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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
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      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
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      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More

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      Dan Walker turns from critic to supporter as he defends Alex Scott in face of Joey Barton slamming Football Focus

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      DAN WALKER launched a passionate defence of Alex Scott against Joey Barton.The former Football Focus host had previously had a public spat with the ex-England defender about the future of the BBC Saturday lunchtime show.
      Dan Walker defended Alex Scott amid Joey Barton’s latest tweetsCredit: Getty
      Scott and Walker clashed in September but he backed her up amid the online rowCredit: Getty
      But he turned from critic to supporter amid Barton’s prolonged misogynistic Twitter rant.
      The former midfielder has piled in on the likes of Scott and Laura Woods this week, inexplicably claiming women pundits “shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority” on men’s football.
      And he continued his social media tirade on Saturday by slamming Football Focus.
      Barton said: “36 minutes. Football Focus turned off. Sorry, it’s just terrible.
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      “Drivel and nonsense served with a side of boring. No wonder it’s getting canned.
      “Well done to all involved. Another flagship destroyed by The Tokens.”
      And then following news of Question of Sport being pulled by the BBC, Walker expressed his sadness at the show coming to an end.
      He tweeted: “Really sad to read the news about Question of Sport. One of THE iconic shows.
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      “I used to dress up as David Coleman as a kid and pretend to host it and always loved Sue [Barker] on it too. There is definitely still a winning format in there somewhere.”
      Barton replied: “‘Wokeness’ killed it. Poor quality guests. Standards dropped. So sad to watch it slowly deteriorate.
      “It was essential viewing as a kid who loved sports. Just like Soccer AM.
      “I’m hearing they’re about to do for Football Focus next? @AlexScott? Hopefully not. Definitely, someone can make it work online. Won’t be long.”
      Walker then launched his weight behind Scott and added: “Hi Joey. Hope you’re ok. One of my Christmas wishes is that people with a big platform on here wouldn’t use it to drag others down.
      “Alex WAS a great pro and IS a top television presenter – and a lovely person.
      “Women who love football already have too many hurdles to climb over and too many doors slammed in their face. You have a big voice… use it to encourage.”
      But Barton hit back: “I’m using it to tell the truth. It would help if you did the same. Love and respect to you and yours.
      ‘BILE & HATRED’
      “Look forward to catching up after Christmas. We can collaborate again. Use both our platforms to educate and inform.”
      Walker then continued: “Would love to catch up. The truth for me is that quality is important and I think that also comes from having a variety of voices.
      “If you do meet some of the women who have been in your crosshairs, I would encourage you to ask them to show you some of the bile & hatred they have received on the back of your posts.
      “I think you’re better than that. Have a good Christmas.”
      Ex-Bristol Rovers manager Barton doubled down on his controversial and sexist comments throughout the week – prompting outrage from the football community.
      And West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady wrote in her SunSport column: “Joey’s entitled to his opinion, of course, but I suspect his comments just encouraged more vile social media abuse aimed at women who just want to be left alone to get on with their job.
      “I wonder what Joey’s wife and daughter make of his anger on a fresh target, singling out Alex Scott because, I suspect, the England international is making much more of a splash than Barton ever will.
      “Scott has no chip on her shoulder. Barton has a whole plank on his.
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      “Why should she be subjected to abuse and singling out just because she is a woman? Barton’s attitude is reminiscent of the one that women should stay at home, clean the house, look after the kids and not dabble in men’s business.
      “There are many that still think like that. Sadly, the view that only men should cover men’s football is common.”
      Barton infuriated the football community with his misogynistic tweetsCredit: PA More

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      BBC axes legendary sports show on screen for 50 years – just 3 years after Sue Barker dropped as presenter

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      LEGENDARY BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years.Bosses say dwindling ratings and limited iPlayer appeal forced them to blow the whistle on the show, which first aired in 1970.
      BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years, Sue Barker presented the show alongside Matt Dawson (L) and Phil Tufnell (R)Credit: PA
      The Beeb insists it is not for sale and say it reserves the right to bring it back in the future.
      A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “Due to inflation and funding challenges difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment.”
      For 24 years the show was hosted by former Wimbledon tennis star Sue Barker.
      Famous team captains included ex-England rugby legend Matt Dawson, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and ex-Scots footballer Ally McCoist.
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      Ian Botham and jockey Frankie Dettori also starred as captains on the show, which broadcast 1,365 episodes between 1970 and 2021.
      Its heyday came in the 1980s and it broke records in 1987 when over 19 million tuned in to watch Princess Anne taking part.
      Under Barker, the quiz show achieved an average four to five million viewers every episode.
      But in September 2020, it was announced Barker, then 66, would be replaced as host by Paddy McGuinness.
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      Ex-Team GB hockey star and Morning Live presenter Sam Quek, and ex-rugby international Ugo Monye replaced captains Dawson and Tufnell.
      But Barker’s departure was mired in controversy after she claimed bosses forced her to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord.
      Speaking to BBC Breakfast last year, the presenter described the corporation’s handling of her departure as “insulting”.
      She added: “I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.
      “They wanted to refresh the programme and that is absolutely fine.
      “I was asked to announce I was leaving for the good of the show. I was astounded.
      “Was that because I was too old or not good enough? Either way, it was insulting. Did they expect me to sack myself?
      “Naively, I’d expected more after 24 years. Why had we been shown so little respect?”
      The re-brand proved a death knell to viewing figures, slumping to a record low of 730,000 on August 19 last year.
      More tuned in to watch Channel 5’s Britain’s Poshest Farm Shops that night.
      Read more on The Sun
      On Friday, insiders told the Mirror that presenters and captains had been informed of the show’s fate and were “gutted”.
      It is a particular blow for McGuinness, 50, who recently lost his presenting role on Top Gear after programme makers scrapped the motoring show he’d presented since 2018. More

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      FA Cup star TWERKS live on BBC Two after shock win as fans say ‘hang it in the Louvre’

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      AN ALDERSHOT TOWN player shocked fans after getting on all fours and TWERKING following his side’s shock FA Cup victory over Stockport.Aldershot currently compete in the National League and managed to mastermind a 1-0 victory over Stockport – who are currently top of League Two.
      Theo Widdrington twerked live on BBC Two to celebrate Aldershot’s winCredit: BBC

      Oliver Scott was the hero on the night – scoring an 88th minute winner to send Aldershot through.
      Aldershot had earned a replay by holding Stockport to a 2-2 draw on December 3.
      The unlikely win sparked scenes of wild celebration but one player in particular grabbed the attention of fans and TV viewers alike.
      Shots midfielder Theo Widdrington dropped to all fours and twerked in front of the BBC Two cameras.
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      Fans online loved Widdrington’s moves.
      One fan posted on X: “Theo Widdrington twerking on the BBC is well worth paying the TV license fee for!”
      Another wrote: “I love them, get them back in the EFL!”
      While a third posted: “Hang it in the Louvre!”
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      Widdrington shares his penchant for moves with his brother, Kai, who competes on Strictly come dancing.
      Their father, Tommy, is a former professional footballer and current manager of Aldershot Town.
      Aldershot will be hoping to claim another FA Cup scalp when they travel to Championship West Brom in January.
      Widdrington joined Aldershot this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Alex Scott hailed for live TV coverage of FA Cup with even Tottenham fans loving ex-Arsenal star

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      ALEX SCOTT has been hailed for her live TV coverage of the FA Cup.The presenter worked on Stockport’s defeat to Aldershot live from Edgeley Park.
      Alex Scott earned praise for her presenting of an FA Cup clash between Stockport and AldershortCredit: BBC
      The BBC star tucked into Christmas dinner in a cupCredit: Instagram @alexscott2
      Scott won a lot of plaudits for her handling of Joey Barton’s criticismCredit: BBC
      She won a lot of praise for her style with one fan comparing her to other legendary female presenters like Clare Balding.
      A viewer said: “@AlexScott ok all-time favourite women presenters. Hazel Irvine best for snooker. Clare Balding best for horse racing, Kirsty Gallacher is my crush for football but you will beat all of them.
      “Keep up the good work, you are top notch. And I’m a Spurs supporter…”
      Another added: “Anybody with any sense knows how brilliant @AlexScott is at her job. The things she has done for football and the industry should be applauded.
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      “She continues to push the game forward and always stands up for what is right. I can’t think of many better role models within the game.”
      A third wrote: “She’s brilliant, an absolute natural.”
      Last weekend Scott was praised for her “total class” as she indirectly replied to Joey Barton’s tirade about female pundits.
      Scott, 39, who had said she “doesn’t want to give Barton oxygen”, took aim with a passionate message on live TV.
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      The former Lioness and Arsenal star said during the BBC’s coverage of the WSL on Sunday: “To all of the women in football.
      “In front of the camera and behind it, to the players and everyone that attends games.
      “Keep being the role models that you continue to be to all those young girls that are told no you can’t.
      “Football is a better place with us all in it.”
      Scott braved the cold at Stockport and shared a video of her tucking into a Hatters speciality – Christmas dinner in a cup. More

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      Leah Williamson says ‘I want to punch you in the face’ as reporter teases her about daunting on-stage appearance

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON fired back at a reporter with “I want to punch you in the face” after they joked about her daunting on-stage appearance.While healing from a torn ACL she has suffered since earlier this year, the Lioness has taken on a huge new task – learning to play the piano.
      Leah Williamson has taken up learning the piano during her injuryCredit: Getty
      Williamson said ‘I want to punch you in the face’ to the BBC reporter who teased her on-stage performanceCredit: YOUTUBE @BBCSPORT
      The Euro 2022 winner performed with the BBC orchestra at Maida Vale studiosCredit: YOUTUBE @BBCSPORT
      The defender has been out since April with an ACL injuryCredit: Alamy
      Back in April, a ruptured ACL robbed Williamson of the chance to lead her country out at the World Cup.
      The 26-year-old has returned to training in the hope to return to play with her Arsenal side in the new year to spearhead the Gunners’ title challenge in the WSL.
      In the meantime, she has occupied her time by taking up a new hobby.
      After learning the piano in only six weeks, the defender had to face her ultimate test – playing her chosen song with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the legendary Maida Vale Studios.
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      As she prepared to take the stage, the BBC reporter joked with her about how she would compare to the famous faces who had graced the studio before.
      Williamson who was quick to respond jokingly said: “I want to punch you. That’s what I want to do right now, I’m nervous. I’m very very nervous.
      “Genuinely I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous in my life. Even the Euros final did not touch how I just felt in that room.”
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      The Euro 2022 winner followed the footsteps of music greats such as The Beatles, George Michael and Stormzy at the West London studio.
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      She performed “You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain with the BBC Orchestra.
      Williamson captained the Lionesses to Euros glory in 2022 as well as Arsenal on various occasions.
      The defender has won the League, the FA Cup and the League Cup twice with the Gunners reaching 200 appearances with the North London club last December.
      But since she has been sidelined the Lioness has admitted her life has not been the same.
      She added: “My life has turned from having the best job in the world to having to go and do something every single day that I don’t want to do.” More

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      BBC bosses ‘are talking to Gary Lineker’ after Match of the Day host slammed Rwanda plan in ANOTHER Twitter storm

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      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host was slammed for blasting the Government’s Rwanda plan.The TV host, 63, found himself at the centre of yet another Twitter storm after urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker about his recent tweetsCredit: PA
      The TV pundit called out the government and Grant Shapps for the Rwanda schemeCredit: PA
      In a letter which is campaigning for change, Together With Refugees branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and said asylum policies are not working.
      And Lineker landed himself in hot water after co-signing a letter with other celebs, calling for the scheme to be thrown out.
      Now, BBC bosses are “talking to Lineker” about his posts, the Times reports.
      The former England star turned pundit said about the letter: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
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      “That’s why I’m backing this new campaign, because fair really can begin here.”
      The Beeb are now said to be discussing whether their updated social media guidelines, which came into play in September, are tight enough after Lineker is accused of ridiculing cabinet minister Grant Shapps and Conservative backbenchers.
      Talks between bosses and Lineker about his tweets are reportedly set to take place.
      A BBC spokesman said: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
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      “While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
      “We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
      Lineker previously sparked an impartiality row in March after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Grant Shapps said on Monday morning that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      When asked if the Match of the Day host should continue expressing political views, Defence Secretary Mr Shapps told Times Radio: “He’s been through all of this before.
      “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues.
      “The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country?
      “That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”
      He added: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC.
      “As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point.
      “I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”
      Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right – we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people. What the people want is to stop the boats and to tell overpaid crisp salesmen to put a sock in it.
      “Alongside cracking down on illegal migration, we need another robust system which keeps Lineker as far away from the public as possible, to give us all a rest from his Left-wing, out-of-touch nonsense.”
      The Beeb row comes as the Prime Minister is trying to convince his own backbenchers to support his Rwanda Bill, with both the right of the party and the One Nation faction set to announce whether they support it later on today.
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      The Bill seeks to declare Rwanda a safe country and also empowers ministers to ignore parts of the Human Rights Act.
      Mr Shapps told Sky News Home Office modelling suggests that of the current cases which are challenged successfully, “99.5% of them would not be challenged once this is in place”. More

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      Premier League’s four-year £6.7billion TV deal is testimony to the world’s greatest game

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      THE Premier League’s four-year £6.7billion TV deal is testimony to the world’s greatest game.Sky and TNT have already proved that they can provide football programmes of the highest quality, with no expense spared.
      The Premier League has signed a four-year TV deal worth £6.7bnCredit: Reuters
      Although BBC and ITV produce very watchable programmes, they don’t have the reserves to challenge the contract winners for the four seasons starting from 2025-26.
      Yes, it is a lot of money, too. And a good slice of that will find its way through the football pyramid, as well as to many good causes.
      There will be grumbles about the amount, of course there will.Mostly from those who are green with envy.
      I suspect they are not jealous of what we have but more of what they can’t have.
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      But those moans won’t come from the EFL as they are expecting to have a share of the money by tapping into the goodwill of the Premier League, this despite the fact that most will never play in the Prem — or contribute to it.
      But there’s no doubt that all the EFL’s interlocked divisions are very important to our game, not even mega-rich sheikhs or US billionaires are altogether ignorant of this — although it might be regarded as well below the status of a fourth wife or a racecourse stable.
      I suspect a shortly-to-be-appointed football regulator will be anxious to make a mark on the divvy-out of television earnings, otherwise known as a tax.
      To do this though, they will need some very ­specific primary legislation to take away a ­commercial organisation’s cash to give it to a competitor, otherwise known as nationalisation.
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      The regulator may cough and splutter all it likes but it has got to be aware that over-interference by such Government appointments has dangers in a similar way that welcomes to VAR have turned to hatred of delays and ridiculous rulings by people who think they see better but don’t.
      The new deal will help withstand the sweet talk of those barons of foreign clubs who, well aware of the success of the Premier League, tried and went much too close to forming a closed European Super League with six of our best.
      Some on the Continent still dream of potential supremacy, rather in the way of a fascist or communist government in waiting.
      The Premier League steams ahead, a massively successful organisation whose enterprise shames too many others in this country.
      No wonder that big businessmen want to butt in — Americans, Chinese, Arab States, even one or two Englishmen.
      And the world watches, too. The league has the biggest viewing figures of them all, and a number of different TV contracts abroad.
      Have no doubts, Fifa and Uefa see it as serious competition, which is why they simply love the idea of a UK regulator as they hope that will make the Prem less investable, less competitive and less agile.
      Let’s hope they are wrong.
      The Premier League is multi-nationalCredit: Getty
      English football has been dragged into multi-national eminence in the 30 years since the PL was founded.
      Dozens of countries are represented in teams to the extent that when, for instance, two South Koreans feature among the leading scorers — Son Heung-min of Tottenham and Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan —  no one here makes a point of it.
      It happens, full stop, new paragraph.
      Our clubs will stay top of the world’s watch list and continue to be a major industry, currently employing 94,000 people. That must not make the league a cash cow.
      Indeed, I have one or two reservations, in particular, that the increase from our current agreement is under the rate of inflation — and with 13 or 14 Premier League clubs all making a loss at the moment, I apologise if we are a  little slow in cracking open the champagne.
      This should be underlined by the fact that, quite simply, players’ contracts seem to be increasing at the same rate of inflation in Venezuela, some 360 per cent!
      Which is why the net debt of Prem clubs amounts to £2.67bn.Dust-dry information perhaps, but a worry in boardrooms.
      Still, as Hammers vice-chairman, I am proud that the league contributes £7.6bn to the wider UK economy.
      Read more on The Sun
      And volumes to audiences everywhere.
      It has to be one of the UK greatest exports — let’s hope it stays that way. More