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      Alex Scott reveals she WON’T step in as Match of the Day host in cryptic tweet hours after Gary Lineker pulled off air

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      FOOTIE pundit Alex Scott appeared to say she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after he was suspended from the showCredit: Getty
      The ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Twitter/AlexScott
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Ms Scott joined fellow Match of the Day hosts Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down, with commentators usually heard on football broadcasts outside the UK expected to be shipped in.
      Read More on this story
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Most read in Football
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.

      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      Read More on The Sun
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More

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      Ian Wright AND Alan Shearer pull out of Match of the Day in ‘solidarity’ after Gary Lineker taken off air

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      IAN WRIGHT and Alan Shearer pulled out of Match of the Day after the BBC’s decision to remove Gary Lineker from air.England and Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Ian Wright will not appear on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: Rex
      Neither will Alan ShearerCredit: Alamy
      Gary Lineker has been ordered to “step back” from the showCredit: BBC
      The pundit made the decision shortly after the BBC pulled Lineker from presenting the Premier League highlights programme this weekend.
      Shearer then followed suit.
      The Newcastle legend tweeted: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      In a major U-turn, the broadcaster announced Lineker would be suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      They added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use.
      Wright and Shearer are regular pundits on the show.
      With Lineker absent, the duo would have been among the contenders to replace him on hosting duties.
      However, the BBC have announced there will be NO HOST this weekend.
      Most read in Football
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      The decision came after potential candidates fell like dominoes.
      Dan Walker, who used to present Football Focus and would occasionally sit in for Lineker on MOTD tweeted: “I used to sit in for Gary Lineker on MOTD… not sure I’d fancy it this weekend. What a mess!”
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville also chimed in.
      He tweeted: “I had no doubt Ian Wright would do that! Who the hell is going to go on now!”
      Regular pundit and The One Show host Jermaine Jenas tweeted: “Been on air with the one show. I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and @GaryLineker”
      Alex Scott quickly emerged as a favourite to fill in, however she cryptically tweeted a meme of Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah, not me.”
      Mark Chapman, host of Sunday highlights show Match of the Day 2, is also understood to have refused to take the gig.
      Micah Richards, a regular pundit on MoTD, announced he would join the boycott had he been due to be on the show this weekend.
      He tweeted: “I was not due to be working on MOTD tomorrow, but if I was, I would find myself taking the same decision that @IanWright0 & @alanshearer have.”
      Saturday’s show will include highlights of Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Brighton, Everton vs Brentford, Leicester vs Chelsea, Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace vs Man City.
      MAJOR BACKLASH
      It comes after Lineker sparked major backlash this week when he took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from ever settling in Britain.
      A BBC statement said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      A spokesperson added that the Beeb considered Lineker’s “recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines” and that he should “keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies”.
      However, Sky News’ Rob Harris tweeted that a source close to the long-time presenter had revealed that he has not agreed to “step back” and is claiming that the BBC took him off the air.
      Mr Harris added: “It’s understood Lineker is unwilling to apologise for his tweets and admit he should not have posted them.”
      The BBC have been approached for comment regarding this claim.
      Friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
      The row ignited after Lineker tweeted in reference to the Government’s new immigration bill, saying: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      But the bill faces an uphill battle against human rights groups and campaigners who argue it clashes with the European Convention on Human Rights.
      The BBC’s decision to suspend him represents an about turn after a BBC source previously said: “We have spoken to Gary and he won’t face any disciplinary action.
      “From our perspective the situation has been resolved now and we want him to get back to what he’s best at, which is being a brilliant sports presenter.”
      Lineker himself previously addressed the controversy, saying: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.
      “Thanks again for all your incredible support. It’s been overwhelming.”
      He declared yesterday morning that he stands by his tweets hitting out at Rishi Sunak’s crackdown on illegal migration.
      Outside his London home, the the defiant presenter told reporters he isn’t scared of being sacked for expressing political views.
      He added: “I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly).
      “I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all.”

      The former England captain began presenting the Beeb’s flagship football show, Match of the Day in 1999.
      He has been regarded as one of the key faces on English football in the year since and was praised by ex-BBC chief Richard Ayre. who described him as “one of the BBC’s crown jewels”.
      However, Mr Ayre warned that the corporation might need to “let Lineker go unless he can be certain that this is the end of it”, referring to his social media activity.
      Lineker has been accused by Tory MPs of frequently pushing boundaries of BBC impartiality guidelines.
      Read More on The Sun
      Previously, the broadcaster’s complaints team found him guilty of breaking impartiality rules in a tweet asking if the Tories planned to “hand back their donations from Russian donors”.
      In defence of Lineker, TalkTV’s Piers Morgan wrote: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.” More

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      I look forward to BBC suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar after taking Gary Lineker off air, Piers says

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      PIERS Morgan has blasted the BBC’s “ridiculous” decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of the Day.The corporation said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Piers Morgan has blasted the BBC’s ‘ridiculous’ decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of The DayCredit: PA
      Gary will step back from presenting duties on Match of The Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Piers blasted the BBC’s decision to suspend his pal.
      He fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Read More on this story
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      In a later Tweet, TalkTV’s Piers accused the BBC of being “pathetically spineless” over the decision.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      Most read in Football
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Following the BBC’s suspension of Mr Lineker, Match of the Day co-host Ian Wight said he will boycott Saturday’s episode in “solidarity”.
      He tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Alan Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Micah Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Jemaine Jenas also ruled himself out of presenting duties.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said him and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode. More

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      ‘This relationship isn’t working’ – Glamorous BBC and BT Sport presenter ‘breaks up’ with ‘toxic’ Tottenham

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      TV presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has announced she’s broken up with “toxic lover” Tottenham.Sympathy and advice poured in from fans when the glamorous BBC and BT Sport broadcaster decided “the relationship isn’t working” following Spurs’ Champions League exit.
      Reshmin Chowdhury gave Spurs another chance but reckons they let her down as the exited the Champions League with barely a fightCredit: Twitter
      Harry Kane and Co were booted out of Europe and then dumped by ReshminCredit: Alamy
      Rueful Reshmin untied the Tott after Antonio Conte’s men made little effort to impress her in Wednesday’s 0-0 home stalemate with AC Milan.
      Shakespeare would surely have argued: “Better to have loved and drawn than never to have loved at all.”
      But the result sent Harry Kane and Co crashing out at the last-16 stage 1-0 on aggregate.
      Londoner Reshmin, 45, even revealed she had briefly dumped Spurs over the weekend when they lost 1-0 in the Premier League at Wolves.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But early in Wednesday’s woeful display she posted optimistically from the stands: “Tottenham – the toxic lover I took a break from last Saturday.
      “I needed space. But he’s already pulled me back in. Can he keep me after tonight?”
      However, after seeing her hopes of being charmed back wither and die, she wrote: “Spurs and I are taking an extended break.
      “This relationship isn’t working. Nothing is working. At least your comments kept me entertained! Thank you and goodnight.”
      Most read in Champions League
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      One fed-up fan responded: “I think I’ll join you too. Spurs are hazardous to your health.”
      Another added: “I’ve had to go for a drink on my own to calm down. I know we don’t win stuff but not giving it a go is unacceptable in my book.”
      A third moaned: “It’s so depressing watching us at the moment.”
      But a few supporters reckon Reshmin still has the hots for the Totts.
      One wrote: “Extended break…until the weekend?”
      And if she does keep a fire burning for Tottenham, some supporters suggested she should look on the bright side.
      One fan said: “Try supporting a team that is not 4th or in the Champions League. It’s not the end of the world. There’s still football on a weekend/Monday.”
      But if Reshmin does try to go cold turkey, another supporter had a helpful tip.
      Read More on The Sun
      They suggested: “If there’s ever a Spurs game on TV find a movie that’s 90-95 minutes. My go-to will be American Pie, more entertaining and will have a better time.”
      Antonio Conte’s men slumped out of Europe with a drab draw vs AC MilanCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘I looked ridiculous’ – Match of the Day host Gary Lineker reveals he couldn’t raise eyebrow on TV after botox blunder

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he will never get a facelift after botox left him unable to raise his eyebrows while on television.The Match of the Day host has opened up on how he stays in shape and tries to look younger.
      Gary Lineker was left unable to move his eyebrow live on TVCredit: Getty
      The 62-year-old chatted to fellow BBC presenter Gabby Logan on the MidPoint podcast, coming clean about his botox blunder.
      Lineker said: “I don’t mind a bit of pampering, massages. I quite like a facial or a head massage – I love a head massage.”
      The ex-England striker was asked if he would ever consider a facelift and, without hesitation, he declined.
      Lineker continued: “A facelift? God no. No.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Why? I did Botox once as well, years ago, and I just looked ridiculous.
      “I couldn’t raise my eyebrow. I went on telly to give it a little look on camera, but it wasn’t moving.”
      The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona man prefers to hit the gym to keep up his good looks rather than getting injections.
      Lineker said: “I always do the gym on Monday mornings. I work out three or four times a week and do pilates as well.
      Most read in Football
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      “I think the older you get the more you need to do, really. I think it’s quite easy in mid-life to just give up when you start seeing the waistline expand a little bit.
      “It’s funny I hate training. I’ve never liked it in my entire life, but I like it even less when I miss it because I think it’s important.
      “But I do love the feeling after, in the shower, thinking you’ve actually done it.”
      “The problem with training [as a footballer] was that I don’t think it was particularly thought out very well. I think it’s probably changed now.
      “I was a striker, so I wanted to practice and wanted to train the things that would hone my skills.
      “So I wanted to practice finishing every day and was perfectly happy doing hard fitness training, but most of it was five-a-side with little goals and it seemed pretty pointless.
      “Even doing a shooting session, they’d get the whole team to do it, you’d get one shot every ten minutes. Complete waste of time.” More

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      Mystery over Jake Paul’s missing £200,000 tattoo during Tommy Fury fight after bet with BBC DJ Charlie Sloth

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      FANS are all questioning where Jake Paul’s new £206,000 tattoo was during his fight against Tommy Fury.Paul got the inking of a blue raspberry Au Vodka bottle which after a wager with BBC DJ Charlie Sloth, who owns the drinks company.
      Jake Paul got an Au Vodka tattoo before his fight with Tommy FuryCredit: YouTube – @Au Vodka
      Charlie Sloth offered Paul £206,000 to get the tattooCredit: Credit: Getty – Contributor
      However it could not be seen during the boutCredit: Getty
      Sloth has teamed up with co-owner Charlie Morgan, the Swansea City ballboy who was kicked by Eden Hazard in 2013.
      Paul was visited by Sloth after his training camp in Dubai less than a fortnight before his defeat to Tommy Fury.
      Sloth challenged Paul to get the tattoo in exchange for £206,000.
      Paul took on the challenge and got the design inked on to his skin on a rooftop in Dubai.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      He posted a video of the occasion on YouTube while he could also be seen sipping on the drink.
      However fans could not spot the design during his fight with Fury, leading to some to question if it was real.
      One joked: “Tommy Fury must have given one hell of a punch last night… His tattoo fell off.”
      A second wrote: “Jake Paul, what happened to your Au Vodka tattoo last night? It just disappeared.”
      Most read in Boxing
      A third tweeted: “Where did it go?”
      Another took a swipe at the company as they said: “Jake Paul’s tattoo did the exact same thing the labels on their bottles do, insane attention to detail in my opinion.”
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      A fifth commented: “Erm I’m watching the fight and all I’m thinking is where the f*** is the tattoo??”
      Paul lost the boxing match by split decision with two out of the three judges scoring it 76-73 in Fury’s favour.
      However, he didn’t seem too phased by the result when he took to social media just hours later to reveal how much money he made from the event.
      Paul posted a video on his Instagram story of himself switching from fake-crying to laughing with a caption that read: “When you lost but made $30m.” More

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      From the Crazy Gang to Gazza’s tears, the seven most iconic moments of John Motson’s career as BBC legend passes away

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      FOOTBALL has lost its most iconic voice after John Motson passed away, aged 77.Fans across the country are mourning the legendary BBC commentator, who hung up his mic – and famous sheepskin coat – five years ago.
      BBC commentary legend John Motson has passed away, aged 77Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his distinguished 48-year career, Motty covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      But there are some moments that stand out more than others and will NEVER be forgotten.
      Here are SunSport’s favourite memories from the ‘Voice of Football’…
      You can’t fault his appetite for the game
      The famous sheepskin John Motson wore at Adams Park became synonymous with the BBC legend
      It was an image that became synonymous with Motty.
      Read More on John Motson
      And was always a running joke when the weather mimicked arctic conditions.
      In December 1980, Motty reported live from Adams Park before Wycombe Wanderers entertained Peterborough United.
      Battling the elements, he delivered his message with aplomb and the sheepskin became a regular fixture.
      His commentating was something quite poetic
      John Motson delivered the famous line, “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” when Wimbledon beat LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Motty tapped into popular culture too.
      Most read in Football
      One of the biggest Cup Final shocks of all time came when Wimbledon beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a Lawrie Sanchez goal in 1988.
      Cue scenes of hysteria and disbelief at the final whistle and a distraught looking Kenny Dalglish as The Reds missed out on doing the double.
      “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club,” he delivered when the ref called time.
      And it is a line that has gone down in history.
      And he loved it when England did well
      The favourite game John Motson ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      When Michael Owen scored his third goal, John Motson was particularly vocalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Motty confessed that his favourite match he ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich.
      You could really tell too, because he took so much delight in Michael Owen grabbing a hat-trick at the Olympiastadion during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
      He bellowed: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
      But arguably his most famous commentary line came when he first started out
      Ronnie Radford’s goal for Hereford United defined John Motson’s careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It was the goal that changed Motty’s life, he admitted.
      Effectively, he was on trial at the BBC and he confessed that he “hadn’t pulled up too many trees at that point.”
      “What a goal, what a goal,” Motson screamed as Ronnie Radford hit a screamer for Hereford United in their famous FA Cup shock against Newcastle.
      “Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford.” Motty then became a permanent voice.
      Don’t mention Brian Clough though
      John Motson loved interviewing Brian Clough
      Brian Clough was prickly with John Motson in a awkward interview in 1979
      In 1979, the legendary Nottingham Forest manager gave Motty a particularly prickly interview.
      Cloughy wasn’t happy about the BBC over-analysing the beautiful game, so he let rip on the journalist.
      “I think what you do to referees is nothing short of criminal,” Cloughy told him in no uncertain terms.
      Despite that, Clough and Motty always had fun jousting over the years and Motty always said he was his favourite manager to interview.
      Gazza’s tears at Italia 90
      Paul Gascoigne’s tears were best described by John Motson during England’s semi final game against Germany at Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TURIN – JULY 4: Paul Gascoigne of England bursts into tears after losing the FIFA World Cup Finals 1990 Semi-Final match between West Germany and England played at the Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, Italy on July 4, 1990. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time, with West Germany winning 4-3 in the […]Credit: Getty – Contributor
      When Paul Gascoigne launched into a mistimed tackle and earned a booking that would rule him out of a possible World Cup Final appearance, we were shot to pieces.
      Gazza soon got emotional on the pitch, and his Spurs colleague Gary Lineker gestured to manager Bryan Robson to keep an eye on him.
      “Oh dear. Oh dear me,” Motty reasoned with the nation. “He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.”
      “Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
      Finally, he wasn’t afraid to call it how it was
      John Motson was scathing of Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup FinalCredit: AFP
      John Motson will be sorely missedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When Zinedine Zidane got sent off against Italy at the 2006 World Cup the world was stunned by what they’d seen.
      The world’s greatest player threw a headbutt towards Italian defender Marco Materazzi who collapsed to the ground.
      “And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket,” Motty told us as we awaited the official’s decision.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that, Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!”
      Motty, you’ll be missed. More

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      John Motson dead: BBC commentator legend dies aged 77 as stars pay tribute to ‘voice of football’

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      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has died aged 77 leaving the world of sport in mourning.The BBC pundit celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
      John Motson has passed awayCredit: Rex
      Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
      The commentator was famed for his signature sheepskin coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      A statement from his family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday).”
      Read more on John Motson
      Tributes have flooded in for the legend from the world of football.
      Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died.
      “A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
      Most read in Football
      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      Fellow commentator Clive Tyldesley wrote on Twitter: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.”
      Jamie Carragher said: “RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.”
      While former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell wrote: “Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.”
      In 2014, Motson was diagnosed with bowel cancer and forced to miss the World Cup in Brazil.
      Speaking at the time, he said: “I consider myself very lucky I was diagnosed so early that the cancer was dealt with and the positiveness came about because I wanted to get back into my normal life.
      “That drive and determination was probably the most positive thing I could’ve had.”
      Motson was born in Salford and began his journalistic career in Barnet – the team he supports on the Barnet Press.
      He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
      His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
      Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
      His breakthrough came during Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup replay.
      Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
      He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
      It helped propel his career even further – with Motson going on to voice major FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup finals.
      He commentated on almost 2,500 televised games in total including a record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008.
      Motson was famed for his often poetic commentary and encyclopaedic football knowledge during his illustrious career.
      His quip at Wimbledon scuppering Liverpool’s chances of the double in 1988 became notorious.
      The legend said: “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.”
      Motson bowed out after 50 years on the final day of the 2017/18 season and was invited on to the pitch.
      Then-Crystal Palace manager Roy presented him with a framed copy of the programme from his first and last matches at Selhurst Park and a crystal microphone.
      He won a Bafta that year for his work and received an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
      Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie described Motson as “the voice of a footballing generation”, steering fans “through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day”.
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      He added: “Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.
      “He will rightly be remembered as a legendary figure in British sports broadcasting, respected by those in the game, loved by fans and an inspiration to those who followed him in the commentary box.”
      A final photo of Motson shows him attending a match at Sutton United on February 4Credit: Facebook
      Motson began his career in the 1960sCredit: Getty
      He became known as the voice of footballCredit: Getty
      Motson won a Bafta for his commentating in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      He retired that year after commentating on the final game of the seasonCredit: Stuart Roy Clarke
      Motson was given a standing ovation at his last game in 2018Credit: Rex
      The pundit covered almost 2,500 televised gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Motson was given an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England gamesCredit: PA:Press Association More