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      Alan Shearer feared he’d be sacked by BBC if cameras caught what he was doing in Newcastle away end for FA Cup clash

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      ENGLAND legend Alan Shearer feared he would be sacked by the BBC while supporting former club Newcastle last week.Shearer was in the away end at Craven Cottage on Saturday to support the Magpies against Fulham.
      Alan Shearer was spotted in the crowd at Craven Cottage during Fulham vs NewcastleCredit: Rex
      The Newcastle legend feared he would be sacked by the BBC if he was caught swearing on cameraCredit: Getty
      The ex-striker was swarmed by fans after taking to his seat, with some even chanting his name throughout the match.
      Although he now regularly watches games from a TV studio, Shearer, a pundit for BBC Sport and Match of the Day, admitted he loved being among the crowd.
      The 53-year-old even revealed that he got so caught up in the action that he began swearing at the referee at one point during the game.
      Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “You know when the ref makes a poor decision, and you can hear all the fans go, ‘That’s f*****g useless’.
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      “Well I found myself doing the same to the referee!
      “I was thinking, ‘If the cameras are on me now…’ Honestly, I had to think, ‘Calm down, Alan, or you might get yourself sacked here for shouting at the referee!'”
      Discussing his matchday experience, Shearer added: “My son said to me, ‘Dad, I’ve got a spare ticket. You always said you’re going to come to an away game with me. Why don’t you come to the game?’ And I was like, ‘Are you mad?’
      “He said, ‘Come on, you’ll love it. It’ll be amazing!’ Then I thought, ‘Actually, it’s not a bad idea’. Then the more I thought about it, the more I thought, ‘I’m gonna do it, why not’.
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      “He persuaded me and I went, and I’m definitely going to do it again. I absolutely loved it. It was everything – chaos, madness, excitement. It was just brilliant.”
      Newcastle went on to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn.
      They will now face Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round. More

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      Pep Guardiola’s lavish life off the pitch – from writing off car collection worth £460k to unusual £2.7m Manchester home

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      HE’S the football manager who has broken multiple records on the pitch – and has one more in his sights.With the second half of the Premier League season underway, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, 53, is gunning for a fourth title in a row, which will further cement his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
      Pep Guardiola is considered to be one of the greatest football managers of all timeCredit: Instagram
      The Manchester City manager celebrating his UEFA Champions League victory in June last year with his wife Cristina SerraCredit: Getty
      Before becoming a head coach, he played for FC Barcelona, where he starred for Johan Cruyff’s legendary ‘Dream Team’, as well as subsequent sides like Roma and the Spanish national team.
      But it’s his time as a manager where Pep has shone even more, notching up achievements including becoming the only manager to win the continental treble twice.
      It’s helped Pep to amass an impressive fortune – he is reportedly worth £100million and paid £19.7million a year by the Blues. 
      Now also the subject of new BBC doc Pep Guardiola: Chasing Perfection, we look into the manager’s glamorous life away from the pitch with wife Cristina and their three children.
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      Doomed fleet of cars
      Despite having driven a range of enviable motors, Pep is renowned for not being the world’s greatest driver.
      Last year, we reported that he has damaged cars collectively worth £460,000 since joining Man City in February 2016. 
      They included a £200,000 silver Bentley, GTX700, a £150,000 Range Rover, an £80,000 black Mercedes GLE and a £30,000 Mini Cooper.
      A source said: “Pep is brilliant at many things but driving doesn’t appear to be one of them, he has struggled with the roads in Manchester and had a couple of bumps.”
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      Pep reportedly managed to ‘mangle’ a silver BentleyCredit: Cavendish Press

      The manager’s clumsiness when it comes to motors was further described by authors Lu Martin and Pol Ballus, in the 2019 book Pep’s City: The Making Of A Superteam.
      “He has a reputation from his Barcelona days of being a hapless driver and this is his fourth car he has owned since coming to Manchester,” they wrote.
      “His wing mirrors don’t survive for long and he’s also managed to fill a diesel Range Rover with petrol and mangle a silver Bentley.”

      Jet-setting holidays
      Pep took a no-expense-spared holiday to Egypt with his wife and three kidsCredit: Supplied
      He was showered with gifts during the trip including being given a King Tut mask replicaCredit: Supplied
      After winning the treble – the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup – in 2023, Pep celebrated with a trip to Egypt with Cristina and their children Maria, 23; Marius, 21; and Valentina, 16.
      They spent two days in Cairo and six days exploring Aswan and Luxor, where they visited the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. 
      During the trip, Pep was showered with gifts including a replica of King Tutankhamun’s mask – and treated to lunch in a hotel overlooking the pyramids.
      “We welcomed him with flowers, souvenirs and promotional material about various Egyptian tourist and archaeological sites,” Nisreen Othmanli, from Egypt’s tourism board, told Arab News. 
      In 2022, Pep and his wife were seen lapping up the sun in BarbadosCredit: BackGrid
      Before taking over at Man City, he was seen on a luxury yacht in IbizaCredit: SOLARPIX.COM
      In 2022, Pep celebrated winning his fourth Premier League title with a luxury holiday to Barbados with Cristina. 
      He was seen lapping up the waves on an enviable white sand beach before retreating to a high-end resort.
      That same year, he was seen on a romantic boat trip, dining at fancy restaurants and browsing expensive shops, in Venice, Italy.
      Ahead of joining Man City back in 2016, Pep took some time out with his family on a private yacht that they sailed along the Ibiza coastline.
      £11m properties
      Pep has a £2.7m luxury apartment in City Suites, which is located in Salford, Greater ManchesterCredit: Supplied
      He has access to an 18-metre indoor spa pool along with sauna facilitiesCredit: Supplied
      In 2017, Pep splashed out on one of the most expensive properties sold that year in Greater Manchester.
      He spent £2.7million on a luxury apartment in City Suites, which was in the “most desirable address” in Salford, next to a wealth of designer shops, high-end restaurants and wine bars. 
      As part of the deal, Pep had access to an 18-metre indoor spa pool, an exquisite spa and sauna facilities as well as a 24-hour gym. 
      Other benefits included two private parking spots, a 24-hour concierge team, dry-cleaning services and access to a private executive lounge.  
      Pep’s apartment is in a private section of the hotel, which is believed to occupy two of 16 floors. Guests can also rent rooms per night or opt for longer stays too.
      It was considered an unusual option due to most footballers from Manchester City and United choosing to live in leafy Cheshire, known for its sprawling mansions in the countryside.
      My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow herPep Guardiola
      Pep also bought an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pedarlbes, which is the most expensive area in Barcelona, for £8.55million back in 2021 .
      The stunning white home is nestled in the foothills of Sant Pere Màrtir mountain and boasts breathtaking views of the city. 
      It features a spacious living area, a high-end kitchen, a large private swimming pool and balconies across two of the storeys to take advantage looking out of over the picturesque landscape. 
      During a one-year work sabbatical in 2012, Pep lived in a luxurious New York apartment that cost £19,500-per-month and overlooked Central Park. 
      The building, located in Upper West Side, used to be the home of other celebs including X-Files actor David Duchovny and Barbara Streisand. 
      Inside the apartment was four bedrooms, bathrooms and a study, where it’s claimed the manager practised German before taking over at Bayern Munich.  
      Wardrobe fit for a model
      Pep has become known for his style at the Etihad Stadium, often sporting turtle necks and branded jumpers instead of always going for stuffy suits. 
      Among his outfits is his signature grey ‘hoodigan’, which was made by Theresa May’s favourite Italian designer Herno and reportedly costs £1,200.
      The manager was seen wearing the oversized item – considered “lucky” by fans – 30 times between the start of the 2019 season and May. 
      Pep has also been pictured in ‘MDCR’ – referring to ‘Madchester’ – jumpers and an array of items with the letter ‘P’ on them. 
      Earlier this month, he revealed his fashion choices are made by his wife Cristina – whom he met while he was modelling designer gear in Serra Claret, a fashion store owned by her family in Barcelona.
      Pep doesn’t always stick to stuffy suits on the sidelines of the pitchCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Pep modelling in the Nineties for a Catalonian fashion brand
      He said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.
      “I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”
      Perhaps he is playing down his own fashion credentials, however. In throwback snaps from the Nineties, Pep was seen modelling on the catwalk for Antonio Miró, while playing for Barcelona.
      It was reported that every item from the Catalonian designer sold out just a few days after the event.  
      Priceless watches
      The manager has a number of expensive luxury watchesCredit: Getty
      His love for fashion doesn’t stop there, Pep is also known to have an impressive collection of watches.
      Among them was a Richard Mille (RM) RM 27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, which he was pictured with on a golf course, that costs around £590,000 due to there only being ten in the world.  
      Other ultra-expensive timepieces seen on his wrist include a £455,000 RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne, a £75,000 RM 010 ‘Manchester City’ and the RM 004 All Gray, which costs more than £150,000.
      Last year Pep was seen wearing a RM 67-02 watch – they typically cost £228,000 but his timepiece was a United Arab Emirates edition, which is not for sale.
      He has also been seen sporting a £55,000 Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph 5905P and a £12,500 Rolex Cellini. 
      £500k wine collection
      Pep is known to be a wine lover but splashed out a whopping £200k on Spanish reds in 2021Credit: Splash News
      Away from the pitch, it seems the Man City boss is a secret fan of the reds… of the wine variety that is. 
      In 2021, it was reported that Pep forked out £200,000 on a Spanish vineyard’s finest vintage bottles and reportedly drinks a glass or two after football matches.
      Friends told The Daily Star that he spent as much as £500,000 on fancy reds including the very best Riojas, prized Priorat and Dibera del Duero labels.
      A source said: “His main interest is that of a collector of fine vintages, and he sees the value of them as investments… Not only does he enjoy a glass of wine, he really knows his stuff too.”
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      Pep reportedly eyed up some of the fancy reds for his restaurant Tast Catalia, which he opened in Manchester back in 2018 alongside two Man City directors. 
      Previously, he said the “best way to enjoy” World Cup matches was “at home with red wine”. More

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      ‘I’m not sure people know this’ – Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day’s contractual obligation with Premier League

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that the BBC have a contractual agreement with the Premier League that limits the amount of game time that can be shown on Match of the Day.Just two Prem games took place on Saturday as Arsenal hosted Crystal Palace and Brentford faced Nottingham Forest.
      Gary Lineker has explained why the BBC can only show a limited amount of match footageCredit: Getty
      The bizarre fixture scheduling saw BBC highlights show Match of the Day altered, meaning host Alex Scott and pundits Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams had more time to spend on analysis.
      However, ex-Manchester City star Micah Richards joked that Shearer spoke too much during the 35-minute show.
      Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “Talk about overdoing it! You’re talking about (Martin) Odegaard with the socks! Talk about over-analysing a situation!”
      Shearer responded: “We had two hours spare in the afternoon, we had to do something.”
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      However, Lineker then chimed in to reveal why the pundits were forced to spend more time on analysis.
      The England icon explained that the BBC can only use a limited amount of match footage.
      He said: “I’m not sure if people know this but you’re only allowed a certain amount of time of each game.
      “I think it’s limited to something like a maximum of 12 minutes.
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      “So therefore whereas normally we would squeeze in six or eight games and condense our chatting into two or three minutes per game, when you’ve just got two games in 35 minutes you’ve got ten minutes or so to chat.
      “It’s a contractual obligation – I think it’s 12 minutes but I’ll check that.”
      While discussing Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace during the show, ex-Everton star Williams spotted a potential set-piece “trigger” from Martin Odegaard which involved the midfielder pulling up his socks.
      Williams explained: “There’s always a trigger for what the movement’s going to be.
      “We can see they have worked on whether it’s a front-post corner or a back-post corner.
      “If you keep an eye on Odegaard, we feel – maybe we’ve had too much time on our hands – but we feel that maybe he’s signalling something to the corner taker.
      “He’s in the same place for every corner and he’s playing with his socks.  
      “There is synchronicity regarded whether they go to the front or the back. Every clip we see here he is doing the same thing where he’s playing with his socks. It might be coincidence, yes.
      “But it is a big coincidence that he’s always there and always doing something with his sock.” More

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      Emma Louise Jones poses with Luke Humphries & World Darts trophy but fans fear she’s ‘putting too much faith in buttons’

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES posed alongside Luke Humphries as he brought some silverware to Elland Road. Humphries was seen presenting his WDC Darts World Championship trophy which he beat Luke Littler to claim earlier this month.
      Emma Louise Jones posed alongside Luke Humphries PDC World Darts trophyCredit: X @eljonesuk
      World No1 Darts star Humphries paraded the trophy around Elland RoadCredit: PA
      Emma said the gong was ‘very heavy’Credit: Rex
      As well as showing it off to the fans at half-time, Humphries, 28, also posed with the gong alongside BBC presenter Emma.
      And it seems she was even offered the chance to try and lift the trophy.
      Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, she captioned the image: “A pleasure to be joined by @lukeh180 and his (VERY HEAVY) trophy in the studio 🏆.”
      Reacting to the snap, one fan said: “Winner winner trophy dinner.”
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      However, another fan said: “Sooo much faith in those buttons.”
      Leeds TV presenter Emma previously suffered a wardrobe malfunction when her jumpsuit broke following an interview at Leicester City’s training ground.
      It left her holding her top and “clinging on for dear life” as she made her way back to her car afterwards.
      Although on this occasion it seems no such clanger occurred.
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      Emma is a football presenter on BBCCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She started out on Leeds TV in 2017Credit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      Both Emma and Humphries would have been delighted with Leeds’ comeback win over Preston.
      Will Keane had put the visitors ahead after just two minutes before Daniel James struck back in the sixth minute.
      Leeds then controversially won a penalty in injury time for a dubious handball.
      But Joel Piroe did not need a second invitation and dispatched from 12 yards to snatch a big victory for Leeds’ promotion hunt.
      Emma Louise Jones is a popular BBC sports presenterCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Jones covers rugby league for the BBC alongside other sportsCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
      Jones had put together a strong social media game and can boast over a quarter of a million followersCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Jones loves to share glam pics with her legion of followersCredit: instagram
      Jones’ posts attract a lot of engagement from her followersCredit: Instagram, @eljones90 More

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      Premier League cult hero makes ‘excellent’ BBC MOTD debut as impressed fans say ‘give me more’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE legend Glenn Murray made his Match of the Day debut to the delight of fans.The 40-year-old was joined in the studio by Gary Lineker and Micah Richards last night.
      Glenn Murray made his Match of the Day debut last nightCredit: BBC
      Murray scored 111 goals for Brighton during his lengthy careerCredit: PA
      Murray has previously only featured as a pundit on Match of the Day 2 and yesterday was his Saturday night TV debut.
      Since hanging up his boots in 2021, he has appeared on Sky Sports and often on BBC Radio 5 Live.
      Viewers were pleased to see him handed a chance on MOTD, one said: “More of Glenn Murray please, an excellent pundit.”
      Another added: “Glenn Murray knows football, fantastic analysis.”
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      The retired striker controversially agreed with VAR’s decision not to disallow Luton’s last-gasp equaliser against Burnley on Friday night.
      Clarets keeper James Trafford believed he was fouled by Elijah Adebayo as he came off his line to catch a cross, missing the ball as Carlton Morris headed home.
      Murray claimed not every bit of contact with a goalkeeper is a foul and No1s are “overprotected”.
      He has legendary status at Brighton, playing for the club in League One, the Championship and Premier League during his two spells with the Seagulls.
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      Murray scored 111 goals for them, 26 of which coming in the top-flight.
      He also played for Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the Prem. More

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      He’s putting on a Scottish accent, fans cry as ex-Prem referee Mark Clattenburg stars in Gladiators reboot

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      FANS have accused former Prem League referee Mark Clattenburg of putting on a Scottish accent as he took to the Gladiators ring. The popular BBC show returned to TV screens for the first time in more than two decades with a brand new squad.
      Fans were left stunned to see the new line-up of refereesCredit: BBC
      Former referee Mark Clattenburg took on the stage for the first episodeCredit: BBC
      The classic show was back on BBC One on January 13 with a stellar line-up of athletes and sports stars.
      Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are the new hosts.
      The series originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, and was presented by Ulrika Johnsson.
      But this new reboot left fans stunned after former referee Mark Clattenburg took on the stage for the first episode.

      The former Premier League, 48, refereed the Champion’s League cup final and Euro 2016 final.
      But on tonight’s episode Clattenburg shocked the nation after stepping in to take over from the famous Scottish voice of John Anderson.
      During the one-hour episode, Clattenburg said the show’s famous line: “Contestants, ready? Gladiators, ready?”
      After the show, fans rushed to social media to comment on the former football referee seen blowing the iconic whistle.
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      One user said: “Mark Clattenburg is definitely putting on a Scottish accent.”
      Some questioned if the former professional referee – who comes from the North East – was in fact Scottish.
      Another added: “I see former football ref Mark Clattenburg is attempting a Scottish accent to sound like John Anderson.”
      Others were so shocked to see the former referee they slammed he was after “some cash”.
      One wrote: “Mark Clattenburg must be desperate for some cash to go on Gladiators.”
      Another said: “Mark Clattenburg refereeing on Gladiators I don’t know why I’m shocked he always loved the camera.”
      A third said: “I hope there is no VAR too! I never imagined I’d be seeing Mark Clattenburg refereeing.”
      However, some fans were less impressed, with one writing: “Mark Clattenburg is the ‘Gladiator’s ready’ referee on the new series of Gladiators. Another reason not to watch it.”
      Before the long-waited episode, Clattenburg said that landing the Gladiators gig was “one of the most amazing things I will do in my life”.
      He also praised the show’s original referee John Anderson as “legendary” and said taking over the whistle “is such an honour”.
      It comes as a Gladiators contestant was rushed to medics after suffering an horror knee injury as he’s left fighting back tears.
      Contestant Finley took on his next challenge called the Gauntlet.
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      It required the contenders to get to the end of the Gauntlet in just 30 seconds – while there were four zones each protected by a Gladiator.
      But things took a nasty turn when Finley injured his knee during the intense game.
      Gladiators has returned after decades off airCredit: BBC
      Mark Clattenburg refereed the Champion’s League cup final and Euro 2016 finalCredit: Getty More

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      Alex Scott stuns in low-cut top live on Football Focus after BBC presenter’s romantic holiday with Jess Glynne

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      ALEX SCOTT was dressed to impress as she stunned on Football Focus.The 39-year-old was presenting BBC’s preview show ahead of the weekend’s action.
      Alex Scott wowed in a stylish outfitCredit: BBC
      The host stunned in her low-cut top while on Football FocusCredit: BBC
      She was joined by Stephen Warnock and Ellen WhiteCredit: BBC
      Alex was joined in the studio by fellow ex-Lioness Ellen White and former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock.
      The host dazzled in a gorgeous low-cut black top and gold necklace.
      She accompanied her outfit with stylish high-heels.
      Fans loved seeing her on screens, one said: “Such a naturally gifted presenter. Great show.”
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      Alex was back hosting for the second time after recently jetting off to Mexico for a romantic getaway with pop star partner Jess Glynne.
      The loved-up duo explored the Tulum region – going scuba diving and then ziplining across the jungle.
      They even went to the local pyramids and drove around on a moped.
      Alex also found time to relax while away, soaking up the sun while on the beach.
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      The beauty stripped down to a white bikini as she showed off her toned body.
      A body language expert told SunSport their relationship is getting increasingly serious.
      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne holidayed together in MexicoCredit: Alex Scott/instagram
      Alex wowed as she soaked up the sun abroadCredit: instagram
      The beauty showed off her toned lookCredit: instagram
      Alex was back presenting Football Focus for the second time since her breakCredit: @alexscott2
      Alex and Jess posted plenty of snaps of her trip on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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      Real FA Cup magic got TV snub.. bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame

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      TV bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame after snubbing the magic of our much-loved FA Cup.It is either through ignorance, arrogance or sheer incompetence — or all three — that they have scheduled some of the most dull and uninspiring collection of games ever seen in the third round.
      Maidstone boss George Elokobi and goal hero Sam Corne celebrates making FA Cup history by reaching the fourth round — but BBC and ITV snubbed televising them
      For me, this week every year is one of the most exciting in the football calendar.
      It is when the FA Cup really comes to life as the plumbers and builders or lower-league pros dine on the same table as the superstars.
      It is what makes this competition unique — not just here in the UK but across the globe.
      As a proud man of Kent, I simply could not miss going to watch little Maidstone United of the National League South host League One high-fliers Stevenage.
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      And the lowest-ranked team left in the competition caused the biggest shock and story of the round by producing a brilliant performance to stun Steve Evans’ men at their neat but small Gallagher Stadium.
      More than 1,000 joyous fans swamped the pitch at the end to celebrate one of the biggest achievement’s in the town’s 127-year football history. Yet the game was not picked by the dullards in the ivory towers of the Beeb and ITV.
      No, they believed the magic of the Cup lay on a Thursday night at Selhurst Park where Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace and Everton slogged out a goalless bore.
      And they felt the all-Premier League tie between Tottenham and Burnley would win the hearts of the nation on Friday night.
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      Around 1,000 Maidstone fans swamp the pitch in joy after historic win
      Fans celebrated with the Maidstone team on the pitch after they beat Stevenage
      Aside from Pedro Porro’s stunning winner at the end for Spurs, the game was a snooze-fest.
      Sunderland v Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime was a fair enough selection with it being a North-East derby — but even that proved to be an underwhelming and boring mismatch as the Toon cruised to a 3-0 win.
      Middlesbrough hosting Aston Villa was a pretty tepid affair on Saturday evening, too.
      Arsenal taking on Liverpool yesterday was an all-Premier League heavyweight clash so, to be fair to the BBC execs, that one deserved to be on the box.
      And tonight ITV are screening Wigan v Manchester United, which is a decent tie.
      But let’s not pretend they made that decision because they love the idea of League One club Wigan creating more Cup magic to add to their stunning 2013 triumph when they won it.
      No, tonight’s game is only on screens because it’s Manchester United. Every single round they are still in the competition, we have to endure having Erik ten Hag’s team forced down our throats.
      I’ve nothing against anyone at United — but personally cannot wait for them to be knocked out each year because it’s so excruciating listening to all the hype that surrounds them.
      Not one match at the weekend featured a team below the Championship — and even the two games that did involve second-tier clubs, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, were up against top-flight sides.
      AGGREGATE CROWDS 2023-24THE number of people who have passed through the turnstiles in the top six tiers of English football so far this season.
      PREMIER LEAGUE: 7,483,909
      CHAMPIONSHIP: 6,928,003
      LEAGUE ONE: 2,854,803
      LEAGUE TWO: 1,790,684
      NATIONAL LEAGUE: 822,432
      NATIONAL SOUTH: 417,508
      NATIONAL NORTH: 371,385

      Our football culture is not based only in the golden bubble of the sanitised Premier League.
      In fact, most people who go to football matches week in, week out go to games OUTSIDE the top flight.
      I’ve done some number crunching. So far this season, according to my A-level maths knowledge at least, an aggregate of 7,483,909 have passed through the turnstiles to watch Premier League football this season.
      Yet a staggering 13,184,815 punters have passed through the gates to watch either the EFL or the top two divisions of non-league football — nearly SIX MILLION more than the top division.
      People who defend the TV execs say that even if they did select a non-league side against a pro team, like Maidstone v Stevenage, they cannot guarantee an upset.
      One person on social media argued to me that a few years ago non-league Marine took on Tottenham and who was still watching as the Premier League side went 5-0 up? Well, how many people — my Geordie friends aside — were still watching when Newcastle went 8-0 up at Sheffield United in the Premier League in September?
      And if you went by that logic Ronnie Radford’s stunner for Hereford that helped knock Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 would never have been televised — and maybe the then 26-year-old commentator John Motson would not have gone on to have the great career he had.
      Of course, you cannot guarantee upsets in football — that is the whole beauty of it.
      TV execs decided that Crystal Palace v Everton was a ‘must-watch’ FA Cup tie that bored anyone unfortunate enough to watch it on Thursday
      When it does happen, like it did in Kent on Saturday, it makes it extra special.
      Thankfully, here at your favourite newspaper, we were at the Gallagher Stadium to capture it all — and will continue to champion ALL levels of our wonderful pyramid.
      As Wolves cult hero and Maidstone manager George Elokobi said on Saturday: “The magic of the FA Cup lives on.”
      Even if it doesn’t for those spoilsport TV execs who, quite frankly, have no clue about the heartbeat of our national game.
      By George, what a great bloke
      WHAT a guy George Elokobi is.
      After Maidstone’s stunning win on Saturday, the Wolves cult hero did not want to miss out a single person that has helped behind the scenes to make the club tick and set up one of the greatest days in their history.
      The emotional Stones boss said: “It’s not just one of the greatest days for me, my players, assistant Craig Fagan, goalkeeper coach Zach Foster-Crouch, backroom staff, the owners and director of football Bill Williams  — but everyone who works behind the scenes.
      “I’m talking about Ben and the media guys, John Gooch behind the scenes, Ian Tucker in the office, Helen, Bob, Helen Cooper who takes the photos, credit to all of them …. and I’m not forgetting Louise and Andy in the office. I’m trying not to forget anyone. We want to enjoy all these moments together.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Elokobi gets non-league football. He started and ended his playing career there. And as a manager he can go a long way — because he knows how to treat people. Everyone wants to work and play for him. It’s a huge asset to have.
      Oh, and he knows a thing or two about football. More