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    Tottenham fans all say the same thing as Mauricio Pochettino appears on BBC World Cup coverage of Spain vs Germany

    TOTTENHAM fans tuning in to watch Spain’s clash with Germany on BBC were all left saying the same thing as they caught a glimpse of an old flame.Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino joined Gary Lineker and the gang to work as a pundit for the World Cup clash.
    Mauricio Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham back in November 2019Credit: Getty
    Poch appeared as a pundit for BBC tonight during the Spain versus Germany clashCredit: BBC
    Argentinean Poch has been out of work since the summer after he was let go by French league winners Paris Saint-Germain.
    He recently turned down an approach by Aston Villa for a swift return to football.
    And he has also thrown his hat into the ring to become England manager after Gareth Southgate.
    However, it was Tottenham supporters that were left longing for the 50-year-old with a large number of them unhappy with current boss Antonio Conte.
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    One Twitter user wrote: “Please come back Poch, Conte is f***ing useless.”
    Another wrote: “I’ll never feel the connection I felt with Poch with Conte.”
    A fellow fan commented: ““Seeing Poch on BBC SPA-GER coverage makes me miss him at spurs so much ! He’s magic you know Mauricio Pochettino.”
    While another tweet said: “Poch is still one of my favourite people in the whole world. What a man. I hope one day he does come back.”
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    Angry Conte hit back at the Spurs fans who booed his team off earlier this month before the World Cup break.
    And the emotional Italian hinted that he could even walk away when his contract expires at the end of the season if they don’t get behind his players.
    Meanwhile, Spurs sacked Poch was sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half years in charge back in November 2019.
    Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, he guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.
    Prior to his arrival, Spurs had finished in the top four in just two of their previous 22 seasons in the Premier League.
    He also took the club to the Champions League final in 2019, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.
    After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions. More

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    BBC pundit Robbie Savage mocked for claiming ‘it’s only Iran, I could still play against them and win’ before Wales loss

    ROBBIE SAVAGE has been ridiculed after claiming “it’s only Iran” and that even he could “win a game of football” against Carlos Queiroz’s side before Wales’ shellshock defeat.Rob Page’s men were humbled by the Iranian national team after losing 2-0 at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium and are now facing a mountain to climb to reach the World Cup Last 16.
    Wales lost 2-0 to Iran after Robbie Savage underestimated Carlos Queiroz’s menCredit: Alamy
    Iran were deserved winnersCredit: Getty
    Robbie Savage was blasted on social media after claiming Wales would destroy IranCredit: Getty
    The Dragons capitulated after Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off on 86 minutes.
    Iran then opened the scoring with Rouzbeh Cheshmi in the 99TH MINUTE before Ramin Rezaeian completed the upset victory just three minutes later.
    Savage, 48, was left with egg on his face as he was adamant on Monday that Wales would destroy Iran.
    The former Leicester ace even insisted his non-league club Macclesfield would beat Queiroz’s men.
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    Savage told co-host Chris Sutton while presenting 606 on BBC Radio: “It’s only Iran… Iran were terrible, terrible, and you think Wales will finish bottom?
    “I could still play against Iran now and win a game of football. Iran are that bad I think Wales and USA will beat Iran.

    “I’ve watched all the TV coverage, Iran were useless. Macclesfield would beat Iran.”
    Sutton warned against underestimating Iran and was proven right as Wales’ chances of World Cup qualification hang in the balance after previously drawing 1-1 with USA.

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    The ex-Chelsea ace took to social media after the game and gave his co-host a slice of humble pie.
    Sutton tweeted: “‘It’s only Iran’ @RobbieSavage8 said the other night. So disrespectful. Iran deserved this by far the better team. Wales have been schooled. Well played Iran.”
    Savage responded with a Welsh flag and sad emoji: “Looking forward to 606 tonight.”
    More fans took to Twitter to give the famous pundit a piece of their mind.
    One fan tweeted: “Robbie Savage spent the night after the first round of group matches utterly disrespecting the footballing ability of Iran. Repeatedly. On national BBC radio. Life is good.”
    Another posted: “I’ll be interested to hear Robbie Savage talk about this Wales performance given how he could not stop saying how awful Iran were after they played England.”
    A third wrote: “Just wondering if Iran are still the worst team in the competition @RobbieSavage8.”
    This fan said: “A very disrespectful comment from Savage. This was always going to be a tough game for both nations.
    “Unlucky Wales, you couldn’t fault their effort, but this was Iran’s day and they absolutely deserved the win.”
    And that one tweeted: “Bet Robbie Savage regrets saying how s**t Iran are on 606 now.” More

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    ‘Ask Southgate about Afghanistan’ – Angry Iran boss Carlos Quieroz confronts BBC reporter over protest question

    ANGRY Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC reporter for asking about Iranian protests, demanding: Why don’t you ask Gareth Southgate about Afghanistan? Iran’s players refused to sing the national anthem in support of anti-government dissenters before being battered 6-2 by England.
    Carlos Queiroz was an assistant manager at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson during the noughtiesCredit: Getty
    But coach Queiroz took exception to a journalist urging striker Mehdi Taremi – sat beside him when talking to the media ahead of facing Wales – to provide a message for those who have taken to the streets against the authoritarian regime. 
    The Portuguese made a beeline for the reporter at the end of the press conference. 
    And he insisted: “Why do you ask us these questions? 
    “Is it not fair to ask these questions to the other coaches? 
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    “Why don’t you ask Mr Southgate about England and the United States when they left Afghanistan?” 
    Mass protests have been met with a fierce crackdown in recent months. 
    They were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September after she was detained for allegedly breaking strict rules around head coverings. 
    Before the outburst, Queiroz said: “It is the right of journalists but they should ask the same questions of the others causing problems around the world. 

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    “To make them the only people that need to give answers about human’s problems is not fair or right. 
    “It is time to ask other coaches and players about other issues.
    “The word I use is ‘respect’ for 3,000 years of Iran. It is an amazing place.” 
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    Striker Taremi refused to answer an earlier question before admitting he was not worried about going back to Iran following the team’s protest. 
    He added: “We came here to play football – I cannot change anything.”  More

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    BBC slammed for ‘worst ever’ World Cup advert as ‘disgusted’ viewers say it encourages people to be ‘disrespectful’

    THE BBC have been slammed for their World Cup advert as viewers are left “disgusted”.In what has been mistaken as public service announcement about the increase in domestic abuse during competitions, people have branded it “the worst advert ever”.
    The BBC has been blasted for their World Cup advertCredit: BBC
    It’s been branded the ‘worst advert ever’Credit: BBC
    Displayed across London tube stations it’s meant to copy a football score board – but instead reads: “Kid’s nativities missed 1 – 2 Wales highlights watched.
    “Work meetings attended 2 – 7 Refreshing the sport app.
    “Visits to nan 0 – 3 England games seen.”
    “It’s the World Cup, though.”
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    A TV version – which is meant to promote the Qatar World Cup – arguably promotes the “neglecting of animals and kids” instead.
    In the clip a mum is ignoring her child and a dog is lying next to an empty food bowl.
    It also shows a woman zoned-out listening to her neighbour explain a football match and a Santa Claus watching a game rather than speaking to an excited kid about presents.
    One Twitter user said: “Is anyone else disgusted at the BBC’s World Cup advert?
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    “It’s basically saying it’s ok to be more rude, selfish, disrespectful, and neglecting of animals and kids because the World Cup’s on… well done for making this situation worse.”
    Another added: “Is this the worst advert ever? Ffs BBC you have managed to make the World Cup depressing.”
    Meanwhile someone else said: “This is a very strange way to advertise the World Cup.
    “The whole way through it I was expecting the ending to be for a charity helpline – but it’s just a BBC advert?”
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    The Qatar World Cup has made headlines for its controversy with the BBC even deciding against televising the opening ceremony.
    The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night because they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham.
    A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a light hearted take on the nation’s obsession with football.”
    How you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

    Always keep your phone nearby.
    Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
    If you are in danger, call 999.
    Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
    Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
    If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
    Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

    If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
    Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
    You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More

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    Wales clash with USA beats England’s thumping win over Iran in World Cup TV viewers war between BBC and ITV

    ENGLAND and Wales will be duking it out during the final game in the World Cup group stage next week. But another intense match over viewing figures is going on in the background between ITV and BBC.
    BBC’s World Cup coverage includes pundits such as Alex ScottCredit: Reuters
    ITV’s coverage features the likes of Roy Keane and Graeme SounessCredit: Getty
    The two TV channels are sharing the World Cup coverage rights with both hoping to eclipse the other in terms of ratings.
    And following the home nations opening matches ITV have taken first blood in this contest.
    As revealed by Lizo Mzimba, BBC viewing figures for England’s 6-2 thriller against Iran saw 7.38 million people tune in according to BARB overnight figures.
    This does not include viewing figures from other platforms.
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    However, Wales’ clash against the USA on ITV1 scored even higher viewing figures.
    Mzimba said: “An average audience of 9.39m TV viewers watched yesterday’s World Cup 1 -1 draw between Wales and USA on ITV (and ITV+1) between 1900 and 2100, according to BARB overnight figures.

    “This doesn’t include viewers watching on S4C or on other platforms.”
    A late Gareth Bale penalty saw Wales salvage a point in their first World Cup game for 64 years after Timothy Weah opened the goalscoring for the US in the first half.

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    ITV will be covering the next England game when they take on the USA on Friday.
    Meanwhile, BBC will be taking the coverage of Wales vs Iran before they take on both of the final games from Group B.
    Both channels have already had some major talking points during their coverage.
    BBC’s coverage of the World Cup’s opening game was criticised after they elected to not show the opening ceremony on BBC One.
    Meanwhile, on ITV Roy Keane and Graeme Souness were involved in a heated bust-up at half-time of Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina. More

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    Hilarious moment Gary Lineker trolls Micah Richards at start of BBC World Cup coverage of England vs Iran

    POOR Micah Richards was hilariously trolled by Gary Lineker ahead of England’s World Cup opener.The Three Lions began their campaign in Qatar with a brilliant 6-2 victory over Iran this afternoon.
    Micah Richards was hilariously trolled live on the BBCCredit: Getty
    Gary Lineker could not resist poking fun at his colleagueCredit: BBC

    Bukayo Saka grabbed two of the goals while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford also got their names on the scoresheet.
    The match was being broadcast live on BBC One with ex-England striker Lineker on hosting duties.
    He was joined in the studio at the ground by a star-studded panel of Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and former Man City defender Richards.
    Three out of the four represented the Three Lions at a World Cup back in their playing days.
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    And Lineker was quick to let the odd one out know about it right at the start of the show.
    He said: “Here at the Khalifa Stadium we are joined by two former England captains in Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand.
    “And after Fabio Capello in 2010 and Roy Hodgson in 2014 both left him out, finally, it’s a World Cup debut for Micah Richards.”
    A laughing Richards said: “I’m here! Thank you, thank you.” 
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    Despite the smiles in the studio, there were concerns elsewhere at the Beeb.
    Fans were left fuming after iPlayer went down and left them unable to watch or listen to the start of England’s World Cup adventure.
    Millions will have been tuning in to BBC One to catch all of the action from the game.
    However, loads were left raging after a problem with BBC’s iPlayer forced them to miss the kick-off, which led to Lineker apologising for the troubles at half time.
    They were also unable to tune-in to the commentary on BBC Radio Five Live due to the technical issues – and they quickly took to Twitter to vent their anger at the Beeb. More

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    Gary Lineker forced to apologise to fans live on air after technical issue on BBC during England vs Iran World Cup clash

    GARY Lineker has apologised on-air to fans watching the England World Cup match on BBC iPlayer following a technical issue.The BBC Match Of The Day host and former England footballer, 61, made the comments during half-time of England’s World Cup opener against Iran, adding that the broadcaster was working on fixing it.
    The pundit made the apology at half-time of England’s opening match against IranCredit: BBC
    Viewers had reported problems with the iPlayer feed, meaning they were unable to watch part of England’s opening match.
    On Twitter, BBC Sport said: “We’re aware of an issue affecting some users on BBC iPlayer.
    The pundit said: “Just a quick pointer, apologies if you have had any BBC iPlayer issues during that first half.
    “We are working to fix them.”
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    “We’re trying to fix this ASAP.
    “Coverage is also available on BBC One and the BBC Sport website and app.”
    It comes as supporters faced ticket problems as they attempted to enter the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar to watch the much-anticipated match.
    Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association team that provides travel and logistical advice to fans, said on Twitter: “We’re aware of issues with some e-tickets at the stadium with FIFA’s ticketing app.
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    “The FA is working hard to find a resolution for England fans.
    “If you have issues seeing your ticket on the app, join the ticketing resolution queue at the stadium, but keep checking the app.”
    England went on to win the match 6-2, with a late Iranian penalty providing a face-saving goal for the beaten side.
    Bukayo Saka starred for the Three Lions with two goals in the match, with Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford bagging one each. More

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    BBC iPlayer viewers fume with iPlayer DOWN at start of England’s World Cup opener with Iran

    FANS were left fuming at the BBC after iPlayer went down and left them unable to watch or listen to the start of England’s World Cup adventure on BBC iPlayer.The Three Lions kicked off against Iran in their Group B opener at 1pm this afternoon.
    England fans were left fuming after a problem on BBC iPlayer left them unable to watch the big gameCredit: Twitter
    The Three Lions kicked-off their World Cup today against IranCredit: Getty
    The problems on iPlayer left many unable to watch or listen to the actionCredit: Twitter
    Fans were also unable to listen to the game via BBC commsCredit: Twitter
    Millions will have been tuning in to BBC One to catch all of the action from the game.
    However, loads were left raging after a problem with BBC’s iPlayer forced them to miss the kick-off, which led to Gary Lineker apologising for the troubles at half time.
    They were also unable to tune-in to the commentary on BBC Radio Five Live due to the technical issues – and they quickly took to Twitter to vent their anger at the Beeb.
    One wrote: “How is BBC IPlayer down during the flipping World Cup?? Poor from BBC!”
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    Another tweeted: “Trying to get in and watch the game on the BBC iPlayer and its down. What the hell is that all about?”
    A fellow viewer trying to tune in said: “BBC iplayer down? Useless @BBCiPlayer sort your stuff out.”
    Another said: “BBC iplayer is down two minutes before kick off. F***ing fantastic.”
    While another raged: “Why the F*** has BBC iPlayer crashed during the first WC game.”
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    England boss Gareth Southgate was himself fuming as his team were denied an early penalty against Iran.
    But he was soon more than happy.
    A double from Bukayo Saka and more from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford saw England win 6-2. More