 group stage draw in full More

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    Alex Scott shows off her toned tummy as she braves cold in unbuttoned shirt at The Fashion Awards 2023 afterparty

    ALEX SCOTT braved the cold as she attended an after party following the British Fashion Awards.She wore a white shirt paired with black trousers as she attended the event following the bash at the Royal Albert Hall.
    Alex Scott was seen attending an after party in a white shirt and jeansCredit: Splash
    Despite the freezing London weatherCredit: Splash
    She had earlier attended the event in a stunning brown dressCredit: Splash
    The event was at the Royal Albert HallCredit: Splash
    The BBC presenter was recognised by the institute thanks to her eye-catching outfits throughout the year.
    The former Arsenal star was one of many celebs at the Royal Albert Hall last night for the awards.
    Rita Ora, Kate Moss, Pamela Anderson, Stormzy and Gwyneth Paltrow were all at the event hosted by Maya Jama and Kojey Radical.
    Other famous sports stars in attendance included Lewis Hamilton.
    READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTT
    The BBC pundit and host is no stranger to mixing with celebs, recently stunning at another red carpet event with partner Jess Glynne.
    Scott also turned heads when she presented BBC Children In Need wearing a stylish black dress.
    She was also seen partying with a host of stars after the event, including fellow presenter AJ Ododu.
    On Saturday Scott wrapped up warm to present the BBC’s coverage of Alfreton vs Walsall in the FA Cup.
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    She recently attended Vogue’s party with partner Jess GlynneCredit: Getty
    She also stunned in a khaki suit at a recent Spotify eventCredit: Getty
    But disaster struck, however, when the game was called off just six minutes before kick-off.
    Scott will be on BBC screens again as she presents Football Focus this Saturday at midday.
    Check out Alex Scott’s most dazzling outfits…
    Alex wore a see-through dress to the GQ AwardsCredit: Alamy
    She is a presenter on Football Focus and The One Show
    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
    The former right-back played 140 times for the LionessesCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
    Scott dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: Rex
    Scott began dating singer Jess Glynne earlier this yearCredit: Rex
    The 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PA
    Scott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: Getty
    She also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2
    She attended Wimbledon with partner Jess earlier this yearCredit: Getty
    Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More