BBC

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Wycombe and Portsmouth fans can watch their moved FA Cup clash in Kyrgyzstan or Papua New Guinea… but NOT in UK

      by

      THIRD ROUND weekend is upon us, with a seemingly endless list of FA Cup ties kicking off at different times over a five-day spell.Starting with Thursday’s tie between Sheffield United and Cardiff City at Bramall Lane, there are some FOURTEEN different kick-off times.The FA Cup has been on display at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyWhile the BBC and ITV have a host of games between them, including glamour ties like Liverpool vs Accrington and Tamworth vs Tottenham, other matches were moved after being picked for overseas TV.Among the slightly less glamorous ties moved are Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth on Friday night and Birmingham vs Lincoln on Saturday lunchtime.Yet, despite being moved, many of these ties are NOT available to watch in the UK.When League One Wycombe host Championship rivals Pompey on Friday, overseas fans in SEVENTY FOUR countries will be able to tune in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters in Kyrgyzstan can tune in for the 7:45pm kick off at nearly 2am local time time should they so wish – nothing screams finishing your Friday night out with an afterparty watching the FA Cup.Likewise, any avid Pompey fans in Papua New Guinea can sit down and watch the game if they like – though it would mean a very early 5:45am start.The decision to move many of these fixtures has been controversial with home and away fans alike, particularly ahead of Everton vs Peterborough on Thursday night.The final third round tie at Goodison Park is available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button, but the decision went down like a lead balloon with much of the Posh fanbase, who face a 300-mile round trip in icy conditions on a school night.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen TV selections were confirmed, the League One club urged the FA to rethink the decision, saying: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup draw”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Ultimately, the match is a sell out, with both home and away fans coming out in their thousands for what looks set to be a strange night on Merseyside.The Toffees sacked Sean Dyche earlier today, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman set to take charge, and David Moyes among the contenders to land the vacant job. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

      by

      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Who do you think you are’: Sir Alex Ferguson reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears after ‘ripping in’ to Man Utd icon

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the rest of the Manchester United squad.A new documentary about the legendary Scottish manager released on BBC iPlayer Boxing Day, titled “Sir Alex”, saw details of the exchange come to light.Sir Alex Ferguson once made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of his team-matesCredit: Getty – ContributorRio Ferdinand recalled the story on the new documentary about Ferguson’s life titled ‘Sir Alex’Credit: GettyMany of the stars who played under Ferguson were asked for interviews about their time under the 13-time Premier League-winning manager.One of these was Rio Ferdinand, who starred under Ferguson from 2002 until the 82-year-old’s retirement in 2013.On the incident between Ferguson and Ronaldo, Ferdinand recalled: “He hadn’t played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. “‘Who do you think you are? You’re coming here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He doesn’t care who you are’.”Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or and be named as the world’s best player in 2008 at United. Ferguson did not experience unprecedented success only at Man Utd.He had also managed to do so at Aberdeen, winning the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup glory against Real Madrid – still the last time the Spanish giants lost a major European final – and breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly of the Scottish Premiership with titles in 1980, 1984 and 1985.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer right-back Stuart Kennedy recalled Ferguson’s hairdryer as a “blast furnace”, while Mark McGhee compared it to a “volcano”.However, speaking about Ferguson in the past, Ronaldo admitted they had many “beautiful moments” together and praised his old manager’s compassion after his father fell ill.Sir Alex Ferguson saved my Man Utd career with 10-word comment after I started going out every night, says Rio Ferdinand Speaking to United club media in 2021, Ronaldo said: “It’s hard to mention just one [moment].”There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not just winning things. But in my heart I keep the most difficult things.“Probably he doesn’t remember, but I will say it because it’s a beautiful story. “One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’“We had difficult games [coming up],” he continued, “and I was a key player in that moment. “He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. “So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice

      by

      FANS were left stunned by Gary Lineker’s throaty voice as he presented Match of the Day last night.The veteran host, 64, fronted a bumper Boxing Day MOTD for the final time ahead of his exit at the end of the season.Gary Lineker presented his final Boxing Day MOTD last nightAlan Shearer and Joe Hart laughed at Lineker’s quipCredit: BBCAs he introduced the show, Lineker sounded more like Sean Dyche than his usual self.In gruff tones, he grunted: “Ready for some football? Eight games underway.”Introducing pundits Alan Shearer and Joe Hart, he continued: “Look who we’ve got for Christmas, one of them’s a keeper and the other one’s getting returned.”Despite Lineker’s quip, several viewers at home could only focus on his voice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “Lineker talking like his mom’s upstairs and told him and his mates to keep the noise down, or they’ll have to go home!”While a second claimed: “Blimey, Gary Lineker sounds rough.”A third pointed out: “Gary Lineker voice shot to bits.”And a fourth joked: “Lineker turned into Barry White.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Gary Lineker sounds awful on #MOTD are they so desperate for him to present it even when he’s clearly ill?”At the end of the programme, Lineker referenced his unusual-sounding voice.Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming inHe closed the show by saying: “So Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester, and it’s beginning to look a Slot like Christmas is over… and I’ve got a cold. Goodbye.”Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day after 26 years at the end of the season.He is reportedly set to be replaced by a rotating cast of Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage during the 2025-26 campaign.He will then bring the curtain down on his illustrious Beeb career at the 2026 World Cup. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Performance of the day’: BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day

      by

      FESTIVE cheers was apparent for many during the final Premier League weekend before Christmas.And it was certainly a given in the Match of the Day studio as well, as one witty joke left fans in stitches.Shay Given was in top form on Match of the DayCredit: Match of the DayHe quipped that Alexis Mac Allister was not the only McCallister to be left alone at ChristmasThe joke was a reference to Christmas classic film Home AloneCredit: AlamyLiverpool’s 6-3 thriller against Tottenham was the headline act of the programme.And while analysing the goals from the game, Shay Given was in top form with a clever Christmas gag.The joke came while talking Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister after he was allowed to ghost into the box unmarked before netting the Reds’ second of the game.Seeing Spurs defenders fail to pick up the Argentine, the former goalkeeper quipped: “Not the first Mac Allister to be left alone at Christmas.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting on social media, one fan said: “What a line hahaha.”A second said: “Haha!! Brilliant!”A third added: “This is A+ commentary and creativity.”Another said: “Oh that is superb stuff.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor the uninitiated, the gag was a reference to Christmas classic film Home Alone.In the film, an eight-year-old boy by the name of Kevin McCallister – played by Macaulay Culkin – is left behind when his family leaves from France, and things take a twist when thieves try to break into the family home.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossIn an ironic twist that makes the joke even better, Mac Allister has an older brother called Kevin who currently plays for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.The nine-goal thriller left Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand after Chelsea had been held to a goalless draw with Everton earlier in the day.Meanwhile, Spurs were left in the bottom half of the table, eight points adrift of the top four. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals song he played on repeat after deciding to quit as England boss

      by

      GARETH Southgate played Adele’s Someone Like You on repeat after deciding to quit as England boss.It is one of eight tracks the 54-year-old chooses on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs this morning.Former England manager Gareth Southgate reveals the song he played after deciding to quitCredit: PAHe played Adele’s Someone Like You on repeat towards the end of the last EurosCredit: GettyHe tells host Lauren Laverne: “I kept playing it towards the end of the last Euros because I knew I was going to be leaving.“Even if I hear it today, it relates to my relationship with England and their relationship to me and how I feel about it all.”Host Lauren Laverne said: “So leaving someone who is once in a lifetime behind?”Gareth responded: “Yeah and they have got to move on and you wish them the best and there are regrets but there are actually memories that were made and there were so many lines within it they really resonate with me.”READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATEIts lyrics include: “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you; I wish nothing but the best for you, too; Don’t forget me, I beg; I remember you said; Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.”Gareth thanked Adele for her support during the Euros in 2020 during ITV’s An Audience with Adele at the London Palladium in 2021.It comes as The Sun on Sunday revealed last week that Gareth will get a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.He will follow in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport after steering the men’s footie side to two Euro finals.Most read in FootballFormer Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel takes over as England head coach on January 1.Gareth gong arises after tax clearance More

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker is being replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day – BBC should be proud to lead the charge

      by

      THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male  territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this seasonCredit: PAGabby Logan will form one third of a new presenting trio replacing the former England strikerCredit: RexReaction: So what!Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSuch a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices. Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare. But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”. Most read in FootballKelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality showsThey are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless. Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.Kelly Cates has established a formidable reputation as one of Sky’s finest presentersCredit: GettyLogan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.Can you name the famous fathers?As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women. It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.Quite some contribution. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I never enjoyed presenting it,’ says Gary Lineker as he reveals it was his decision to leave show before BBC exit

      by

      GARY LINEKER has revealed he “never really enjoyed” presenting one iconic show during his time at the BBC.The former England striker stepped away from his hosting roles on Match of the Day and Sports Personality of the Year last month. Gary Lineker left his role as host of Match of the Day last monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Three Lions talisman has presented MOTD and SPOTY for over two decadesCredit: GettyLineker announced he would leave the MOTD hot seat after 25 years. He will stay with the Beeb to front coverage of next season’s FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup. The 64-year-old also quit his hosting duties on SPOTY, which he had fronted for the past 23 editions.Lineker claims his decision was based on the ceremony being moved to an independent production company. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he dropped the bombshell that he had never really been comfortable hosting the iconic awards. Speaking in front of a live audience for podcast The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “Just to make it clear, what happened with Sports Personality of the Year is that it went to an independent production company.”It was granted at the start of the year. Now, I saw that as an opportunity to get out of presenting Sports Personality. “It’s a great show, but it’s the one TV gig that I never really enjoyed.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLineker added his former colleague Des Lynam “shared” the sentiment. He continued: “It’s a very strange show to do. Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in”Also, it’s the one thing where every single word that you say on it has to be agreed by all parties at the BBC. “Every single interview you do, you have to say what questions you’re going to ask. I mean, I like to ad-lib, I like to go off-piste.”This year’s edition of SPOTY was won by Olympic hero Keely Hodgkinson and featured an all-female presenting lineup for the first time.Lineker has revealed he was never a fan of hosting Sport’s Personality of the YearCredit: PALineker admitted he had not watched the ceremony – but added Hodgkinson “deservedly” took the top gong.The ex-England star will continue to present podcasts the Match of the Day: Top 10 and The Rest of Football on BBC Sounds. In a statement released on November 12, he said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, daughter of a Liverpool iconKELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live. She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018. After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup. The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.Two weeks after the news he was leaving MOTD broke, Lineker’s newest project with Baller League UK was revealed. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe six-a-side spectacular has been a success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and now makes its way to these shores.Lineker – alongside his MOTD pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer – will take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires. More