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

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      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

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

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      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

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      New details emerge of major broadcast change that saw BBC land rights to huge football competition

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      NEW details around the Champions League’s broadcasting change have been revealed.The BBC will broadcast a weekly highlights show of Europe’s premier competition for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.Three different channels will have Champions League rights in the UK this seasonCredit: The TimesAmazon also have the rights to first pick of the Tuesday matches, while TNT Sports continue to show the remainder of the games.And according to The Times, this season’s Champions League will see a 20 per cent increase in earnings for clubs taking part.A rise in the broadcasting rights and sponsorship income is set to mean a more lucrative competition for all those involved.That is despite the tournament expanding from 32 to 36 teams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is understood the average earnings for Champions League teams last season was £54million – and £80m for English clubs.The increased revenue could be worth around £23m per year for English sides.Numbers from the 2022/23 season showed £114m in revenue for winners Manchester City, £81m for Chelsea, £71m Liverpool and £56m for Tottenham.A Uefa source claims the new Champions League format is the reason behind an increase in the price of broadcasting rights.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAll 36 teams will be in one league and play eight games, with the top eight automatically into the last 16 and ninth to 24th facing off in play-off ties.The source said: “There was declining interest in the old format, with some groups decided after only three or four rounds. The new format should keep the interest going much longer.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThey also went on to add: “For the UK, we have highlights on the BBC for the first time, which is important to ensure greater eyeballs from free-to-air TV.”As well as a change in the number of teams and format, Uefa have also added two qualification spots for fifth place in Europe’s best performing leagues the previous season.For the 2024/25 campaign, this has seen Bologna and last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund secure places in the league stage.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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

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      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

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      My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One club

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      THE SON of a former Premier League star and TV host is forging his own career in football.Leo Castledine, 19, completed a loan transfer to Shrewsbury from Chelsea earlier this week.Leo Castledine has joined Shrewsbury on loan from ChelseaCredit: 2024 Crystal Pix/MB MediaThe attacking midfielder, who has already made his debut for the Blues after appearing in their Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough in January, is going on his first loan spell to continue his development.Having joined Chelsea’s academy from Wimbledon as an Under-15 star, he is described as “a player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle”.And he is now hoping to make waves in League One with the Shrews.Speaking to club media, Castledine – who has represented England Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level – said: “I’m really excited to get going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously it’s my first loan in the men’s game but I’m ready to get going and just want to play.”(Shrewsbury) is a great club with a lot of history and I’m eager to get going and I can see a set up here where it’s going to work out and I’m going to get a lot of games and be able to help the team.”Manager Paul Hurst said of the deal: “We are really pleased because he’s one we’ve been looking at for a long time and initially we weren’t sure he’d be allowed to come out on loan.”There was also word that he may end up in the Championship, so we’re delighted to get him in and had to be patient on this one. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s a player we think can add a lot to this squad. He’s a mature character who plays with maturity, enthusiasm, and has quality.”Castledine comes from Premier League stock, with his father Stewart Castledine starring for Wimbledon for nine years in the top flight.Premier League fathers and sonsCastledine senior, 51, had a ten-year career in professional football despite never being a regular player with the Dons.Following his playing career, Castledine Snr went straight into TV presenting.He hosted BBC One’s Big Strong Boys and Houses Behaving Badly over the course of seven years.Castledine also tried his hand at modelling for the likes of DKNY and Topman and in acting in the 2006 film Pink Panther.He has since had various directorial roles in sport, including eight years at Sports Revolution Ltd, and currently works at KIN Partners and a Football Commercial Director.Castledine is also married to TV presenter Lucy Alexander, with the pair having two children together, Leo and EastEnders actress Kitty.Stewart Castledine is a former BBC TV presenterCredit: RexHe starred for Wimbledon for nine yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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

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      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

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      BBC presenter stunned after seeing behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker

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      BBC presenter Matt Allwright was left shocked when given a behind the scenes tour of the Match of the Day set by Gary Lineker.The Beeb’s iconic football highlights show is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week.BBC presenter Matt Allwright was shocked when he saw the Match of the Day setCredit: BBCMatch of The Day is celebrating 60 years on airCredit: BBCGary Lineker has been hosting the show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdLineker, who has hosted Match of the Day since 1999, was being interviewed by BBC colleague Allwright for a piece on the One Show about the historic moment.And the Leicester and England legend gave Allwright a tour of the studio, leaving him flabbergasted at what the set looks like in real life.Allwright claimed he “couldn’t get over” the fact almost the entire set is made up of GREEN SCREENS.Other than the pundits’ chairs and tables, everything is added in post-production with the set unrecognisable in person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker is now in his 25th year as host of Match of the Day, having taken over from Des Lynam before the turn of the century.And the 63-year-old has said that his lengthy stint in the hot-seat has been “amazing”.Although he did cast doubt over his future on the show in an interview with BBC Breakfast, as he heads into the final year of his current deal with the free-to-air broadcaster.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.Most read in FootballThe set is actually entirely made of green screensCredit: BBCThe behind the scenes shots makes the studio look unrecognisableCredit: BBCPresenters can see what the viewers see on a screen in front of themCredit: BBCBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble “All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Lineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Whether he leaves or not, Lineker will have left his mark on the show – not least because many viewers will have never seen Match of the Day without the former Barcelona bagsman.But also because he actually helped transform the show’s format back in 2004 with a crucial tweak to the BBC’s coverage.The Beeb had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001.So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.The Three Lions icon asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.He explained: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”Lineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016Lineker earns a pretty penny for his work on Match of the Day More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how he changed Match of the Day forever with tweak to ‘stop people moaning’

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed the tweak he made to Match of the Day that has changed the show forever.Lineker, 63, has been hosting the nation’s beloved football highlights show since 1999.Gary Lineker has revealed the tweak he made that changed Match of the Day foreverCredit: AlamyLineker has been hosting the iconic show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe England legend has become synonymous with the programme since he started hosting some 25 years ago, with many football fans never experiencing the show without the former Leicester ace.Lineker hasn’t just put his own spin on the show with his presenting style though, but also with a tweak he helped the BBC make back in 2004.The BBC had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001. So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERThe former Barcelona bagsman asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.Speaking on BBC Breakfast this week, Lineker revealed: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”Since 2004 every Premier League match has been squeezed into the show so that fans up and down the country can catch up with how their side got on.Most read in FootballLineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Lineker didn’t stop all the moaning, with the Beeb’s star presenter revealing that people now whinge about where their team is placed in the programme’s running order.He joked: “But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesLineker also described the role as Match of the Day presenter as the “toughest” show he’s ever been apart of.However, he is certainly compensated handsomely for his hard work, after the BBC revealed that the retired footballer is the company’s best-paid sports star.Lineker pockets a whopping £1.35MILLION per year, that’s more than TRIPLE what BBC Sport’s second highest earner, Alan Shearer, is getting paid for his role.Although Lineker may not be on the payroll for too much longer as he cast doubt over his future with the company as he heads into the final year of his contract this season.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! 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.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”READ MORE SUN STORIESLineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Lineker has just one year remaining on his contract at the BBCCredit: BBCThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and pundits More