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      Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

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      GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Gary Lineker in talks with BBC over multi-year deal for Match of the Day after volunteering to take pay cut

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      GARY Lineker is in talks with the BBC over a multi-year deal for Match of the Day — after volunteering to take a pay cut.The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker is preparing to sign a new six-figure deal with the BBC after volunteering for a pay cutCredit: BBCGary Lineker during his first MOTD appearance in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Lineker, who has hosted the BBC footie highlights show since 1999, is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three years.Talks are understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.The shamed former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, has also been tipped to take over when Lineker’s contract expires at the end of the season.Last year the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical social media post about the Government’s asylum policy. Most read in FootballHe was forced to miss a show but colleagues loyally refused to fill in for him, so only match highlights were shown instead.The upcoming pay negotiations come as the BBC is under enormous pressure to reduce its wage bill.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker Since 2021, it has laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets across programmes.BBC chiefs are also still trying to claw back £200,000 paid to disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards since his arrest last November over child sex abuse images.BBC director-general Tim Davie said the crimes were “appalling”, adding: “We want the money back and we’ve asked for it back, and we’re waiting to hear back.”A spokesman for Lineker declined to comment, as did the BBC.Lineker is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Alan Shearer snubs Rice, Havertz and Raya and picks just four Arsenal players in combined XI with Man City

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      ALAN SHEARER picked only four Arsenal stars in his combined XI with Manchester City.City host the Gunners in what poses as a battle for the Premier League summit that could determine the eventual title winner this Sunday at the Etihad.Alan Shearer picked his combined XI ahead of Manchester City’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it seems like Shearer, 54, believes that the Citizens hold an advantage in terms of star quality as he picked seven of Pep Guardiola’s aces in his combined line-up.The Newcastle legend opted for Ederson over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya between the sticks – despite his midweek double-save heroics.Kyle Walker made it at right-back with the Gunners’ comeback hero Jurrien Timber on the other side, while his team-mates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partner up at centre-back.The BBC pundit then went for a full City midfield with Rodri teaming up with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the Gunners’ superstar Declan Rice was left out.Read More on FootballArsenal star Bukayo Saka earned a spot in the right wing up front with Phil Foden on the other side and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack.Kai Havertz was omitted despite a bright start to the campaign with two goals and one assist in four Premier League matches.Many expect an entertaining encounter between the two biggest favourites to lift the Premier League trophy in May.However, Shearer has a different opinion as he expects Arsenal and City to draw in the weekend.Most read in FootballShearer left Arsenal stars Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya out of his Combined XIAnd the Premier League’s record goalscorer is adamant that wouldn’t be a bad result after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest last week.Shearer told Betfair: “I am going for a draw in this one.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City”It’s a long week with both teams having played in the Champions League as well, so a draw for both teams isn’t a bad result, even though Man City are at home.”Liverpool have dropped points already, Arsenal have dropped two points already at home to Brighton, but I don’t think a draw would be a disaster for either team.”Arsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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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