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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

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      Maidstone owner takes swipe at BBC and ITV as huge FA Cup giant-killing snubbed for TV coverage – and names dream tie

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      MAIDSTONE’S co-owner took a swipe at the BBC and ITV for snubbing their FA Cup giant-killing.And then he revealed who he wants to face next.
      George Elokobi and Sam Corne helped fire Maidstone into the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Getty
      There were wonderful celebrations with Stones fans after the full-time whistleCredit: PA
      The National League South side were the lowest-ranked side in the third round of the famous competition.
      But TV bosses opted against selecting their clash against League One Stevenage to be broadcast live.
      That is despite showing eight of the 32 matches over the weekend – six on TV and a further two on BBC iPlayer and Red Button – with Wigan the only team not in the top two divisions to feature as they host Manchester United on Monday.
      As well as fans around the country being able to watch those matches live, the 12 teams picked also received £85,000 on top of their FA Cup prize money.
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      However, sixth-tier Maidstone were inexplicably overlooked.
      And it proved to be a blunder by the BBC and ITV as George Elokobi’s side produced a shock result at the Gallagher Stadium – with just three main cameras around the 792-seater ground.
      Sam Corne converted a penalty just before half-time – and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
      There was a jubilant pitch invasion when Maidstone secured the victory.
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      But the Stones’ co-owner Oliver Ash hit out at the broadcasters for overlooking the story of the weekend, which was the opening tie on Match of the Day.
      He told the Express: “Most people are amazed the cameras are not here.
      “I get that more people support Everton and Crystal Palace so the TV companies think they will get more viewers than Maidstone.
      “But it is a shame because the competition is all about games like ours – the lowest-ranked club in the competition against a side that could well be in the Championship next year.
      “It would have been wonderful TV. It is all about the magic of the FA Cup – it is so wonderful for the spirit of the club, the community and the town.
      “Definitely this is the biggest result in the club’s history. We are not going to win it, but more and more the FA Cup is something magic for clubs like ours.
      Credit: X
      “It may have lost its magic for the top clubs but it has gained its magic for us.”
      Maidstone’s social media team echoed their chief’s views with a brilliant tweet.
      They reshared the FA Cup’s tweet announcing the TV picks and replied: “Aged well,” with a sarcastic thumbs-up emoji.
      The Stones will be one of the standout numbers when the fourth-round draw takes place and will surely be on TV when that fixture takes place on the last weekend of January.
      And Ash knows exactly who he wants to face next.
      He added: “I want a home tie.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Having seen what it means to people to come and watch a big game here, it would be magic – even compared to a trip to one of the big clubs.
      “So let’s get Manchester City down to the Gallagher!”
      Corne scored a penalty just before half-timeCredit: PA
      Co-owner Oliver Ash wants Manchester City at home in round fourCredit: Reuters More

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      BBC face two huge decisions over Gary Lineker replacement on Match of the Day and brand new football show

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      GARY LINEKER’S uncertain future is at the centre of two huge decisions facing the BBC over their football coverage.The Beeb will soon get a new director of sport – with an in-tray including who presents Match of the Day and a new Champions League show.
      Gary Lineker has suggested he won’t stay at MOTD much longerCredit: Handout
      Jermaine Jenas is rated as a prime contender to replace Lineker as well as for a role on the Beeb’s upcoming new Champions League programmeCredit: PA
      Ex-England striker Lineker, 63, has suggested his “time is nearly up” after 25 years fronting MOTD.
      And apart from the Saturday-night fans’ favourite show, the BBC must also assess their team for a fresh midweek programme after winning some Champions League rights from next season.
      Long-serving Barbara Slater is stepping down as the Beeb’s director of sport this spring.
      And The Times say whoever replaces her is expected to quickly address the MOTD situation.
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      There’s talk of former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas switching from being a pundit to a more Lineker-like lead role.
      The One Show host will start presenting TNT Sports’ Formula E coverage later this year.
      But Jenas, 40, has admitted he’d be interested in succeeding Lineker.
      He told The Mirror last month: “If the opportunity was to arise it’s obviously something I’d have to think about.
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      “My commitment is fully with the jobs that I have. That’s hosting Formula E, the bits that I do on The One Show.
      “Any punditry work that I’m doing with TNT Sports and the BBC are huge commitments of mine and something that I love.”
      Spurs and Barcelona legend Lineker, who is the Beeb’s top earner on £1.35million a year, has yet to reveal his plans or exactly how long he plans to stay on MOTD.
      But Jenas has praised him as almost a mentor.
      He said: “The big thing with this is Gary’s brilliant.
      “Love Gary. I’ve learned so much from him over the course of my career and there’s still loads more to learn from him.”  More