More stories

  • in

    BBC ‘production error’ baffles fans as Premier League legend accidentally shown during Rubiales kiss storm coverage

    A BBC News “production error” saw the channel use footage of Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta rather than Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales when covering his controversial World Cup kiss.Rubiales has been suspended by all football activity by FIFA after he kissed Spain striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the team’s victory at the Women’s World Cup.
    Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s World Cup win this monthCredit: BBC
    After showing footage of the incident, the BBC mistakenly showed footage of Manchester City legend Pablo ZabaletaCredit: BBC
    The FA President refused to resign from his role last week and insists that his kiss with Hermoso was “consensual”.
    Hermoso denies this and said in an Instagram post last week that she had felt: “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part”.
    When discussing the incident yesterday, BBC News reporter Lewis Vaughan Jones spoke of how the Spain Football Federation (RFEF) had called an urgent meeting to discuss the future of Rubiales.
    With Vaughn Jones talking through the situation, footage of the kiss between Rubiales and Hermoso was shown before cutting to footage of Zabaleta at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Fans on social media were baffled by the mistake with one writing: “Oh no! Zaba is such a wholesome person.”
    Another commented: “Lol they might as well have put [actor] Mark Strong in the clip.”
    A third wrote: “Poor Zabaleta lmao.”
    A BBC spokesperson said: “A production error meant we showed the wrong image in an earlier broadcast. This has now been rectified.”
    Most read in Football
    Pablo Zabaleta spent nine years at Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The TV error comes amid the latest twist in the Rubiales saga – which has seen his mother, Angeles Bejar, lock herself in a church and begin a hunger strike until her son’s name is cleared.
    The retired hairdresser is carrying out her protest at the Divina Pastora Church in the Andalucia coastal resort of Motril east of Malaga where the suspended Spanish FA president grew up.
    She says she will continue her strike until father-of-three son Luis receives “justice” and Hermoso “tells the truth”.
    She told Spanish press: “They’re doing to my son something he doesn’t deserve.”
    Repeating the version of events outlined by her son in his public defence of his actions, she added: “There’s no sexual aggression because there was consent by both parties.
    “My son is incapable of harming anyone. As a mother I ask everyone for their understanding as this is a situation that could affect anyone.”
    Spanish prosecutors have now opened an investigation into whether Rubiales sexually assaulted Hermoso.
    A statement from Spain’s highest court said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Rubiales’ mother has locked herself in an Andalucian church and is on hunger strikeCredit: EPA
    They will also contact Hermoso to offer her a chance to file a suit within 15 days.
    The team’s playing squad is now in open revolt against the RFEF, with Hermoso one of 81 players now refusing to play for Spain’s national team until “the federation leadership is removed”. More

  • in

    BBC pundit and ex-England cricketer’s retirement party backfires after prank leaves her with huge bruises on her face

    ALEX HARTLEY was out legs before wicket at her retirement party – when a prank involving an octopus backfired bruisingly.The BBC pundit and ex-England cricketer, 29, blames herself for “two massive bruises on my forehead” as she celebrated on a night out.
    Popular presenter Alex Hartley thought nothing could go wrong from a cuddly jape with an octopus as she celebrated retiring from playingCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    Alex reveals her unexpected injuries following her partyCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    The ex-spinner played ODI and T20 cricket for England from 2016-2019Credit: Getty
    Alex was suckered by her own stunt as she was pictured grinning with her eyes shut in the back of a bus – while a fluffy octopus sat round her neck.
    The former spinner – a hero of England’s 2017 women’s World Cup glory – explained how she made a right tentacle out of herself.
    The one-day star told BBC Sport: “I stuck two octopuses to my head. Pretending it was my hair, I was flicking it around.
    “They were on there for about 20 minutes..
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    And as another photo showed two purple bumps on her head, Alex added: “Then I looked like that. I’ve got two massive bruises on my forehead.”
    But although Alex’s octopus antics cost her a double dent on her head, they left her squids in with fans.
    One posted: “Bet she’s a right laugh on a night out.”
    Another urged: “Please don’t change. You have such a great vibe.”
    Most read in Cricket
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    “Love this,” said a third, and “You made me smile so it was worth it,” claimed a fourth.
    Her jape also proved to be a potential hit for sea-life sales as one observer revealed: “I want to buy an octopus now.”
    But another fan warned: “Always be mindful of a sticky wicket, when the octopus is in play.”
    Hartley had earlier announced she was quitting playing on the BBC’s No Balls Podcast, which she hosts with England fast bowler Kate Cross.
    Having already decided to focus on her mental health, she said of her retirement “I can’t believe it – I feel so good.
    “I’m going to really miss it, I’m going to be really sad but it’s so right.
    “I’ve loved it, I’ve hated it, but I am really proud of what I’ve achieved. It’s everything that I’ve ever wanted to do.”
    The pundit says she ‘covered it well’ as she hid her bruising following her unorthodox octopus encounterCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    The spinner was a star of England’s 2017 World Cup final win vs IndiaCredit: PA
    Hartley quit playing cricket this month after featuring for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, including here at Headingley vs Northern SuperchargersCredit: Getty More

  • in

    BBC commentator gasps live on air as long jumper ‘goes into orbit’ after epic fail at World Athletics Championships

    AN UNFORTUNATE long jump star caused a BBC commentator to gasp after slipping at the World Athletics Championships.Carey Mcleod, 25, slipped on the board as he looked to propel himself, sending him flying through the air head first.
    McLeod slipped as he took off on the jumpCredit: Rex
    He then flew through the air head firstCredit: Rex
    Before landing awkwardlyCredit: Rex
    The unusual incident saw the BBC commentator gasp as soon as the long jumper left the ground and was heard wincing throughout the replays.
    On a slow motion replay of Mcleod in the sand pit, the commentator said: “You can see something has really seriously hurt him there.”
    Luckily McLeod, who represents Jamaica, did not suffer any major injuries and fans were able to see the funny side when the incident was clipped up and put on social media.
    One fan said: “Man just invented a new sport. Far better than the long jump. May need a longer sandpit tho.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Another said: “That man FLEW.”
    A third compared him with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre’s Onana, who nearly gave away a penalty in the club’s opening fixture against Wolves earlier this month and said: “Fantastic imitation of Onana v Wolves.”
    Another joked: “Great new sport. I could watch this all day long.”
    Another fan said: “All jumps should be done this way – superb effort.”
    Most read in Athletics
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Thankfully McLeod wasn’t injuredCredit: Rex
    But the BBC commentators were concerned after the awkward landingCredit: Rex
    The commentators pointed out that these sorts of slips have become a more common occurrence recently after decision-makers decided to get rid of Plasticine on the jump board.
    The Plasticine was placed on the foul line as it would indent if a jumper fouled.
    But that was replaced in 2022 with high-tech cameras used instead to judge fouling.
    The downside of this is the fact that Plasticine also helped jumpers with grip on a failed jump, leading to less incidents like yesterday’s.
    McLeod will be disappointed with his effort, given he was one of the favourites to finish with a medal in the competition.
    His head first jump saw him lose a tie break for a bronze medal with compatriot Tajay Gayle after they both recorded a distance of 8.27m.
    Their fellow countryman Wayne Pinnock looked to be on course for gold.
    But he had to settle for silver after Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou edged him by two centimetres with his final jump. More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood saga reveals shocking truths about Man Utd leadership, says Gary Neville – as striker axed

    MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood saga.The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Red Devils captain tonight said Greenwood’s newly-announced exit exposed leadership failures at the Old Trafford club.
    Gary Neville has accused his old club Manchester United of failing to be ‘strong’Credit: PA
    Mason Greenwood’s United exit is finally the ‘right decision’, Neville saysCredit: Getty
    Former England international Neville said it was the “right decision” to announce this afternoon Greenwood would be leaving United.
    But he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports tonight the six-month process ahead of the announcement was “pretty horrible”.
    And he accused club chiefs of failing to be “strong and authoritative”.
    His intervention came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
    Read More On Manchester United
    Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
    United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
    But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
    Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    Most read in Football
    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of survivors’ “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
    The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
    UNITED ‘LACK STRONG LEADERSHIP’
    And when asked this evening about the development ahead of the Premier League derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Neville criticised United officials for their handling of the situation.
    He said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there – however, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
    “When you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership and Manchester United don’t have that.”
    He also called for an “independent review” in similar situations of alleged violence against women.
    Neville added: “It should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation – not only for themselves, but also for the game.
    “People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well.
    “My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation.
    “It’s been well above their experience and ability.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
    GREENWOOD ACCEPTS HE ‘MADE MISTAKES’
    Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
    “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
    He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    United’s handling of the case prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Gary Lineker breaks his silence on Mason Greenwood after striker was AXED from Man Utd – as club faces losing MILLIONS

    GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
    Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
    Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
    Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
    The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation.”
    United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
    But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
    Read More On Mason Greenwood
    The Red Devils now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
    If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
    They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
    Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
    Most read in Football
    Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
    The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
    Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
    The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
    “This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
    Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
    “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
    He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans all switch from BBC to ITV for Women’s World Cup final after discovering ‘annoying’ technical blunder in commentary

    FANS have blasted an annoying technical blunder with the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup final.Viewers could hear the BBC’s Spanish colleagues through the microphones of their commentary.
    Fans could hear a Spanish man shouting in the background of the BBC’s commentary
    The opening stages of the encounter between Spain and England were dominated by a man shouting in Spanish.
    Fans were confused whether the man was a Spanish commentator or a fan.
    And viewers took to Twitter to complain about the coverage during the early stages of the match.
    One fan wrote: “Already turned over to the ITV coverage. That Spanish commentator you can hear in the background on the BBC is rather annoying.”
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    A second fan wrote: “Why can we hear the Spanish commentator in the background on BBC tv coverage?”
    A third added: “@BBC get rid of the Spanish guy please.”
    While a fourth wrote: “Switched to ITV commentary, BBC’s bit of a mess. Commentator losing her voice and can hear Spanish commentary in background.”
    The BBC’s commentator, Robin Cowen then apologised for the interruption, saying: “Apologies if you are hearing our Spanish colleagues.”
    Most read in Football
    England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.

    Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
    Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half. More

  • in

    Fans blast BBC and ITV as they cut away and talk through Women’s World Cup closing ceremony

    FANS were left fuming as both the BBC and ITV opted not to show the Women’s World Cup’s closing ceremony.The tournament wraps up today with England taking on Spain for ultimate glory.
    The BBC opted to talk over the closing ceremonyCredit: BBC
    ITV also decided not to focus on the closing ceremonyCredit: ITV
    There was a spectacular closing ceremony at Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
    Fans were unable to watch the ceremony in full on BBC One or ITVCredit: Getty
    As is customary, there was an official closing ceremony in front of a packed stadium pre-game.
    But both channels showing the match in the UK opted not to show it in full.

    One fan tweeted: “Great start, BBC talking over the final ceremony and ITV not even showing it.”
    And a second wrote: “Why is ITV so behind, BBC isn’t showing the closing ceremony how odd.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    A third blasted: “BBC talking over the closing ceremony. ITV not even showing it. Bit disrespectful.”
    Another fumed: “@GabbyLogan @AlexScott so ignorant. The closing ceremony is on and you both continue to talk over it.
    “@BBCSport why would you leave the closing ceremony and go to the zoo. The ceremony is what we would be watching if it was a men’s World Cup or olympics.”
    The closing ceremony was available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But on BBC One, they decided to talk over it, instead continuing their pre-match build-up.
    Coverage of the tournament has generally been well received in the UK.
    Most fans have loved Alex Scott’s punditry on the BBC.
    While ITV’s Laura Woods is one of the most popular presenters in the country.
    England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
    Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
    Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half.

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
    Fans in the stadium were able to enjoy live musicCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Alex Scott rocks bold outfit for Women’s World Cup final as fans praise ‘brilliant’ host and make BBC vs ITV decision

    ALEX SCOTT has delighted fans with her World Cup coverage this summer – and she’s not left them disappointed for the final.The BBC presenter has lit up screens with her charisma and analysis.
    Alex Scott was part of the BBC’s World Cup final coverage
    Scott was alongside Ellen White, Fara Williams and Gabby Logan
    The 38-year-old produced a package about the history of women’s football
    Former Lioness Scott appeared as a pundit alongside ex-England team-mates Ellen White and Fara Williams, with Gabby Logan on hosting duties for the final.
    And England legend Scott rocked a pink and grey blazer for the big one.

    With Laura Woods presenting ITV’s coverage, and former Lionesses Eni Aluko and Karen Carney on pundit duties, fans had a tricky decision to make over which coverage to tune in to.
    But for many, Scott was the deciding factor.
    READ MORE ALEX SCOTT
    One tweeted in reference to Ian Wright apearing as a pundit on ITV: “With some legends Ian but the girls on bbc just edge it this morning @AlexScott @fara_williams47 @GabbyLogan.”
    While a second wrote: “I can’t claim to be hugely interested in the football, but the BBC coverage has made me feel a swell of pride within about 5 minutes.
    “Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are so brilliant at the big occasions.”
    A third gushed: “fara was correct about alex scott’s outfitttt.”
    Most read in Football

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
    And a fourth commented: “alex scott i’m in actual tears i love you.”
    Another added: “The way Alex Scott talks about women’s football is always so impactful, great person to give a platform to.”
    Scott, 38, produced a package on the 50-year history of the women’s game in England.
    Commenting on the piece, one fan tweeted: “Love listening to Alex Scott talk about the women and girls game.
    “The emotion, honesty and passion for the game is there for all to see.”
    Another added: “That Alex Scott package on the 50-year ban on women’s football in England has taken me over the edge a bit, here.”
    Scott has been a star for the BBC during the World CupCredit: BBC
    Fans have loved her charisma, passion… and outfitsCredit: BBC More