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      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan leads complaints after Mary Earps is named BBC SPOTY despite ‘winning nothing’ – but fans hit back

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      PIERS Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The 30-year-old goalkeeper was a key part of the Lionesses side which reached the Women’s World Cup final in the summer.
      Piers Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won BBC SPOTYCredit: Rex Features
      Earps followed previous winners Emma Raducanu and teammate Beth MeadCredit: PA
      Credit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      Morgan disagreed that the Lionesses star should have claimed the prizeCredit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      The Manchester United shot stopper also won FIFA’s Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
      She followed previous female SPOTY winners tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and England team-mate Beth Mead.
      But Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize.
      On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.”
      Read more Sports News
      Piers added: “No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?”
      Another user said: “Mary Earps wins SPOTY for helping England win nothing. Oh but she did save a penalty so guess that’s enough, such a political winner this year second and third weren’t much better either.”
      But others were supportive of Earps receiving the accolade.
      The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: “Hugely well deserved, Mary. Congratulations! W”.
      Most read in Football
      Cairon Lee said: “She thoroughly deserved to win it she played a critical role in helping England to the final and giving them a shot to win it she has done a massive amount for goalkeeping as well as woman’s sport so well deserved in my opinion.”
      Guillermo Ravelo wrote simply: “She deserves it.”
      Earps saved a penalty from Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the final, but the Lionesses were unable to add to their 2022 European crown as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      At club level she kept 14 clean sheets as United finished second in the Women’s Super League.
      She hailed the part her teammates had played in her achieving this individual accolade.
      “I would not be here without my team-mates with the Lionesses and at Manchester United because we’ve achieved some incredible things over the last couple of years,” she said.

      “While individual accolades are great, they only come after team success. This is their trophy just as much as mine.”
      Former England cricketer Stuart Broad, who retired at the end of the fifth Ashes Test in the summer, was second in the BBC public vote and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was third. More

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      in Soccer

      Billionaire ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich LOSES bid to overturn sanctions slapped on him ‘for funding Putin’s war’

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      RUSSIAN oligarch Roman Abramovich has lost an appeal against the EU’s decision to freeze his funds over links to tyrant Vladimir Putin.The ex-Chelsea FC owner, 57, has been slapped with sanctions from the UK and the EU but has previously denied any financial relationship with despot Putin.
      Russian oligarch and ex-Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: Getty
      The billionaire is a pal of Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin (pictured together)Credit: Alamy
      Abramovich sold Chelsea football club in 2022 as a result of UK sanctions against Russian assets in the countryCredit: Alamy
      Abramovich is one of the richest people in Russia and is one of many powerful players in the country to be sanctioned since Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
      The EU also rejected his plea for compensation over damage to his reputation for £865,000 in a double blow for the oligarch.
      The ruling said on Wednesday that Abramovich is a majority shareholder in major steel and mining company Evraz, which gives “a substantial source of revenue to the Russian Government”.
      He has, as a result, benefited from decisions made by those in power who are responsible for the brutal conflict in Ukraine.
      READ MORE ON ABRAMOVICH
      Almost 1,800 individuals and entities such as companies or organisations have been slapped with sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine – beginning with Crimea in 2014.
      Abramovich was appealing against the inclusion of his name in the group of those sanctioned for their activities that finance the Russian government.
      The EU court said today that his inclusion was correct and it does not result in an “unjustified and disproportionate infringement of his fundamental rights”.
      They have targeted banks, companies, markets and the energy sector.
      Most read in Football
      Over 1,000 Russian officials have been subject to asset freezing and travel bans alongside the former Chelsea owner.
      The oligarch, who was accused of supplying steel for Russian tanks, has repeatedly downplayed his relationship with Putin.
      He has challenged suggestions of a close financial relationship or that he has acted on behalf of the Russian president.
      When he sold Chelsea FC in 2022, he said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.
      “As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
      “In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
      “The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
      The Russian said at the time that his team would set up a charitable foundation, with all proceeds of the sale donated.
      He said: “All money raised will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine.
      “This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Just days ago the Wall Street Journal reported that the billions of pounds pledged to victims of Putin’s war remain frozen in a UK bank account.
      Abravomich also holds Portuguese and Israeli citizenship and Forbes puts his net worth at an estimate of £7.2 billion. More

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      in Boxing

      Female boxer awkwardly sits in silence for two hours at SPOTY and slams BBC over seating plan

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      TERRI HARPER awkwardly sat in silence for most of her evening at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. The 27-year-old is the current WBA and IBO super-welterweight champion.
      Natasha Jonas and Terri Harper were sat awkwardly throughout the awards showCredit: Twitter @TerriHarper96
      Harper did not attempt to make a conversation with her enemyCredit: Getty
      Jonas insists she was more focused on enjoying the evening with her mumCredit: PA
      Harper is used to packing a punch in the ring but could not find the strength to make conversation at SPOTY last night.
      That’s because she was unfortunately told to sit next to her bitter rival Natasha Jonas for the entirety of the ceremony.
      The pair were unable to put their feud to one side and the tension could be cut with a knife as they failed to make eye contact with each other.
      And it appears the BBC’s blunder has only added to their fuel to the fire of their dispute.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Harper cheekily slammed the seating plan as she tweeted: “Whoever did it has got some good banter… had a brilliant two hours sat in silence.”
      She then posted a video of herself giving the camera a deep stare before naughtily turning it towards her arch-enemy, who was looking straight ahead.
      The fighter nicknamed the Belter then joked: “A tumble weed would’ve made more noise.”
      But it appears Jonas did not find it quite so funny as she brutally hit back on social media.
      Most read in Boxing
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      Terri Harper fought Natasha Jonas in 2020Credit: Mark Robinson
      The WBC and WBO light-middleweight belt holder said: “You have a lot less to say to my face it seems.”
      Harper fans criticised Jonas for adding to the frosty atmosphere by making no effort to chat – but she was having none of it.
      The 39-year-old responded: “We’re sitting in the audience to a live show, the respectful thing to do would be enjoy the show and not take snide vids, would you not think?”
      Jonas also insisted in another tweet that she was enjoying the awards with her mum and had no time for any fighting talk.
      Their row continued in the morning as Harper then replied: “Your one word answers to my small talk before the show made me realise you weren’t up for chatting anytime soon.”
      And it didn’t stop there as Jonas fired back: “I’m just not into being two faced if I’m honest. Maybe it’s the generational gap.”
      Jonas took a break from the beef to post a picture of herself with Tommy Fury and Nina Smith.
      With the trio all smiles, she couldn’t resist a further dig in the caption, writing: “What normal boxers do when they meet other boxers. Thanks you for kind words of support, time and pic.”
      Their feud initially began when they battled it out for the WBC title in 2020.
      Harper retained her belt after a narrow split decision draw.
      A second bout between them is on the cards as it would now be an all-British undisputed fight.
      After Harper beat Ivana Habazin in May this year, she called out Jonas, saying: “Let’s put on the fight that everyone wants to see.
      “That’s why I’ve come up to light-middleweight.
      “I think it’s every boxer’s dream to become undisputed.”
      Her promoter Eddie Hearn thinks that Jonas holds a grudge from their first clash at super-featherweight because she did not land the rematch she then wanted.
      Read more on The Sun
      Harper was last in the ring in October as she drew to Cecilia Braekhus to maintain her 14-1-2 record.
      As for Jonas, her last outing was a win over Kandi Wyatt in July to take her career to 14-1-2.
      Natasha Jonas was all smiles as she mingled with Tommy Fury and Nina SmithCredit: Twitter @TashaJonas More

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      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer writes touching message to Ian Wright over MOTD exit and reveals how Saturdays will now be very different

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      ALAN SHEARER issued a heartfelt message to fellow football legend Ian Wright after the Arsenal great announced he will be stepping down from Match of the Day.Wright announced on Sunday that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Alan Shearer issued a heartfelt message to legendary Match of the Day co-host Ian WrightCredit: Getty
      Arsenal legend Wright announced he will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Shearer praised his longtime partner on the hit football show, where they formed a stunning team alongside host Gary Lineker for many years.
      And the Newcastle legend insists Saturdays will no longer be the same without the 60-year-old.
      That is because they will be “much, much quieter” without the ex-England international’s lively character and signature laugh.
      Shearer wrote on The Athletic: “[Wednesday] I picked him up from the airport, we had breakfast at his hotel and then I met him again in the pub a few hours later.
      Read More on Football
      “It was only afterwards that I appreciated how much I’d been looking forward to it and perhaps this, ultimately, is the best compliment I can pay my longstanding colleague on Match of the Day.
      “Wrighty, if you’re reading this, you make life a joy. It was over the course of his trip that he told me he’d be stepping back from Match of the Day come the end of the season.
      “We’ll still work together on the Premier League, but my Saturdays certainly won’t be the same. For a start, they will be much, much quieter.”
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Arsenal in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      Most read in Football
      Shearer wasn’t the only one who paid tribute to the legendary striker’s contribution on Match of the Day.
      Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      Wright stated he is leaving the flagship show after making “great friends and many great memories”.
      The ex-Crystal Palace star suggested he is departing the programme to pursue different projects.
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      Shearer revealed his Saturdays will be ‘much, much quieter’ without WrightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Wright announced: “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.”
      “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      “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.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ian Wright reveals emotional reason he’s leaving Match of the Day and secret tattoo dedicated to love of fellow pundits

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      FOOTIE legend Ian Wright has revealed how he will spend Saturdays now he has quit Match Of The Day.And, perhaps surprisingly, it involves watching a whole load more of the beautiful game.
      Ian Wright and granddaughter, Raphaella Wright-Phillips, who is a talented young footballerCredit: Adidas Football / EUEFA Champion the Girls
      Ian with host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking on his first Match of the Day appearance in 1997Credit: BBC
      Ian still going strong on MOTD with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in 2023Credit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT
      The ex-England, Arsenal and Crystal Palace star will round off 26 years as a pundit at the end of the season, confessing his decision was “fast tracked” by turning 60 last month.
      He has opened up for the first time about blowing the final whistle on his TV role, admitting just what it meant to him. And he has also revealed the secret tattoo he designed to honour his show colleagues.
      Looking to the future, Ian — whose granddaughter also has huge footballing talent — said with his trademark laugh: “I’m going to actually watch more football.
      “I’m going to watch my grand-daughter. I’m going to watch a lot more women’s games.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “I’m going to watch a lot more Arsenal games, just to be there with fans. Go with my son and his missus, be amongst it, just to celebrate when we win or when we lose.
      “It’s been a bit of a realisation that I want to give quality time to them.
      “So that’s what I want. To watch games, spend time with people.”
      When Ian first appeared on Match Of The Day in 1997, during his playing days, he told then presenter Des Lynam the show was his “Graceland”.
      Most read in Football
      He became a regular in 2002, two years after retiring from football, before leaving in 2008 and returning in 2015. And that feeling of wonder never left him.
      ‘We bonded tightly’
      Chatting on his Wrighty’s House podcast hours after news of his departure was announced, Ian said: “I don’t want to go too deep into what it means to me, but the music . . . every time I hear the music it takes me back to an unbelievable place when I first remember what Match Of The Day meant to me, when I was allowed to actually be on it.
      “When I was actually good enough to be on it as a regular, it was more than I ever thought it would be.
      “When I first went on, I was winging it. I remember Des Lynam, when he welcomed me on, I said to him, ‘This is my Graceland’.
      “You know, like when people visit Elvis? Match Of The Day was my Graceland. It’s an institution.”
      Ian, a regular alongside Alan Shearer, 53, and host Gary Lineker, 63, revealed his decision to leave “had been coming for a while”.
      Sharing the news on Sunday morning, the prolific goalscorer said: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world. 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.”
      As part of the job, Wrighty would spend hours each week watching Premier League games. Now he will be taking in Arsenal ladies’ fixtures at Borehamwood, Herts, and matches starring his own brood.
      His granddaughter Raphaella Wright-Phillips, whose father is former Manchester City ace Shaun Wright-Phillips, 42, is a talented young footballer who wowed fans with her skills in a recent viral video.
      And his grandson, D’Margio Wright-Phillips, 22, has played at under-17 level for England and appeared 17 times for Stoke before going on loan to Northampton.
      Dad-of-eight Ian has two younger daughters, Lola and Roxanne, with wife Nancy Hallam, who he married in 2011.
      Ian said: “I’m going to watch my granddaughter. I want to see if I can watch my grandson play as well. He needs a bit more support now. It’s kind of fallen off a little bit for him.
      “So hopefully I can watch him some more, spend a bit more time. I want to take Nance to more games as well because she really makes me laugh when she’s watching the game.
      “She has to do so much on a weekend with the two girls, so I want to be a bit more present on that.”
      Wrighty’s love affair with Match Of The Day began when he was a boy, then deepened as a player.
      But a tough regime at home saw him — and his brother Maurice — banned from watching the show by their stepfather. Ian said: “When we was younger, my stepdad would make me and my brother turn around and face the wall.
      “So we could hear the music, but we weren’t allowed to watch. My brother would hold my ears as I was crying not being able to watch it.”
      He continued: “Then all the players, you all watch it. It’s not that you analyse yourself. I remember my best goal I ever scored was against Everton at Highbury and I couldn’t wait to watch Match Of The Day.
      “Alan Hansen was doing the punditry and he said it was bad defending. I said, ‘For f***s sake Al, you’re taking that off of me?’. I said, ‘Jesus, that came out of nowhere, that goal. It was just pure fluidity’ and he said, ‘Terrible defending’.”
      Ian revealed he has a tattoo tribute to Alan Shearer and Gary Linker, with the inking of 8, 9, 10 representing the numbers of the trio’s old football shirtsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wrightyofficial/
      Granddaughter Raphaella is the daughter former Manchester City ace Shaun Wright-Phillips
      Ian playing for Arsenal in 1993Credit: Getty
      Even now Ian gets a thrill from appearing on the live TV show, which first aired in August 1964 with Kenneth Wolstenholme as host. Ian said: “When I first got the call for Match Of The Day, it does hit hard, you are nervous.
      “Because people don’t realise it is live. You don’t get much time, you’ve got them in your ear saying, like, ‘ten seconds’, so at the start that would stress me out.
      “When you first sit there and the music kicks in, that’s why I didn’t take offence when someone said I couldn’t string words together. I was trying to find words! But it gets better and better.”
      Ian also gave an insight into the rituals between show regulars. He said: “Gary Lineker had an accident once where they were still talking and didn’t realise it had gone live. So as soon as the music kicks in, he says, ‘Is this for real?’. Every time.”
      It’s not all been goals and trophies though, with Ian quitting the BBC in 2008, claiming he was less of a pundit and more of a “court jester”. He worked away from the channel for seven years before returning in 2015.
      Continuing on the podcast, he said: “They gave me one game — Chelsea v Brentford — and after that people were writing in saying, ‘Where has he been?’ and it turned on its head.
      “You get some really nice messages. Obviously there are some f***ing idiots out there but, in the main, you do get people who send you genuine thanks for that bit of insight.
      “They say, ‘I really like how you guys do it, I love the camaraderie.”
      The relationship between Ian, Gary and Alan has ushered in a golden era for the highlights show.
      And Ian revealed he has a tattoo tribute to his two pals, adding: “I got my 8 9 10 tattoo because it’s my (old Arsenal football shirt) number, it’s Shearer’s number and it’s Gary Lineker’s number.
      “Especially after we’d done Covid, we bonded really tightly in and around that time. We spoke to each other a lot.
      “The other day Gary was vexed because there was some poll, Lineker or Shearer?
      “And I said Shearer. And he said, ‘You said that too quickly for me’. I call him G-Force, and I said, ‘G-force, you know what you mean to me, bro!’.
      “When we played against him, Alan Shearer was living rent free in my head.
      “Now he is a friend. To be able to say we are tight, the family are tight, is incredible. I have to say he’s better than me at golf — which gets on my nerves — but I’m going to miss the guys.” In 2020, Wrighty was named TV/Radio Pundit of the Year by the Football Supporters’ Association.
      Ian, in his Crystal Palace playing days, with sons Bradley, 5, and Shaun, 8Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Best of pals, Gary, Ian and Alan share a jokeCredit: Kieran Clarke/BBC
      England strikers Alan and Ian pictured in 1992Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      In June he was made an OBE for services to football and charity and last month received the Freedom of the City of London.
      Away from football, Wrighty’s TV hosting career has spanned everything from entertainment shows, including Friends Like These and Gladiators, to stints on Celebrity Big Brother, I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! and even his own talk show.
      His ITV gameshow Moneyball has just been cancelled after two series. But it sounds like his new packed schedule as a football supporter will keep him busy.
      Read more on The Sun
      Ian added with a laugh: “I feel like I might have to retire from that after a year!”
      MY BEST MOMENT 1IAN and his son, ex- Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, 42, became the first father-and-son punditry team on MoTD in May this year.
      Ian said: “Being on with Shaun, my little baby, my big little baby.
      “If that was my last show, I could have easily finished with that, nothing can top that.
      “It’s the Holy Grail for me.
      “When he was younger we used to watch it together and now being on together, he’s on there and he’s earned the right to be on there.
      “It’s incredible.”

      MY BEST MOMENT 2IAN saw Gary Lineker’s tears as Leicester City, the team he has supported since he was a boy, winning the Premier League for the first time in 2016.
      Gary later fulfilled a promise to present the show in his pants if the side finished on top. Ian said: “It was a really beautiful moment. Gary got his tissue out and dried his eyes. We left him.
      “Anyone that knows Gary, you’re not used to seeing emotion. So seeing that was a beautiful moment, him disarmed of every- thing other than his pure love for his team.” More

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      in Soccer

      How Arsenal legend Ian Wright went from untouchable pundit frozen out by BBC and ITV to one of the nation’s favourites

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      IAN WRIGHT has opened up on why he was snubbed for years by the BBC and ITV before making his comeback in 2015. The much-loved pundit quit Match of the Day 15 years ago after falling out with TV bosses.
      Ian Wright made his Match of the Day debut when he was still a playerCredit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT
      The Arsenal legend became a regular again on MOTD in 2015Credit: BBC
      But it came after he was axed in 2008 after a disagreement with TV bosses that lasted yearsCredit: Getty
      Wright is again set to step back from screens at the end of this season – but now on far better terms.
      The former England striker announced he is leaving MOTD”to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      Wright made his debut on the iconic highlights show in 1997, while he was still playing in the Premier League with Arsenal at the time.
      After retiring three years later, he began working as a regular pundit in 2002.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He lasted on Match of the Day for six years before being axed and frozen out by the BBC following a dispute with chiefs.
      The Gunners and Crystal Palace legend was unhappy as he thought he was only being used for comedy purposes to stop tensions arising between fellow pundits.
      Wright said at the time: “I feel like I am just there as a comedy jester to break the ice with Alan Shearer and Alan Hansen, who just do run-of-the-mill things.
      “I can’t do that any more. People want something different.”
      Most read in Football
      Ian Wright making his first Match of the Day appearance with Des Lynam and Trevor Brooking
      Wright has become a much-loved part of the showCredit: BBC
      Wright has now lifted the lid on his 2008 departure from the BBC as he spoke to his Wrighty’s House podcast.
      He said: “There was a time I wasn’t on the BBC for about nine years, they weren’t happy with a column I’d done about punditry and where it should be going, how it feels a bit sterile.
      “And the fact that I said I feel like I’m on the end and I’m being like a court jester, I come in for the light comic relief.
      “I said I’ve got more to offer.
      “I remember being off the BBC for about nine years and I couldn’t get nothing at ITV because the guy that got rid of me on the BBC went to ITV.
      “It’s funny because the guy I’m talking about Niall Sloan, he is like in the television world a father to me in terms of how he explains things to me, how he wants me to be.
      “We’re very tight now. But I couldn’t get on any television.”
      Desperate to continue his role in the media, the 1998 Premier League winner with Arsenal embarked on a career in radio and it ended up being the start of his comeback journey to tele.
      It led to him getting the job as host of a documentary about Laurie Cunningham, who was a pioneer for black footballers.
      Wright explained: “This is where Absolute Radio came in and everyone down there almost saved me, made me fall back in love with doing it.
      “To get back onside with Sloan from ITV, he wanted to do a documentary about Cunningham and the people doing it said: ‘We can’t do a documentary without me speaking about Cunningham.’
      “And so Sloan was like: ‘Okay he’ll do it, but he’ll do it if you give him a game again, let him get back on the TV.’
      “So I done it, it done really well and they gave me a game.
      “They gave me Chelsea against Brentford in the FA Cup and I was very fortunate because I was on with Martin Allen, who was somewhere else in space while he was on TV.
      “Everything he was saying I was able to counter-attack it and say, ‘well that’s not right because of this.’
      “I remember David Luiz really dived into somebody and I remember digging him out for that and then after that people were writing in saying: ‘Where’s he been? Why isn’t he on then?’
      “And it just turned on its head, I was back.
      “What it made me realise is you’ve got to put the work in.”
      Wright ended up landing a more permanent role on MOTD in 2015 after helping to convince BBC chiefs while doing international fixtures on ITV.
      Leaving once again is a tough decision – but Wright believes he has made the right one, explaining: “The time’s come for it I think.
      “I don’t want to go too deep into what it means to me but the music, every time I hear the music, it takes me back to an unbelievable place when I first remembered what Match of the Day meant to me.
      “Then to get myself into a position where I was able to be good enough to be on Match of the Day and then be a regular, it was more than I thought it was going to be.
      “When I first went on, not very rehearsed in what I was going to say or what I was going to be, I was winging it and I remember Des Lynam, when he welcomed me on to the show, I said to him ‘this is my Graceland’.
      “Match of the Day was my Graceland.
      “When I first got the call for it, it does hit hard. You are nervous, because some people still don’t realise, It’s live.
      “People still say ‘it’s live?’ Yeah. Obviously the games are highlights because we’re putting all the stuff on it.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But while we’re sitting there, we’re live. It’s a live show.”
      Wright says he is “really looking forward to my last months” on the show and is hopeful his time on MOTD will end with his beloved Arsenal winning the Premier League title.
      Ian Wright and son Shaun Wright-Phillips did punditry together last seasonCredit: BBC
      Ian Wright has also worked for ITV following his axe from teleCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I’m an ex-Arsenal star-turned-TV pundit.. my wife takes the p*** out of my tattoo but there’s a secret meaning

      by

      IAN WRIGHT has revealed that he got tattoos in homage to his friendships with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.The Arsenal legend announced yesterday that he’ll be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright’s tattoos are visible on his left handCredit: Getty
      The 60-year-old has his pals’ squad numbers tattooed on his hand alongside his ownCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wrightyofficial/
      Wright, 60, has been a regular since 2015, having had his first stint as a regular on the show between 2002 and 2008.
      After returning to the iconic BBC show he became part of its top team alongside Lineker and Shearer.
      The trio have become incredibly close friends during their time together on Match of the Day.
      During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, their bonds increased even further.
      Read More Football Stories
      Wright feels such a connection to his two pals, that he even got their squad numbers from their playing careers tattooed on his hand next to his.
      Speaking on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House he explained what made him get his tattoo, and even admitted that wife Nancy Hallam has mocked him for it.
      He said: “I got my eight, nine, ten, everyone laughs at me, my missus and Roscoe laughs at my tattoo, eight, nine, ten because it’s my number, Shearer’s number and Lineker’s number.
      “And I thought I’d get that on, especially after we’d done the Covid [shows], we bonded really tightly in and around that time, we spoke to each other a lot, really got quite tight.
      Most read in Football
      “I’m going to miss them, I’m going to miss the guys.”
      Announcing his decision to quit the show yesterday, Wright wrote on social media: “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.
      “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      An emotional Lineker, 63, tweeted in response: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. ❤️”
      While fellow pal Shearer, 53, added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!! ❤️”
      Wright, 60, is close friends with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT More

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      BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in leather mini skirt and tight top as fans say ‘my dream woman’

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES dazzled fans as she showed off her incredible new outfit.The BBC presenter wore a figure-hugging white top and stylish mini skirt as she posed for a mirror selfie.
      Emma Louise Jones wowed in a low-cut white topCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      The presenter has been dubbed the ‘dream women’ by adoring fansCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      Emma works for the BBC and Leeds UnitedCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She has an incredible 404,000 followers onlineCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      While flaunting her figure, Emma also gave fans a glimpse of her new and improved bedroom as she blogs the renovation of her home.
      But fans were of course left more focused on her stunning look than her matching carpets and walls.
      One said: “Absolute perfection. My dream women.”
      Another added: “Looking great x.”
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      A third commented: “Wow, wow and wow. Amazing as always.”
      More reacted: “Gorgeous.”
      Emma is no stranger to giving fans a treat and has amassed 404,000 adoring Instagram followers.
      She most recently caught the eye as she showed off her curves in a daring dress.
      Most read in Football
      The 33-year-old also dazzled in a “breath-taking” low-cut top.
      Meanwhile, Emma is busy gearing up for Christmas and joked she was going to lose her job after a blunder during a photoshoot while hilariously dressed as an elf.
      Emma Louise Jones is renovating her home and regularly updates fansCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma supports LeedsCredit: instagram
      She often stuns in eye catching outfitsCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      The host recently wowed in a sparkly dress at an awards ceremonyCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk More