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      ‘Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’

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      FANS have been left divided after seeing the intro Match of the Day’s Champions League highlights.The show made its debut on Wednesday night following the opening two matchday fixtures of the tournament.The BBC premiered its Champions League highlights show on WednesdayCredit: BBCLionel Messi featured in the introCredit: BBCZinedine Zidane’s 2002 volley was also shownCredit: BBCThe show is hosted by Jason Mohammad and featured ex-pros Joe Hart and Stephan Warnock as well as French journalist Julien Laurens.The intro features historic moments from the history of the competition.This includes Didier Drogba’s header against Bayern Munich, Tony Watts’ goal against Barcelona for Celtic and Zinedine Zidane’s wondergoal in the 2002 final.Clips were also shown of clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid lifting the heralded trophy.READ MORE IN SPORTThe tournament’s iconic music was played over the top at the start of the sequence before Match of the Day’s classic music took over.The majority of fans loved the mash-up of the tunes as they reacted on social media.One posted: “The motd theme with clips from the Champions League is truly brain-breaking. I *love* that BBC have the CL highlights but this is going to take some getting used to.”A second wrote: “Champions League anthem followed by the Match of the Day anthem? Solid from the BBC.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Champions League x MOTD. Backing it.”A fourth said: “Champions League MOTD, what a treat.”Celtic boss quips ‘We play Bayern Munich in the final’ after standout Slovan Bratislava winManchester drew their first game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLiverpool got off to a winning start over AC MilanCredit: AFPAston Villa won 3-0 over Young BoysCredit: GettyHowever, some were less keen on the combination.One complained: “Mixing the Champions League theme with the MOTD one just doesn’t work.”A second pointed out the running order of the match highlights with Celtic’s 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava up first.They wrote: “Celtic on first on a Champions League MOTD. The game has never been more gone. The correct decision it’s just a scary world we’re living in.”Manchester City started their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.Liverpool and Aston Villa both started with wins as they beat AC Milan and Young Boys respectively.Arsenal begins their tournament tonight against Italian outfit Atalanta.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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      Shock moment bird POOS on BBC presenter’s head live on air as she delivers Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava goal update

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      AN unfortunate BBC presenter got much more than she bargained for as she reported from Celtic’s Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava.That’s after a bird pooed on her head – LIVE ON AIR.Kyogo made it 2-0 for CelticCredit: PAConnie McLaughlin was live on air for BBC SportCredit: Kenny RamsayShe was forced to deal with a rather unfortunate momentCredit: INSTAGRAMThere was a raucous sell-out crowd inside Celtic Park to watch Brendan Rodgers’ men return to Champions League action.And they watched on in delight as the rampant Celts put on a show in their first game of the new-look format with a thumping 5-1 win.While the game was broadcast live on TNT Sports, Connie McLaughlin was there to provide updates for radio on BBC Radio 5 Live.The station were hosting live coverage of Manchester City’s clash with Inter Milan, occasionally throwing live to McLaughlin for the latest news from Parkhead.And that’s exactly what happened early in the second-half when Kyogo sent the Celtic fans wild by making it 2-0 to the Hoops.But unfortunately for Connie, the Celtic fans weren’t the only things going wild.She revealed – much to her horror – that just as she was beginning her update, a pigeon had POOED on her head.Doing her best to explain the goal, shocked Connie told listeners: “They’ve scored another goal. You couldn’t write this.Most read in Champions League”As Kyogo celebrated, a pigeon above my head also celebrated…. right above my head! Celtic 2-0 Slovan Bratislava – pigeon 1.”BBC commentator John Murray asked: “Do I take that to mean a direct hit?”Kenny Miller admits Celtic are moving away from Rangers as he addresses mistakes Ibrox club have madeManaging to see the funny side, Connie confirmed: “A direct hit right on the crown of my head. A beautiful moment.”Another cheeky commentator replied: “Can I ask how big it was?”Connie added: “I’m literally touching the top of my head and I can’t quite believe what I’m looking at.”Yeah, great. It’s all over my jacket as well. My black jacket. Lovely.”As the commentators pondered whether it might bring some good luck, Connie said: “I’m just going to have to take a picture of that, just to prove it!”And she did exactly that.Taking to her Instagram stories, she shared a snap of the rather unfortunate moment.There, in all it’s (not so) glory is the bird’s droppings right on her head.She posted: “Yes… that’s a direct hit from a bird on my head whilst I was live on @5livesport”READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘I didn’t know what to do’ says emotional John Stones as Man City star admits he considered quitting Prem champions

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      JOHN STONES has opened up about the challenging times he has faced at Manchester City.The defender revealed he even considered to quit playing for the reigning Premier League champions.John Stones has opened up about facing challenging times at Manchester CityAn emotional interview with BBC saw England icon Stones speak up on the dark times he has experienced during his senior career at City.In 2020, Stones faced several challenges that limited his playing time at the club. As he struggled with multiple injuries his form and confidence took a hit leading to a drop in the pecking order under Pep Guardiola as City signed new defenders, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.He said: “Maybe over a year period I wasn’t playing here [Man City]. Wasn’t playing for England.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A really low time. And I didn’t know what to do at the start. I was obviously struggling with not playing. Mentally tough – you start doubting yourself massively.”Stones managed only 16 starts in all competitions during the 2019-2020 season.He continued: “I thought you know I’ve got two roads to go down: accept that and move on or stay and fight.”You know I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough and deserved to be here.Most read in Football”Went back to the drawing board really and worked harder. I looked at every aspect in my life, down to my food, down to my gym, sleep.”You know I looked at everything I could to become a better player and a better version of myself. Fortunately it worked out.”And the 30-year-old was not wrong – it did work out. Since 2020 Stones has won four Premier Leagues, the Champions League and the FA Cup.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true’He was also a part of Pep Guardiola’s historic treble-winning squad in the 2022-23 season.And this summer Stones was a key man in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team who fell short of victory to Spain in the final.After he arrived in Manchester from Everton in 2016 the Englishman has made over 259 appearances for City and is one of Guardiola’s star players. More

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      BBC unveil line-up for new Champions League show as Gary Lineker misses out on presenting job with rival at helm

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      THE BBC have announced the line-up for their brand new Champions League highlights show.The Beeb will show highlights of Europe’s elite competition this season after sealing a deal worth around £20m to bring fans the action on free-to-air TV.Gary Lineker won’t be presenting the BBC’s Champions League highlights showCredit: GettyGabby Logan will head up the coverage instead of LinekerCredit: PAMark Chapman will also be one of the main presenters of the showCredit: GettyThe weekly show, which will air on Wednesdays, will follow a similar format to Match of the Day but with one glaring difference – no Gary Lineker.The iconic MOTD host has been snubbed for the Champions League show, which will instead be hosted by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Chapman and Logan will also be joined by BBC regular Jason Mohammed on the presenting team for the show.Fans can expect an array of former pros on the pundits’ panel too, bringing expert analysis to Europe’s biggest fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer England stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott have been announced as part of the team.While retired Lioness Steph Houghton and ex-Germany star Thomas Hitzlsperger will also be on fans’ TV screens.More Premier League stars will offer their analysis too with former QPR and Man City defender Nedum Onuoha and ex-Liverpool and Villa star Stephen Warnock signed on for the show.Fans will be able to watch the highlights on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app from 10pm on Wednesdays of Champions League matchweeks.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBBC’s Champions League teamHere’s a look at the BBC’s team for their new Champions League highlights show…PresentersMark ChapmanGabby LoganJason MohamedPunditsTheo WalcottJoe HartNedum OnuohaSteph HoughtonStephen WarnockThomas HitzlspergerWith the show then airing on BBC One from 10:40pm the same night.There will be a bonus episode of the show this Thursday with the new Champions League format spreading the opening fixtures across three days instead of the customary two.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker The BBC’s decision to not use Gary Lineker as the show’s host comes as the 63-year-old enters the final year of his contract with the broadcaster.Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day for 25 years, has cast doubt over his future with the Beeb in a recent interview with BBC Breakfast.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!”Joe Hart will be one of the BBC’s expert punditsCredit: GettyTheo Walcott is also part of the teamCredit: Getty More

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      BBC pundit, 52, says I ‘nearly had a heart attack’ live on air after huge bang during Champions League coverage

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      COMMENTATOR Ian Dennis “nearly had a heart attack” on live radio during a Champions League clash last night.The 52-year-old broadcaster was at San Siro for Liverpool’s 3-1 win over AC Milan, covering the game for BBC 5 Live.Ian Dennis got a huge fright during coverage of AC Milan vs LiverpoolCredit: GettyMilan fans let off a loud firework that scared the broadcasterCredit: ReutersDennis was in the commentary box alongside former Reds defender Stephen Warnock.And they both got a huge shock as a loud firework was let off by Milan ultras behind the goal. Warnock was providing his analysis of the game when a deafening bang was suddenly heard around the ground.Dennis let out an audible noise in fear and then a sigh of relief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWarnock began laughing and said: “Are you OK, Denno? Are you alright?”Denno has nearly just had a heart attack next to me there.”The veteran commentator eventually composed himself and added: “That was one of the loudest bangs I have heard for a long time.”That scared the living daylights out of me.”Most read in FootballDennis has been at the BBC since 1995 and has been covering football for Radio 5 Live since 2002.Last night, he saw Liverpool get back to winning ways after Saturday’s Premier League 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.Arne Slot casually swears in middle of Liverpool press conference as fans say ‘I love him already’ Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goals for Arne Slot’s men More

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      New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

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      THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

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      Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

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      THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More

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      BBC MOTD pundit slammed by international manager for ‘talking s*** all the time’

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      NEW Wales manager Craig Bellamy once berated pundit Micah Richards for “talking s*** all the time”.The Match of the Day analyst was speaking about the Nations League with pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on the Stick to Football podcast.Pundit Micah Richards recalled the time he was “mugged off” by Craig BellamyThe former Man City defender’s story left Gary Lineker in stitchesWales boss Bellamy told Micah Richards to up his punditry gameAfter dissecting England’s 2-0 win over Ireland, attentions turned to Wales, who kicked off their international break with a goalless draw against Turkey. Bellamy left Burnley after two years as an assistant to take charge of the Welsh national team, following the departure of Rob Page after the nation failed to qualify for Euro 2024.It prompted Richards to recall a “quick story” about visiting Bellamy – or “Bells” – before Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last season.Richards said: “Bellers is Marmite. You either love him or you hate him. He worked his socks off when he was at Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he would tell you how it is. If you played rubbish he would tell you. “So I’ve gone to see Vincent Kompany last season before Burnley’s first game of the season last year, I went to a training session and I went to the game.”And I’m walking into Turf Moor and I see Bellamy come up and he goes ‘F*** me, you’re f***ing everywhere talking s*** all the time’.””And I said ‘Bellers what do you mean?’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You boys on analysis don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve got basic analysis. It’s ABC, 123 stuff. If you want proper analysis come to a Burnley training and I will show you how it is done.”I was thinking to myself whether or not he was being serious or if he was having banter. But he was being deadly serious. I did not know how to take it.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I didn’t say nothing, I got in my car and drove home and just thought he’s just mugged me right off there and I’ve basically just taken it.”The brutal anecdote left Lineker and Shearer in stitches as they both burst out in laughter.Richards then admitted that he’ll be pulling Bellamy up on certain bits and pieces when he sees his former Man City team-mate again.Man City signed the former Welsh winger back in January 2009 from West Ham for £14m.Bellamy also formed a successful strike partnership with Shearer at Newcastle between 2001-2005 under Bobby Robson.Meanwhile, the appointment of Bellamy as Wales manager was to push for a rebrand before the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028, when Cardiff will stage matches. Bellamy, who won 78 Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, never qualified for a major finals and hopes for his first win as boss against Montenegro tonight. More