BBC ONE

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’

      by

      FANS blasted the Carabao Cup third-round draw as a “fix” after the complicated new format was introduced by BBC host Mark Chapman.The presenter even joked that he was “glad Rod Stewart and Martin O’Neill were not beside” him before he explained the changes.Mark Chapman was tasked with explaining the new Carabao Cup formatSir Stewart, 79, became and internet sensation after delivering the  2017 the Scottish Cup draw after a “few bevvies”.Sir Stewart ballsed it up after mixing up the numbers, shouting the wrong names out and putting his thumbs up to the camera.Former Ireland boss O’Neill had his own comical gaffe for the second-round of Carabao Cup draw last season.The Northern Irishman put each team ball to his mouth when it came out of the hat thinking it was a microphone to the amusement of fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman didn’t want any repeats of these events and needed no distractions as he made subtle digs the new-look design.Expansive changes to the Champions League and Europa League this season have sparked up the need for the revised Carabao Cup format. Two bowls were used on Wednesday night to help the six European sides avoid fixture clashes. The first bowl only included the six Prem teams playing in the Champions League and Europa League.Most read in FootballThe other 26 teams were relegated to the second part of the draw.As such the first four teams picked were from the European bowl, which meant Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United lucked out with home fixtures.How the draw was laid out before teams were selectedCredit: Sky SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a bid to make it a tad bit fairer, the final two games swapped so that two other European teams would be drawn away. Aston Villa and Tottenham were the last two European qualifiers left to be selected, so they face Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry City away.Smoking and vaping to be banned in pub gardens and outside football stadiumsChelsea were not included in the first “Europe” bowl as their Conference League round begins later on in the season.However, fans are horrified by the new approach but absolutely loved Chapman’s presenting skills.One fan wrote on X: “Even Mark Chapman knows this draw is a farce, he’s laughing as he’s describing it.”A second said: “Bloody love Mark Chapman. He knows this draw is wrong.”A third replied: “Chapman taking the p** out of the format is hilarious 😂.”While another noted: “The draw is biased and embarrassing. As a result of ensuring they can’t draw each other. All those teams should be away and allow the smaller teams a chance of a home giant-killing and important revenue.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League teams not in European competitions entered the Carabao Cup in the second round.Meanwhile, two additional matchweeks have been added to the calendar for the two European competitions as that is drawn on Thursday.Carabao Cup draw in fullLiverpool v West Ham UnitedManchester City v WatfordArsenal v Bolton WanderersManchester United v BarnsleyWycombe Wanderers v Aston VillaCoventry City v Tottenham HotspurWalsall v Leicester CityBrentford v Leyton OrientBlackpool v Sheffield WednesdayPreston North End v FulhamEverton v SouthamptonQueens Park Rangers v Crystal PalaceStoke City v Fleetwood TownBrighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton WanderersAFC Wimbledon v Newcastle UnitedChelsea v Barrow More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Jermaine Jenas ‘to RETURN to TV as he’s handed career lifeline’ after being sacked by BBC over ‘inappropriate texts’

      by

      JERMAINE Jenas is set to be given a career lifeline by TNT Sports following his sacking by the BBC.TNT has no plans to remove him from their screens and he is expected to return later this season, the Telegraph reports.Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAJenas has since admitted he feels ‘ashamed’Credit: Andrew StyczynskiThe former England star was sacked by the BBC for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.But TNT has kept Jenas on its books – and he is expected to return after next month’s international break.An official date is yet to be confirmed.TNT declined to comment but is expected to make an announcement during the Premier League break next month.Read More Jermaine JenasIt has been confirmed Jenas was not banished from commentary duty at Brighton’s Premier League win over Manchester United on August 24.Despite conflicting reports, the TV personality was not actually scheduled to appear.It is understood if evidence is found of any more cases of inappropriate behaviour by Jenas at the BBC, TNT would change their approach on keeping him on their roster. Jenas is employed as a freelancer by TNT and also presents TNT’s E Sport programming.Most read in FootballHe commentated on Liverpool’s opening-day Premier League win over Ipswich for TNT on August 19. But he was absent on Match of the Day because of the BBC investigation.Jermaine Jenas admits sexting female colleagues & says ‘I’ve let my family down’It comes as the former footie ace is ‘like a Zombie’ as he struggles to deal with the damage done to his family.And after being thrown out of the marital bedroom by “raging” wife Ellie, the broken presenter fears losing his 13-year marriage.The ex-Match of the Day and One Show host, now seeing a therapist to help him survive the crisis, said his head has barely hit the pillow since the BBC confronted him over inappropriate messages sent to women colleagues.The former England, Spurs and Newcastle ace said: “I feel ashamed.“I feel I’ve let everybody down. “Friends, family, colleagues.“I’m pretty much as low as I’ve ever been.”Jenas also revealed that BBC bosses blocked his attempts to apologise to the two female colleagues at the centre of his sex text shame.He said: “I wasn’t allowed to contact the women at all.”The shaken former Premier League and England footballer has also blasted the BBC over the way it dealt with his sacking.“The handling of the situation wasn’t great. It was quick — and hell,” he said.“I don’t think there was a game plan for when they were going to announce they’d fired me.”I think different departments were being told different things. I think it’s shocking.”Jenas was sacked in an online meeting with HR and senior executives on Monday — five days after the initial consultation process and two days after he worked on the Saturday.He has slammed the dismissal process, which happened over a Zoom call while he was on holiday in Spain with wife Ellie and their three kids.The former Spurs star said he does not want to be made a scapegoat for the corporation’s failings over disgraced news presenter Huw Edwards and the inquiry into bullying claims against Strictly pro dancer Giovanni Pernice.The BBC has recently reformed workplace culture guidelines in the wake of Edwards continuing to be paid after being arrested on child abuse images charges in November.Regulations have also been brought in to ensure no more abuses of power occur following the sacking of Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima for allegedly kicking his celeb dance partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals.BBC Director General Tim Davie has since spoken out on the scandals engulfing the BBC.READ MORE SUN STORIESMr Davie said the recent news stories were “shocking” and said there were “lessons we can learn” to make the “strongest possible workplace culture”.In an email sent to all BBC staff yesterday, Tim said he wanted to “acknowledge that this has been a demanding period for the BBC”.Jenas slammed the BBC’s disciplinary process which took place while he was on holiday with wife EllieCredit: 2023 Getty ImagesHis last BBC appearance was on The One Show, alongside Alex Jones, on July 22Credit: BBC/Jamie SimondsJenas is employed as a freelancer by TNT and also presents TNT’s E Sport programmingCredit: AFP More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

      by

      GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jermaine Jenas will NOT work for TNT Sports this month after he is sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts’

      by

      JERMAINE JENAS will NOT be working for TNT Sports this month following his axing from The BBC.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder has been fired from the national broadcaster due to alleged “inappropriate behaviour”.Jermaine Jenas has been axed by the BBC over alleged “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: GETTYJenas’ Beeb axing has raised questions over his future with TNT SportsCredit: PAJenas is currently not slated to be on TNT Sports for the next few weeksCredit: GettyJenas was sacked after a female member of staff on The One Show claimed she received “unsolicited texts” from the 41-year-old.The Beeb have launched a probe into the allegations, which have raised questions about his punditry duties with TNT.And according to The Mirror, TNT currently don’t have Jenas “pencilled in for games over the next few weeks”.TNT have yet to release a statement on the allegations made against Jenas, who was part of their broadcast team for Liverpool’s trip to Ipswich last Saturday.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASThe allegations against Jenas have likely ended his dream of succeeding Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.Jenas’ axing comes just weeks after the Beeb announced an independent review into its workplace culture in light of the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.A well-placed source told The Sun: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.”Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.Most read in FootballJermaine Jenas is understood to be “devastated” by his BBC axingCredit: GETTY”After some immediate routine enquiries, the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.”The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’”At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”Jenas was live on talkSPORT when news of his sacking broke, although he declined to provide an in-depth comment on his dismissal.The married dad-of-four said “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.”There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”The retired midfielder later added: “I’m not happy about this situation.”I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Match of the Day confirm appointment of new pundit just hours before start of new Premier League season

      by

      MATCH OF THE DAY chiefs have added a former Lioness to the line-up this season.The shift comes after Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped down from the role in May after 27 years on the show.Retired Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has joined Match of the DayCredit: GettyShe joins a new look panel that will also see Theo Walcott and Joe Hart joining regulars Alan Shearer and Gary LinekerCredit: GettyIn a new-look campaign, the BBC have added Steph Houghton to their line-up of new pundits.The newly-retired Manchester City captain will join fellow newbies Theo Walcott and Euros pundit Joe Hart.Houghton eased into punditry with the BBC during England women’s games after missing out on various Sarina Wiegman’s squads after fitness concerns.Alan Shearer will continue as a weekly pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according to the Beeb.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Houghton, 36, said: “I am looking forward to being able to share my experiences and provide insights into the game that I love.”She has won three Women’s Super League titles across her spells with Arsenal and City.The defender also has 121 caps for her country, leading the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Walcott – who debuts on Match of the Day this Saturday alongside regular host Gary Lineker – said: “I grew up watching BBC Sport so I’m over the moon to be joining.”It’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited to get going. Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary.Star-Studded Glamour at the ‘It Ends With Us’ Premiere”There’s plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I’ve had to offer different views.”Houghton announced her retirement from football in MarchCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC turn to two former England stars to replace Ian Wright after Arsenal legend’s emotional Match of the Day exit

      by

      ARSENAL hero Theo Walcott will be taking the hot seat next to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day next season.It comes after former Gunner Ian Wright, 60, emotionally stepped away from the role after 27 years at the end of the last campaign.Ian Wright’s Match of the Day replacements have been namedCredit: PAWright joined the footie show during his playing career in 1997Credit: BBCTheo Walcott will fill into his shoes next seasonCredit: RexJoe Hart was confirmed as the second ex-England star to replace WrightCredit: GettyNewly retired Joe Hart will also appear alongside the regular team in a new look panel for the 24/25 Premier League season.The former Manchester City and Celtic goalkeeper eased into punditry with the BBC during England’s run to the Euros final and will be in the studio for the first weekend of Prem action.Meanwhile, Walcott, 35, has regularly featured on Sky Sports’ top-flight games since calling time on his career last summer, after a stint back at boyhood club Southampton.Alan Shearer will continue in his weekly role as a pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according tot the BBC.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Weekly panellist Wright – endearingly nicknamed “Wrighty” – departed Match of the Day in May and has since revealed the reasons behind his surprise exit.He told the Stick to Football Podcast: “It’s time. I had a dear friend who said that sometimes you’ve got to know when to step back, change, rest, have a break, and say no, it’s just time.”The way I am now, because I have to get back to London from Manchester after filming it’s like 3:30am in the morning – it’s a long day. Most read in Football”It takes me two to three days after that to get ready and there are other things I’m doing which I just haven’t got the energy for sometimes.”New duo Hart and Walcott starred for England at several international tournaments and have racked up an impressive 738 Premier League appearances between them.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott became England’s youngest-ever senior star, aged 17 years and 75 days against Hungary in May 2006, before being included in the World Cup squad that summer.The 35-year-old brings plenty of Prem knowledge, having notched 108 goals in 270 Arsenal appearances before joining Everton in 2018.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldWhile Hart picked up 75 caps during his nine year spell as the Three Lions’ No1.Speaking on his new role, the ex-goalkeeper said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”On Wright’s Match of the Day exit, previous host Des Lynam, 81, said: “It’s a shame, because he has developed into a first-class broadcaster and pundit. “He speaks from the heart and people like that. He’s never bland. He made his first appearance on MotD when I was there. “He came on, as a player, and said ‘Des, this is my Graceland’ because he’d watched it since he was a boy.”Lynam also backed Micah Richards to step into Wright’s shoes and become a regular pundit on the BBC’s flagship footie show.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ‘I think it’s Richards isn’t it? He’s got a sense of humour and he knows football.”I think he needs to calm down a little but his opinions are quite solid, though I don’t think anybody can quite match Wrighty.”Alan Shearer remains on the panel to show Walcott and Hart the ropesCredit: BBCJoe Hart will be on screen most Saturday’s for Match of the DayCredit: BBCWalcott will also replace fellow Arsenal star WrightCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans ‘crying, heartbroken and speechless’ as BBC football pundit steps down.. with SunSport columnist replacing him

      by

      FANS were left devastated to learn that Garth Crooks is leaving his role picking the team of the week for the BBC.Crooks, 66, became beloved for his all-out-attack choices that often left his team playing bizarre formations.Garth Crooks will no longer pick the BBC’s team of the weekCredit: PA:Empics SportHis teams often saw wingers shoe-horned in as wing-backs and forward players anchoring the midfield – much to the delight and bemusement of fans online.Reacting to his shock departure as the new season approaches, one fan said this was: “The worst news to wake up to. Crying. Heartbroken. Speechless.”Another invoked a famous Wayne Rooney tweet by saying: “Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week has passed away. RIP u will live on forever. Cant believe it. I wanna run to u. Really cant believe this.”A third fan said: “No one really cared about the actual opinions in the BBC Team of the Week, they just wanted to see what insane formation Garth Crooks had cooked up and who he had thrown left wing back despite their actual position being available.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Spurs striker had been the BBC’s go-to man for picking the team of the week for a number of years but he is now being replaced by a SunSport columnist.Former Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney will be stepping in to replace Crooks.Writing for the BBC about his new role, Deeney said: “I’m delighted to tell you that I am taking over from the legend that is Garth Crooks to select BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week every weekend, and it is a great honour to get to fill his shoes.”I’ve always had massive respect for Garth for his amazing career in the media after his playing days ended and, as someone who is following in his footsteps now, I’ve always looked up to him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.”I also really admire his approach because, when he has an opinion, he is not afraid to say it and he is always able to back it up – yet he never comes across as someone who is trying to be controversial just to get likes or views on social media or anywhere else.”Garth genuinely believes in what he says, and the same applies to me, or at least I’d like to think so!”Troy Deeney will replace Garth CrooksCredit: RexMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Match of the Day host Des Lynam suggests female pundits are unqualified to cover men’s matches

      by

      EX-Match of the Day host Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matches.The BBC footie show is regularly fronted by women, including Gabby Logan, with other female guests.Des Lynam claims female pundits are unqualified to analyse men’s matchesCredit: Rex FeaturesLynam, now 81, said: “I’ve got no gripe with female presenters. “But when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about — ie, the men’s game.”After a pause, he added to the Radio Times: “In my view.”The veteran broadcaster also questioned the influx of international players, saying: “I’ve supported Brighton all my life, but I can’t name the team now.Read More on Sport“There’s only about two I know, the others are all foreign boys who have come from South America and all sorts of places.”When Lynam left the BBC for ITV after three decades in 1999, Gary Lineker became the main host of Match of the Day — a position he holds 25 years on.Controversially, he is reportedly paid £1.3million a year. Lynam said: “I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or firemen does, but it’s the market — that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker is “a very lucky chap” who has had “two great careers”. Lynam added: “When I left, he immediately got the job and he grew into it very rapidly. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for my money I think he does a first-class job.” More