More stories

  • in

    Alex Scott reveals vile trolls threatened to throw ACID in her face after BBC star rumoured to replace national treasure

    ALEX Scott has revealed how vile trolls threatened to throw acid in her face, after she was rumoured to replace a national treasure on a popular TV show.The BBC star and ex England footballer shared how the online threats had stopped her leaving her house.Alex regularly appears on BBC SportCredit: GettyShe is currently dating popstar Jess GlynneCredit: GettyAlex speaking prior to during the Barclays FA Women’s Super League match between Manchester United Women and Manchester City WomenCredit: GettyWriting for The Times about the time she was rumoured to be taking over from Sue Barker as host of A Question of Sport, she said: “I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face.”These rumours turned out to be false, with Paddy McGuinness eventually taking over.The 40-year-old added: “There are negatives to fame. I’ve had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats.”She explained that many people were not happy to see her on major TV channels following her career as a player.Read more Football NewsShe said: “People were saying, ‘She’s only on TV because she’s black, female and younger. She’s just ticking boxes’.However, looking on the bright side, she said she was grateful for those who had kept her positive through the difficult time.She said: “Luckily there are other people who keep me smiling. They’ll come up to me in my local shop and say, ‘Keep going,’ and that’s what I do.”Rumours have been swirling recently that Alex may succeed Gary Lineker as presenter of Match of the Day.Most read in FootballLast year, controversial comments by Gary, comparing government legislation to that seen in 1930s Germany saw the footballing legend taken off air.Alex stood with Gary by refusing to appear on the show in his place.Similar action by other broadcasters saw the show pulled off schedule.Alex Scott has spoken out about her experience with trollsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Alan Shearer makes cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmed

    ALAN SHEARER made a cheeky pitch to become the new host of Match of the Day.Last night’s edition of the Premier League highlights show was the first since the BBC confirmed Gary Lineker would leave at the end of the season.Alan Shearer made a hilarious pitch to take over as Motd’s new hostCredit: X @BBCMOTDGary Lineker is stepping down at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDThe 63-year-old was in the hotseat yesterday, with Shearer and Ashley Williams the pundits.But Lineker did not introduce the show as usual – instead giving the honours to the Newcastle legend as the pair performed a hilarious joke.Looking down the lens of the camera like a presenter, Shearer quipped: “All good things must come to an end.”Lineker then replied: “Yes, Alan. Lee Carsley’s England reign is over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s back to business in the Premier League. Seven games on the way. Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join us.”Lineker then whispered under his breath: “Al ain’t getting the job, is he?”Shearer has been a pundit on Match of the Day since 2006 but is not thought to be in the running to take his pal’s job after his 26 years at the helm.Though he would be a popular choice as a study by Ipsos revealed 22 per cent of viewers want him as the new host.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut experienced presenter Mark Chapman is currently the favourite.Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers are also in the running.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsLineker will cover FA Cup and World Cup games with the Beeb until 2026 and he will then officially leave.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

  • in

    Watch moment BBC reporter walks out of interview after Logan Paul lookalike arrives instead of YouTuber

    A BBC reporter walked out of an interview after Logan Paul sent a lookalike in his place amid allegations of fraud.Paul faces accusations of misleading followers over crypto investments by promoting coins without disclosing his own financial interests.A BBC reporter walked out of an interview after Logan Paul sent a lookalike in his placeCredit: BBCRodney Petersen is othewise known as Not Logan PaulCredit: BBCRodney Petersen with the real Logan PaulCredit: @LoganPaulAccording to the BBC, the YouTuber promoted crypto investments to his followers without disclosing his own financial interests in them.This could allegedly cause prices in the investments to soar – but Paul has denied any wrongdoing.The BBC also claimed that after Paul posted about crypto coin in 2021, an anonymous crypto wallet – which stores keys for cryptocurrency transactions and allow its owners to manage their funds – connected to his public wallet traded and went on to make a profit of $120,000 (£95,000).A BBC documentary, titled Logan Paul: Bad Influence, saw journalist Matt Shea travel to Puerto Rico to try and interview Paul over the allegations.READ MORE IN SPORTShea flys to Puerto Rico to visit the gym owned by both Logan and his brother Jake Paul – who recently beat Mike Tyson in a controversial boxing bout.The reporter noted a “suspicious” number of cameras in the room before realising why.Because Paul had instead sent Rodney Petersen – otherwise known as his stage name Not Logan Paul – in his place. The social media personality has made a career of imitating the WWE, boxing and social media star.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShea says: “You look different.”Petersen responded: “I’m locked in, ready for this interview, do you have any questions?”Jake Paul teases major career change from boxing to follow in footsteps of brother Logan despite beating Mike Tyson With a smile, Shea responds: “I have to say, the real Logan Paul looks very different… Is Logan coming?”Shea then walks away after saying: “Let’s just get out of here, I’m not doing this.”Before he leaves, a group arrives in the room holding placards of Shea’s face while seemingly chanting anti-BBC messages.Shea continues via voiceover: “So rather than defend himself against the allegations we’ve been investigating, Logan decided to troll us.”Minutes after leaving the gym, we receive a letter from lawyers on behalf of Logan Paul, warning us against publishing our allegations.’I lost half a million dollars'”But these allegations against him aren’t going away, in fact, they’ve been building since 2021.”Paul currently faces a multi-million-dollar lawsuit over failed crypto project CryptoZoo amid accusations of fraud.The crypto game did not work as intended and resulted in the class-action lawsuit.Paul – who denies defrauding anyone – has pointed the finger at the games makers.But despite denying wrongdoing, he has offered a $2.3million (£1.8m) buyback program aimed at settling the issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul, 28, said: “I’m going to take care of the people who made me look like this was a scam perpetrated by me. “I didn’t make any f***ing money, bro. I lost half a million dollars on this.” More

  • in

    Alex Scott shows off bold new look as BBC star stuns on GQ Men of the Year 2024 red carpet

    YOU can’t beat Alex Scott for ‘sheer’ variety.The BBC presenter’s fashion choices are iconic yet unpredictable.Alex Scott unveiled a fresh style for the bash at London’s Roof GardensCredit: GettyScott and Leah Williamson paraded contrasting versions of chicCredit: PAHere’s what Alex wore 12 months earlier at the 2023 GQ awardsCredit: AlamyLast year at the GQ Men of the Year bash she went braless in a see-through dress.This time only her legs had a sheer covering – stockings to complement a very short velvety outfit, paired with white blouse and shoestring necktie.It meant there was a huge contrast in styles when the 40-year-old BBC football presenter posed alongside Leah Williamson.The Lionesses’ skipper, 27, wore only a black bra beneath an over-sized beige trousersuit for the event at London’s Roof Gardens.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLYet the Arsenal ace’s outfit was in fact similar to a combo Scott paraded on Instagram over the summer.And the former England defender’s radical new look for the GQ night showed again how she keeps everyone guessing.That’s much like the Beeb are doing now – over their choice to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host when he bows out at the end of the season after 25 years.Scott, whose partner is singer Jess Glynne, currently sits second favourite, with Gabby Logan third in the bookies’ list.Most read in FootballDid Scott’s spring outfit inspire Williamson’s GQ choice?!Credit: Instagram @alexscott2FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea winger Cole Palmer, known for his flair and creativity on the pitch, opted instead for a route-one, no-nonsense tuxedo – as he was snapped at a public event with girlfriend Connie Grace for the first time.The England star’s mum Marie was also with him – with Palmer and his two guests all keeping it simple in black.Alex Scott joins girlfriend Jess Glynne as they stun on red carpet at amfAR Gala in Cannes The 22-year-old and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, were amongst the prime guests, after GQ put them on the cover of their Men of the Year edition for December.Palmer joked with the magazine he always wore “trackies” away from the cameras.Now that’s one item it’s difficult to imagine Scott ever being pictured in at a public do!A glimpse into the life of the ex-Lioness… Scott dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexShe is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowAlex has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: GettyScott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More

  • in

    BBC ‘make TNT Sports host shock contender to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter’

    TNT SPORTS presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.Lineker will step away from the popular BBC highlights programme at the end of the season.Reshmin Chowdhury has emerged as a candidate for the Match of the Day jobCredit: The SunChowdhury is one of the nation’s top sports presentersCredit: EPAGary Lineker will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyHis full-time replacement is yet to be announced, with MOTD2 frontman Mark Chapman understood to be the favourite.The Sun exclusively revealed last week that BBC bosses wanted him to share the job with Kelly Somers.However, Chapman has made it clear that he is NOT keen on the idea of splitting the role.The One Show presenter Roman Kemp is also in the frame for some sort of role.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the other names understood to have been discussed.But the Daily Mail claims TNT host Chowdhury is now in contention.The 46-year-old has admirers within the BBC having already worked for the company numerous times.At the start of her career, Chowdhury worked as a reporter for BBC London and BBC News.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe then joined the BBC Sport team in 2010 and went on to present MOTD2 as a stand-in.The presenter has also fronted coverage of the Women’s Super League and was a live match reporter throughout the 2018 World Cup.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsAlex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, reportedly attempted to sign Chowdhury for The Athletic when he was previously editor.But the fan-favourite broadcaster could be tempted by one of the biggest jobs in football media.Chowdhury currently fronts TNT Sports’ coverage of the Europa League and Conference League.She has also presented coverage of the Champions League and FA Cup.As well as football, Chowdhury has also covered darts, tennis, the Olympics and the Paralympics. More

  • in

    When choosing Match of the Day’s new host, BBC must take a good look at Football Focus & do the EXACT opposite

    SOME advice for the BBC team choosing the new Match Of The Day presenter and their team.Take a good look at Football Focus and then do the exact opposite. Gary Lineker will be replaced as host of Match of the DayCredit: BBCAlex Scott sees it as her divine mission to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: ‘Football is for everyone’Credit: GettyI promise them, if they go in the polar opposite direction, the show won’t go far wrong.For, on the face of it, both shows should be performing the same basic task.They show some football highlights and then the host engages in some tactical analysis and light-hearted banter with two knowledgeable ex-pros.It’s almost impossible to screw up, yet this is precisely what the BBC has achieved by allowing Football Focus to be captured by host Alex Scott and the cult of woke.Read More on SportTo the extent that football is no longer even the chief focus of the show.Despite the title, it’s now a political propaganda exercise which would much rather tell you about Black History Month, a trans referee or Russell Martin’s veganism than look forward to the weekend’s games and back at the previous week’s goals.Last Saturday, for instance, the Chelsea v Arsenal preview was left to an obscure Afro beats jazz group called the Ezra Collective and there were updates from the England women’s amputee team and the performance of England’s partially sighted futsal squad at the European championships, but not a word about the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.And in case you think this is just the fringe carping of a bitter Tartan Army obsessive, it’s not. Most read in FootballWell, not entirely, because Alex and her woke agenda have crushed everything in their path, including the giants of the game and even ignored the 30th anniversary of Bobby Moore’s death last year, because they were too busy covering the Football v Homophobia awards and updating viewers on the mental health struggles of a random French female footballer, Wendie Renard.Alex Scott, who’s rarely off her high horse, sees it as her divine mission, of course, to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: “Football is for everyone.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’She doesn’t mean it, obviously. Watch Football Focus with its new generation of tedious young female pundits who’ve all swallowed the coaching manual, and out-of-their-depth reporters like Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames, and you’ll quickly realise, as a middle-aged bloke, you’re the last person the BBC wants to watch the showWe’ve taken the hint as well and Football Focus viewing figures have fallen from 849,000, in 2019, to 564,000, by 2023. Alex Scott’s over-entitled reaction to this “go woke go broke” disaster is perhaps telling.Rather than realise the viewers have a point and change the show accordingly, she has threatened to quit hosting Football Focus and move to America due to a perceived lack of support from management.The BBC should use her threat as guidance during their MOTD recruitment process and as an opportunity to pull its sport content back from the brink of total destruction.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan both want to replace Gary Lineker, choose the better candidate.And if Alex Scott threatens to quit and go to America if she doesn’t get it, drive her to the airport. More

  • in

    BBC launch reality show to find new football expert just hours after Gary Lineker’s bombshell MOTD exit revealed

    THE BBC has launched a new reality show to find a fresh-faced football expert following Gary Lineker’s announced exit.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down from the much-loved show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is stepping down from his role at the BBCCredit: PAThe broadcaster is looking to social media to find a new football expert – perhaps like Man Utd content creator Mark Goldbridge (pictured)Credit: RexLineker, 63, will continue to feature on FA Cup shows and at the World Cup in 2026.However, the Beeb are planning on bringing new faces into their talent pool.The new show will try to attract a younger audience to the broadcaster.It will be aiming to recruit a new football expert who uses the social media platform TikTok – perhaps like divisive Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge.READ MORE ON SPORTIt will be broadcast on iPlayer in the lead-up to the Women’s European Championship next summer.The winner of the show will apparently be offered a paid role producing digital content for BBC Sport.Their work will also appear on TV programmes like Football Focus, radio channels like BBC Radio 5 Live as well as digital and social media.A web page created for the new show states: “We are looking for talented football obsessives who are as comfortable explaining the latest tactical innovations to fan culture to interviewing top players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”All shortlisted candidates will have an on-screen opportunity as well as receiving training and upskilling as part of the scheme.”After completion of the series, the competition winner will be also offered a paid opportunity as a BBC Sport contributor.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The window for applications will open in December 2024 and full details will be available on this page in the coming weeks.”Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has insisted that the opportunity could be life-changing for the winner.He said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.”This could change your life.”It comes as SunSport revealed BBC staff fear Match of the Day will go woke following Lineker’s exit.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.We also revealed that Roman Kemp is being lined up for a shock role in a revamped version of the show.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

  • in

    Alan Shearer ‘signs new BBC deal’ days after Gary Lineker’s MOTD exit and it may rule out potential replacement

    ALAN SHEARER has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBC following Gary Lineker’s bombshell announcement.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down after two decades in the role.Alan Shearer has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBCCredit: PAGary Lineker is leaving Match of the DayCredit: PALineker, 63, will leave the flagship show at the end of the season but will present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.However, it appears that Shearer will be staying on the show for the foreseeable future.The Daily Mail have claimed that Shearer has put pen to paper to continue on MOTD.It is suggested that the deal will keep the Newcastle legend on the panel as one of the “key on-screen experts”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBBC figures released in the summer revealed that Shearer pocketed £380,000 last year.However, this figure was down from the £445,000 the prior year.The report claims that the 54-year-old took a reduced paycheck as the BBC cut their costs.The all-time Premier League goalscorer started working on the show back in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is also suggested that the broadcaster and Shearer have been in negotiations for some time.It says that the two parties were talking before Lineker decided to leave after 26 years.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateThe pair will continue to work together on The Rest Is Football podcast.Shearer has made a public statement over his future on MOTD.He joked that he would also not be signing a new contract if pundit Micah Richards was named as the host.He joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Paul Gascoigne claimed that Shearer would make a good host for the show simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Chapman is one of the favourites to be named the new host of the show.However, it is believed that he has refused the chance to share the job with Kelly Somers.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More