BBC

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Axed Match of the Day pundit, 66, slams BBC as ‘top of woke league’ and claims they are ‘totally frightened to death’

      by

      AXED Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson has slammed the BBC as “top of the woke league.”The former Liverpool star was one of their top stars for three decades.Mark Lawrenson claims the BBC are ‘top of the woke league’Lawrenson previously claimed he was axed from Match of the Day for being ’65 and white’Lawrenson regularly appeared on Match of the Day and Football Focus.But he was dropped by the BBC when his last one-year rolling contract came to an end in 2022.Lawrenson, 66, previously claimed that he was dropped for being “65 and a white male”.And lashing out at his exit today, he claimed the BBC has become a “woke” organisation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLawrenson feels the corporation loses “integrity day by day”.And he also reckons the BBC is “totally frightened to death”.He told the Ben Heath podcast: “Gone woke, it is top of the woke league.“They are frightened to death, absolutely and totally frightened to death.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You have seen the stuff with Gary Lineker and obviously people at the head of the BBC, I think day by day, I think the integrity of the corporation gets chipped off.“It used to be absolutely fantastic but they are woke, plus 100 per cent.”Jermaine Jenas reveals he’s been practicing for Gary Lineker’s MOTD jobIt’s not the first time Lawrenson has hit out at his departure.Speaking to the Sunday Times in 2022, he raged: “The Beeb are probably the worst at giving you bad news.”It was just, ‘We are going on the road next season with Focus. We don’t think it is really something for you.’”I haven’t watched the programme since to see if they have gone on the road.”They forget you are an ex-footballer and could get subbed or dropped or transferred.”Somebody could say to me, ‘I’m sorry, it’s not good news.’”And I would say, ‘OK, just tell me what it is.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”I just wish they had said to me at the start of my contract last year, ‘You’ve had a great run, thanks very much and you are not working next season.’ ”Asked what he thinks the true reason behind the exit is, Lawrenson added: “Well, I’m 65 and a white male, so you know…”Gary Lineker BBC’s suspension explainedThe dramatic details in full:
      Gary Lineker was suspended by the BBC last year after an impartiality row.
      The Match of the Day host wrote a tweet criticising the government’s asylum policy.
      Lineker compared new legislation to 1930s Germany.
      It breached BBC guidelines over impartiality and saw him suspended for a week.
      Lineker returned to action after colleagues protested over the Beeb’s decision.
      Viewers also boycotted Match of the Day when it aired without any host or pundits.
      Lineker has been at the helm of the show ever since, with the row quickly dying down. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      I won The Apprentice and £250,000… now I’m using Lord Sugar’s help to become boxing’s female Eddie Hearn

      by

      THE APPRENTICE winner Marnie Swindells is looking to become the female answer to Eddie Hearn with the help of Lord Alan Sugar. Swindells won the iconic BBC entrepreneurial programme last year and scooped the £250,000 cash prize. Eddie Hearn with Apprentice winner Marnie SwindellsCredit: Drip WaterSwindells won the iconic BBC entrepreneurial programme in 2023Swindells with Apprentice boss and business partner Lord SugarAnd she put Lord Sugar’s investment to good use by launching her own gym, Bronx Boxing Club in Camberwell, South London. Swindells first got the keys to her gym in 2019 but legal reasons prevented her from officially opening up till four years later. During that period, she raised £400,000 of her own money but needed an extra push – and that is when she looked Lord Sugar’s way. Swindells, 28, told SunSport: “As this was all happening I thought, ‘What have I got to lose?’READ MORE IN BOXING”So I put myself forward to go on the show, try and raise more money, expand the gym and thought, ‘Why not go for it?”That’s when I applied for the show with the hope of making – what I’d already created – bigger and better.”Swindells began boxing herself as an amateur at 17 and had eight bouts, twice winning the national Haringey Box Cup. But a lack of opportunities for women at the time KO’d her hopes of turning pro – and by then she had already found a passion for boxing outside the ring. Most read in BoxingShe said: “I love boxing and everything it stands for but boxing is an all or nothing sport.”As they say, ‘You can’t play boxing.’ And I don’t think as a fighter I loved it enough. This, now I’m here in this position I think this is what I was born to do.The Apprentice star Marnie opens new boxing gym with Lord Sugar”To facilitate, to make these spaces, I’ve found the bit that I was supposed to do in boxing.”Swindells graduated in history and politics at Goldsmiths University before qualifying as a barrister. But even after long days in court, she would always find herself back at the boxing gym until she got the idea to launch her own. And after going all the way in the 2023 series of The Apprentice, she invested the money into her Bronx Boxing Club. She has renovated the downstairs and upstairs, which was previously a vacated and “mice infested” nursery. But away from just owning the gym, Swindells has her eye on managing and promoting fighters. She revealed: “Even though women’s boxing has been on a massive trajectory itself the actual business side of boxing still remains quite untouched from a women’s touch.Swindells was a championship winning amateur boxingShe now has her eye on promoting boxingCredit: PASwindells opened the Bronx Boxing Club in 2023″There isn’t like a female promoter that you can name, a top female manager, a female Eddie Hearn or a female Ben Shalom.”So I would love to step into those shoes one day. I would love to take up the mantle.”Swindells has not yet revealed her plan to become boxing’s First Lady to Lord Sugar – but she thinks he will be on board. She said: “Well, I’ve talked about it a lot so he’s probably caught wind that it’s the direction I’d like to go into one day.”But I think it goes hand in hand with the growth of Bronx as a brand and the gym. “The more gyms we have, the more fighters we have, the more opportunities.”And ultimately that is the priority; the top priority is to get more sites, to get more people into boxing. “Promoting is something as I said, I think will come when the time is right.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When that time does come, I will have a conversation with him and by that point I think he’ll go, ‘Do you know what? She’s been true to her word so far and I’ll back that.'”You never know, he might invest some more and we might launch our own promotion company.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Scott sends fans into meltdown as she goes nearly topless for stunning shoot in ‘sensational scenes’

      by

      ALEX SCOTT sent fans into meltdown in a stunning shoot. The former Arsenal star-turned-TV presenter showed off her curled hair for a photoshoot with  Women’s Health UK.Alex Scott sent fans into meltdown in a stunning shootCredit: INSTAGRAM @alexscott2Alex Scott on the cover of Women’s Health UKCredit: PAScott – who opened up about her relationship with Jess Glynne in the magazine interview – went nearly topless in the glam shoot. And one fan reacted: “Absolutely stunning.” Another said: “Stunning Alex.” One gushed: “SENSATIONAL SCENES.” READ MORE IN footballGirlfriend Glynne also reacted with a flame emoji. Scott recently celebrated landing a new job as a radio presenter on KISS.The former England international has mostly worked as a TV presenter and a pundit since hanging up her boots.She hosts Football Focus and often guests presents The One Show, as well as appearing as a pundit on the BBC’s coverage of men and women’s football.Most read in FootballBut now Scott is set to pursue her other love – music – by becoming the host of KISS’ Sunday 7pm show.Scott, 39, will present two hours of “Old Skool anthems”, possibly leaning on favourites such as Lauryn Hill and LL Cool J.And on her relationship with singer Glynne, she said: “I’m enjoying being like, okay, I’m just gonna roll with this.”I think, before, I was very walls up. All those walls have, like, come down.”Alex Scott opened up about her relationship with Jess Glynne in the magazine interviewCredit: PAAlex Scott and girlfriend Jess Glynne at the Universal Music BRIT Awards after-partyCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Psychopathic’ Arsenal Invincible ‘would have been a criminal if it weren’t for football’, jokes former team-mate

      by

      EMMANUEL PETIT claims football “saved” fellow Arsenal legend Martin Keown from a life of crime.Petit revealed the ex-hardman “reminded me of psychopaths” but controlled his behaviour as he knew he was being watched on TV.Martin Keown famously confronted Man Utd’s Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyEmmanuel Petit says he and fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira were ‘so happy’ to have Keown playing behind themCredit: Action Images – ReutersKeown, 57, now a BBC and BT Sport pundit, won the last of his three Premier League titles with the Gunners as one of the 2003-4 “Invincibles”.But French World Cup winner Petit reckons only the discipline of sport kept the former England centre-back on the straight and narrow.The ex-midfielder, 53, told talkSPORT: “I always told him that football saved his life. Otherwise he would have been a criminal.”You know, the rules on the pitch… the fact that he could fight on the pitch, but with referees, things like this, he knew that television was looking at him, fans were looking at him, so he had to behave – with good manners as well.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I remember so many things with him. This guy sometimes reminds me of psychopaths.”Petit smiled as he added: “I told him football saved you. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble in normal life because he’s such a nice guy but all of a sudden in the space of one second he can change.”Keown was at the centre of one of English football’s most notorious images – aggressively taunting Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy over a missed penalty in September 2003.But Petit gave another dramatic example of what he believes was the defender’s sensitive temperament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe explained how Arsenal team-mates intervened against Sheffield Wednesday when Keown got his fingers around Paolo Di Canio’s throat.The former Chelsea and Barcelona star said: “You could see his eyes – he was not there anymore. He just wanted to kill Paolo Di Canio.The Wags of the North London Derby”So the way he plays, the way he used to take care of the strikers all the time – me and Patrick (Vieira) in midfield were so happy to have Martin at the back for you.”Petit also joked that Keown’s defensive partner Tony Adams was “clever” at “managing Martin just like someone who is walking with his dangerous dog”.Arsenal defensive icons Tony Adams and Keown hold the Prem trophy in 2002Credit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      Red Bull supremo set to QUIT F1 team over Christian Horner sexting scandal in huge blow with rivals ready to pounce

      by

      RED BULL design chief Adrian Newey is set to leave the team following the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.The BBC have reported that Newey has informed Red Bull that he wants to move on after almost 20 years with the team.Adrian Newey is set to step down from Red BullCredit: GettyNewey’s exit is reportedly rooted from the controversy surrounding Christian HornerCredit: GettyNewey, 65, is said to be “unsettled” by the situation at Red Bull in the wake of Horner’s sexting scandal.And it is reported that his decision to call an end to his time with Red Bull can be traced back to the situation involving Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.The unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.READ MORE ON F1Newey’s seemingly forthcoming exit will reignite rumours around a switch to another major F1 team.The Brit, who has won 12 World Constructors’ titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and is understood to have previously received an offer from Aston Martin.Newey is under contract with Red Bull until 2025 but the BBC claim that he believes he can negotiate a deal that would see him work for another team from next season.It would be a huge blow for Red Bull to lose Newey who is regarded as one of the best designers in the history of F1.Most read in MotorsportWhile many consider the former McLaren designer as the brains behind the dominance and success that Red Bull have experienced over recent years.Red Bull have seen an internal power battle crop up following Horner’s controversy.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThere has been widespread concern over the future of Max Verstappen who is also said to be unnerved by the situation.Speaking at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend Verstappen discussed his desire to keep the chiefs at Red Bull in place and keep a “peaceful environment”.The star, who is contracted until 2028, said: “I signed a long deal with team.”The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. “I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave.”Who is Adrian Newey?
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1. More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It was just MINGING’ – Premier League star pooed in bag and hid it in Micah Richards’ car

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed how he was the victim of a disgusting prank that left a horrible stench.The former Manchester City star is now a regular face on our TV screens for BBC’s long-running show Match of the Day and Sky Sports.Micah Richards revealed a gross tale on the latest The Rest Is Football PodcastCredit: Youtube @TheRestIsFootballRichards and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer are also part of the new hit podcast The Rest Is Football, which is hosted by MOTD pal Gary Lineker.The three former footy stars have provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments since.Shearer revealed how he once caught an unknown couple getting kinky on a piano in his hotel room.England legend Lineker was left hot and bothered on-air after being called out by Richards for “sexual innuendo” on the hilarious podcast as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the s*** hit the fan this week as 35-year-old Richards recalled a gross story from his playing days.After revealing he and his team-mates used to do the “usual” pranking around cutting laces he then dropped a bombshell.“Someone, and I still don’t know who it is to this day, basically s*** in a bag and put it in a little box – you know you have your boot, then underneath your boot, which you never go there unless you get a flat tyre.“I kept taking my car to the car wash and basically there was something not right.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“My car is stinking and I cannot find where it’s coming from. I’m not joking, can you sort it out.“I must have got my car washed 50 times. But still the stench.”Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseRichards, who also played for Fiorentina and Aston Villa, continued: “So one day I got a flat tyre, and I think I can do everything so I change the tyre.“I pulled the flap up that has all your tools in it, underneath the tools this poo had turned grey.“It was just minging!”Richards then issued a plea, adding: “Please, whoever did that, can you just own up now.“It’s been ten or fifteen years, admit it.”Meanwhile, Richards apologised to Frank Lampard live on air after a bust-up dating back nearly 20 years ago.But the Chelsea legend had the perfect response as Shearer joked about what Richards “really called him” backstage.Lamps joined the pair and Lineker for BBC’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final when talk turned to an infamous incident between him and Richards that occurred in 2007 when the Blues hammered Man City 6-0 in the Premier League.Richards admitted in October that he had vowed to “smash” Lampard on the field after he was blanked by his opponent in the tunnel but he is now full of regret.He said: “It was 6-0, I was at fault for probably five of the goals.“I’d like to apologise, live on air.”Lampard graciously said: “You haven’t got to apologise. I was probably in the zone.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut cheeky Shearer could not resist chiming in with: “That’s not what you were saying in the dressing room two hours ago before Frank arrived!“Tell him what you really called him!” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We simply cannot accept’ – BBC fire cheeky dig at Nottingham Forest over bizarre VAR blast as statement released

      by

      BBC SPORT TEESIDE mocked Nottingham Forest’s astonishing VAR statement following Middlesbrough’s defeat to Leeds on Monday night.Boro’s play-off hopes were ended by Daniel Farke’s side at the Riverside Stadium as Leeds moved back into second place with a 4-2 win in the North East.BBC Sport Teeside aped Nottingham Forest’s VAR statement on Monday eveningCredit: RexThe mocking tweet came after decisions went against Middlesbrough in their defeat to LeedsCredit: AlamyHowever, the home side were left feeling aggrieved at the second and third goals they conceded as there was a suspicion of offside in both.And while the game was still going on, BBC Sport Teeside aped the style of Forest’s tweet from Sunday by insisting they are decisions they “cannot accept” and that they “will now consider its options”.Their post read: “Two extremely poor offside decisions – which we simply cannot accept.”Maddo [academy ambassador and player welfare officer at Boro] warned the PGMOL that the lino is a Leeds fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”BBC Tees Sport will now consider its options.”It comes after Forest received a huge backlash over their club statement following a 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side felt they should have been awarded three penalties during their relegation six-pointer at Goodison Park on the weekend.Hitting back at the officiating, in particular VAR Stuart Attwell, they said: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Most read in FootballWhat have Nottingham Forest said?

      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
      “We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
      “NFFC will now consider its options.”
      Today the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

      “We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.”NFFC will now consider its options.”Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’They then released a further statement on Monday calling on the audio recordings from the VAR room to be released.Gary Neville likened the first statement to something a “mafia gang” would put out, describing it as “embarrassing” and “a scandal”.Reports have since emerged that Forest are considering SUING Sky Sports over the comments.Meanwhile, the FA have announced they want urgent explanations from Nuno, Neco Williams and ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg – now an employee of Forest. More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running Marathon as he thinks Man Utd have ‘already kicked off’

      by

      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE declared he was in a “rush” after mistakenly thinking Manchester United had already kicked off at Wembley after he’d completed the London Marathon.The 71-year-old billionaire recently completed his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and takeover of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon before heading to watch Man UtdCredit: ReutersThe Utd chief told BBC he was in a ‘rush’ to get to Wembley as they interviewed him afterwardsCredit: BBCSir Jim was spotted in his seat at Wembley just after half timeCredit: BBCHe continues to make a number of changes off the pitch, while United are hoping for some joy on it this afternoon.The Red Devils face Coventry City at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final this afternoon, where the winner will face holders Man City after they beat Chelsea yesterday.However, Ratcliffe joined the thousands of other runners in the capital this morning for the London Marathon and recorded a personal best time of 4hrs 30mins 52secs.And after Ratcliffe had crossed the finish line, he joined the BBC for a quick chat before making the dash to Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRatcliffe started his conversation with BBC presenter Gabby Logan with: “I’m in a rush… I need to get to the match.”Even though he still had 45 minutes to go until the action got underway at Wembley, he then mistakenly said: “They’ve already kicked off haven’t they, so I’ll have to be quick.”After revealing that he recorded a time of around four-and-a-half hours, he then got down to discussing a potential Manchester derby against City in the FA Cup Final.After awkwardly mishearing Logan refer to Coventry as underdogs, he thought that she was talking about the Red Devils’ chances against their neighbours.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe said: “We are definitely the underdog. Unfortunately. Not for long though.”Asked to compare running a marathon to his progress at United, he replied: “There are some parallels, I have to say. It just sort of requires some grit.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old Trafford“Always, in the marathon, after 30k it gets quite difficult. “I don’t think we are quite at 30k in the football yet, we’ve still got some way to go.”When asked if it equated to a half marathon, he replied: “No, not even there really… probably only the first 10k.“But it’s a long journey really the football because one of the biggest problems is that you get these new guys to come into the team, really capable people, but they are all on gardening leave.“So it takes you six months, a year or 18 months – it’s a real issue in football. “They can’t work for us, the fans are impatient and I have some sympathy with that.“But it’s a journey and, whether they like it or not, they have to be a bit patient. It’s not a lightswitch, it takes a bit of time.”United confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director this week from Southampton.Wilcox, whose previous roles include technical director at Southampton and academy director at Manchester City, will report to the sporting director.The new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.The London MarathonSome of the other celebrities that were spotted crossing the finish line along with Ratcliffe:

      Singer Tom Grennan
      Comedian Romesh Ranganathan
      Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham
      Actress Ruth Wilson
      Actor Christopher Eccleston
      Actor Phil Dunster
      Actor Jamie Borthwick
      Actress Emma Barton 

      Wilcox’s arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.Another thing Ratcliffe and INEOS want to do is transform Old Trafford – or build a completely new stadium and make it a “Wembley of the North”.When asked about that by Logan, He replied: “I’d love to do that. I think that would be fantastic for the north of England.“I think that whole area of southern Manchester, it’s where the industrial revolution began, and that’s why they built Old Trafford there.“The workers would finish their shift, walk to the ground – so it was where industry and manufacturing began.“It’s a really important area but it’s run down, so to regenerate that area and build a Wembley of the North would be a marvellous project and we could achieve it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSuddenly, he intervened again to cut-short the conversation by signing off with: “Anyway, I need to get to the match.”Although he did have time before he dashed off to reveal that it would definitely not be the tube that he would be using to get to the national stadium.Sir Jim reiterated his desire to build a ‘Wembley of the North’ new stadium More