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      BBC at odds with ITV over FA Cup Final kick-off time with talks ongoing just TWO WEEKS before showpiece occasion

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans have slammed Wembley chiefs for keeping them in the FA Cup Final dark.With only 16 days before City run out against Crystal Palace for English football’s showpiece occasion, there has still been no confirmation of the kick-off time.Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner will lock horns with Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup final on May 17Credit: AlamyThe two broadcasters have differing views on kick-off timeLast night the FA took all information about the game off its official website, with the page designation for Final details reading: “No Fixtures available, please check later.”FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were still ongoing, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb want the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.ITV are understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the FA has to square all decisions off with Police, local council safety chiefs and the transport authorities.Even so, there is a recognition that the lack of certainty is not the best look.And the lack of confirmation brought an angry response from City supporters, already fuming at ticket prices of up to £285.City sold 5,000 short of their allocation for the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoss Pep Guardiola noted the amount his side’s supporters have had to fork out for Wembley trips over recent season.City YouTube channel presenter Steven McInerney, pointing to all Final category tickets having gone up by between £5 and £35, said on X: “The prices compared to last year are taking the p***.“It’s in two weeks, people have to organise travel and the kick off time hasn’t even been announced yet.“Shambles of an institution. Fans slapped in the face constantly.” More

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      Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

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      ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      John Terry hails ‘man dressed as a shoe’ who overtook him then came back to help during London Marathon struggles

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      JOHN TERRY has heaped praise on a London Marathon runner “dressed as a shoe” after they overtook him before returning to help him.The former Chelsea captain was one of a number of ex footballers taking part in the run on Sunday, including ex-Blues stars Steve Sidwell and Jody Morris.John Terry has thanked a runner who was dressed as a shoe after they helped him during the London MarathonCredit: SplashTerry suffered nipple chafing and had cramp during the courseCredit: SplashHowever, the 44-year-old was left in pain after blood was seen coming through his T-shirt after suffering from nipple chafing when he was picked up by TV cameras during the event.But Terry’s afternoon took a strange turn when he was helped by a fellow runner… dressed as a shoe.Taking to Instagram, Terry shared a picture of himself in his running gear alongside Morris and Sidwell and said the marathon was “the TOUGHEST thing” he had ever done “by far”.He captioned the post with his stunning shoe story, saying: “Legs are a little stiff and sore this morning, that is by far the TOUGHEST thing I have EVER done and this morning I have so much respect for everyone who run the marathon yesterday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Also a big shout out to the guy dressed as a shoe, who overtook me when I was struggling, yes dressed as a shoe and overtook me, slowed down and gave me some great words of encouragement and gave me some sweets and gels, he then carried on running, about two minutes later he come running back towards me with a bottle of coke.”Thank you mate 👊🏻💙🏃🏻‍♂️SHHOOEEE…”I see so many great things like this yesterday.”Well Done everyone.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe runner in question turned out to be Karl Fitzpatrick.According to the BBC, he was running to raise money for Jersey Hospice.John Terry clashes with Mark Clattenburg as the 26ers face F.C RTW in the Baller League He has been supporting the hospice since 2022 and has raised nearly £22,000 in that time.On running with Terry, Mr Fitzpatrick told the BBC: “I said to the fella ‘only the greatest marathon runners wear these shoes,’ joking as we both had them on.”I then realised it was John Terry. I slowed down and try to give him the motivational bants and tried to reassure him that he was doing fine.”So it might have looked strange, a shoe running the opposite way to everyone else and handing a full fat coke. I wished him the very best and told him ‘be strong and the pain will go.”As well as his nipple injury, Terry was also forced to slow to a walk at one point due to cramp.He eventually completed the course in just over five hours.However, former manager Jose Mourinho issued a brutal reply to his marathon completion on Instagram.Read More on The SunHe joked: “Sid I believe. You I have doubts you did it.”Sidwell himself replied to the post, saying: “Brilliant mate. Incredible effort.”Steve Sidwell also completed the London MarathonCredit: instagram @stevesidwell14 More

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      ‘You’ll have experienced this’ – Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gag

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      GARY LINEKER left Wayne Rooney in hysterics with a joke at Micah Richards’ expense.The trio of ex-England stars and Glenn Murray were covering the first FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace live on the BBC.Gary Lineker’s shared a brutal gag about Micah RichardsCredit: X / BBCMOTDThe comment left Wayne Rooney and Glenn Murray in stitchesCredit: X / BBCMOTDLineker quipped that Richards was likely often left out of important cup gamesCredit: X / BBCMOTDDuring a segment, they began talking about players being left out of important cup games at Wembley.Naturally, Lineker assumed that Rooney had never been left out of any Wembley days during his illustrious career at Manchester United.Rooney said: “Yeah, I was left out of the starting line up here in the league cup final against Aston Villa in 2010.”Well I was rested for a Champions League game. But I was fuming because it was a final and I wanted to play.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRichards hilariously jumped in to add that being left out and being rested are not the same thing.Before Rooney, 39, added that he was also rested in Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton, which United lost on penalties after a goalless draw in 2009.Wazza – who just one FA Cup in 2016 – quickly told Richards: “But I came on against Villa and scored the winner, so it was OK in the end.”But witty Lineker then jumped in and said: “Micah, you would have experienced this quite a bit. Did you ever knock on the manager’s door?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment had Richards, Rooney and Murray in stitches.And former Palace striker Murray added: “I was always knocking on the door, Gary”. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy teamLike Rooney, Richards and Lineker both won the FA Cup once with Manchester City in 2011 and 1991 respectively.The discussion came after two-time FA Cup winner Marcus Rashford was ruled out through injury against Palace.The forward was not named in Unai Emery’s starting XI, with Villa saying he had picked up “a knock”.Rashford sustained a minor muscle injury during the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, was able to continue after the break before being replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes. More

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      Is Mo Farah running the London Marathon 2025?

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      THE London Marathon will take place this Sunday as thousands of people are set to take on the 26.2 mile course.The race’s popularity has hit new heights with 840,318 people applying via the public ballot to take part and over 56,000 expected to cross the start line.Mo Farah pictured at the finish line of the London Marathon in 2023Credit: AFPEmile Cairess (second right) was hoping to break Mo Farah’s British marathon recordCredit: PAThis could break the world record for the most runners in a marathon, the previous record being 56,950 in this month’s Paris edition.A stacked elite field will be fighting for the £41,000 London Marathon prize money, including the first man to break the two hour barrier, Eliud Kipchoge, and reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan.Last year’s top UK finisher Emile Cairess has had to pull out due to injury and will miss out on the opportunity to break Mo Farah’s British marathon record of 2:05:11.Is Mo Farah running the London Marathon 2025?Sir Mo Farah, 42, is NOT running the London Marathon this year.READ MORE ON LONDON MARATHONHe ran his last marathon in the 2023 edition of the race, finishing in ninth, and retired later that year after a fourth-placed finish in the Great North Run.His time of 2:10:28 was a few minutes outside of his goal time and the former Olympic champion admitted after the race that his body could not do what it used to.Farah said at the time: “If it wasn’t for the crowd, at some point I would have dropped out”That’s what kept me going. It was amazing support. Part of me wanted to cry. Most read in Athletics”But the people were amazing, even in the rain, to line the streets. It’s what has kept me going for so long throughout my career.”I will miss that feeling. I am emotional today. London has been so great to me over the years and I wanted to be here to say thank you to the crowd.”Farah’s best London Marathon finish was third in 2018 with a time of 2:06:21.Since retiring Farah has remained a big influence in the athletics world, last month launching team based-running league RunGP.Races will be held on Formula One tracks and include a mixture of celebrities and professional athletes.The first edition will be in Qatar in May and will include a kids race called One Mo Mile.When is the London Marathon taking place and how can I watch it?The London Marathon 2025 is taking place this Sunday from 8.50am BST.8.50am – Elite wheelchair men’s and women’s race9.05am – Elite women’s race9.35am – Elite men’s race followed by mass startThe London Marathon will be shown live on the BBC throughout the day.Read More on The SunBBC One: 8.30am-2pmBBC Two: 2pm-3pmBBC Online & iPlayer: 8.30am-6pmBBC Radio London: 8am-6pmBBC Two: 6pm-7pm (highlights)Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action from the Marathon as it happens. More

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      How to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa for FREE: Streaming and TV info for huge FA Cup semi-final

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      CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa will leave it all on the field TODAY as they face off in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final.Goals from Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah fired the Eagles to a huge win over London rivals Fulham in the previous round.Nketiah scored Palace’s thrid in a rout against FulhamCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford’s double fired Villa into the semisCredit: RexAnd Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be determined to lead his side to their first FA Cup final since a devastating 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2016.But the Eagles go up against a Villa side who have incredible strength in depth and this was demonstrated in their quarter-final Preston drubbing.Furthermore, with Unai Emery’s men losing grip on the top five Premier League race along with getting knocked out of the Champions League, the FA Cup is Villa’s final chance for success.Its perfectly poised to be a sensational game of football this afternoon and fans can watch it for FREE!Read more on FA CupHow to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final for FREECrystal Palace vs Aston Villa is available to watch for FREE on BBC One in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Fans can also stream the entire action for FREE on BBC iPlayer through a compatible mobile device or tablet.The huge FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 5:15pm BST.And whoever goes on to win this match, will face the winner of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the final.Most read in FA CupWhat is the prize money for the FA Cup 2024/25?This year’s FA Cup winners will receive a whopping £2million in prize money.While the runners-up take home £1million. More

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      Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

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      CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More

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      ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing

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      GARY LINEKER has opened up on his emotional response to Ian Wright’s Match of the Day boycott following his BBC suspension.Lineker, 64, was taken off air in March 2023 after the Beeb claimed that he had “breached their guidelines” regarding social media.Gary Lineker has opened up on his 2023 Match of the Day suspensionCredit: BBCLineker, 64, has struck up a close bond with his MOTD colleaguesThe veteran presenter had posted on X, comparing the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.This sparked a “free speech row” as Lineker’s BBC colleagues Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to step in.Commentators subsequently also went on strike, leading to the programme going out with no punditry or analysis.Reflecting on the episode while speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said: “I was just having late lunch and Ian Wright went public saying… (that he would boycott)”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Wright called him in advance, Lineker continued: “No, but we have a group chat.”And the day before, I said this might result with them taking me off air.”And he went: ‘That’s so ridiculous’. And he said: ‘If they do, I’m not doing the show’.”It’s one thing saying that, it’s a very much different thing actually doing it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I was in the back of a cab on the way home when that happened and I was crying, because that doesn’t happen, that show of support, it’s incredible.”Lineker was later reinstated by the BBC, with Director General Tim Davie apologising for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingLast November, The Sun revealed that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season.The former striker will be replaced by a rotating cast of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Lineker will continue to present live coverage of FA Cup matches for the BBC during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the public broadcaster following the 2026 World Cup.Reflecting on the decision during his conversation with Rajan, Lineker admitted: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.’A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PROGRAMME'”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Lineker has ruled out becoming a regular on another TV channel.Read More on The SunThe former England captain told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: PA More