More stories

  • in

    Micah Richards suffers awkward Match of the Day wardrobe malfunction as BBC pundit admits ‘I couldn’t move’

    MICAH RICHARDS has admitted he “couldn’t move” after suffering a wardrobe malfunction.The BBC pundit was on duty on Match of Day with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on Saturday night.Micah Richards suffered a wardrobe malfunction while on Match of the DayCredit: BBCHe had to hide a hole in his top while filmingCredit: BBCHowever, Richards was not the most comfortable as he had a problem with his top.The former Manchester City defender had a hole in the garment, which left him unable to move during filming.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “Basically, I went to my dressing room, well, more of a changing room.”I have put on my spray and my gear, and it looks fantastic if I say so.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”As I get to the studio, I see Alan (Shearer) grinning, and he said, ‘You have got a hole in my top’.”I thought he was pulling my leg, and he said, ‘No, I am being serious,’ and I pull it up, and I have a massive hole.”I couldn’t move, I was so self-conscious it was horrible.”Shearer joked that he was like the Marvel superhero, the Incredible Hulk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLineker admitted that he noticed that the malfunction had an effect on Richards during filming.The former England and Barcelona star insisted that, as a result, the pundit had to reduce his usual mannerisms so as not to reveal the hole. Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interviewCity’s horror formManchester City have lost their last four games in all competitionsThis is the first time in Pep Guardiola’s career he has suffered four successive defeats.Tottenham 2-1 Man City – EFL CupBournemouth 2-1 Man City – Premier LeagueSporting Lisbon 4-1 Man City – Champions LeagueBrighton and Hove Albion 2-1 Man City Premier LeagueRichards’ former club Man City are also suffering from problems themselves.The reigning champions have lost four games in a row under Pep Guardiola – the first time in his career.The latest defeat came at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex on Saturday. Erling Haaland had given the visitors the lead before Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley made it a comeback victory for the hosts.The defeat leaves the Citizens 2nd in the Premier League table, five points off the pace of leader Liverpool.Man City have lost their last four games in all competitionsCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Gary Lineker gives six-word update on Match of the Day future as BBC host, 63, drops fresh quit hint

    GARY LINEKER has given an update on his Match of the Day future and hinted he could quit the BBC.The 63-year-old has been the Premier League highlight show’s host since 1999.Gary Lineker has given a fresh update on his BBC futureCredit: BBCLineker, who has also presented England World Cup and Euros games, sees his deal with the Beeb expire this summer.He has held talks with chiefs over extending his stay but plans have also been drawn up for his departure.In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Lineker was asked if was stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. Whether that will be the case I don’t know. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”Lineker is open to staying at the BBC, with The Sun exclusively revealing that he has offered to take a pay cut.The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona striker could sign a new deal for £1million per year, which is £350,000 less than his current salary.Lineker remains relaxed about his contract situation, saying: “There are bigger problems in the world that is for sure.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer, so it is natural at some point to have conversations and they have started.”Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are also in discussions over their futures.Should Lineker leave – Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the bookies favourites to fill his boots.Gary Lineker’s BBC pay negotiations More

  • in

    Non-league star fills in as BBC commentator after he’s left out of FA Cup squad… and it goes exactly as you’d expect

    A NON-LEAGUE star filled in as a commentator for the BBC after being left out of the FA Cup matchday squad.And it went exactly as you would expect when his side scored a dramatic equaliser.Guiseley’s equaliser prompted superb commentary from player Lucas OdunstonCredit: BBC SportGuiseley of the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division were handed a dream draw in the first round proper away at League One Stevenage.However, Lucas Odunston was not in the starting XI or among the substitutes for Mark Bower at the Lamex Stadium.So instead, the 24-year-old right-back headed up to the gantry and picked up the microphone for BBC Sport.And that prompted utterly wild scenes when the Lions found the net to make it 1-1 with just seven minutes to go on Saturday. READ MORE ON FA CUPFollowing a mix-up between the Stevenage defender and goalkeeper, the ball fell perfectly for Will Longbottom.And he made absolutely no mistake as he tapped into the empty net.That sparked chaos in the away end – and on the gantry.Because Odunston simply could not contain his excitement and joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe could be heard over the main commentator shouting: “Oh my God,” as the ball fell kindly for Longbottom.Then after some brilliant inaudible commentary, Odunston added: “Yeahhhh!!” before some more crazy indiscernible screaming. I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundOdunston then regained an ounce of composure to bellow: “Get in there!”Oh my God.”Ohhhh, ohhhhh. Can I go on the pitch, can I go on the pitch?”The commentator then replied: “If you want to go my friend, you go.”Look at the scenes here at the Lamex Stadium.”This competition is magic because it produces moments like this.”The clip got shared on X by BBC Sport and went viral – with dozens of fans loving the wonderful reactions from a jubilant Odunston. Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup.One said: “This is the kind of energy we need on commentary! Lucas is living his best life! “When life gives you lemons, you become a commentator! Lucas is bringing the vibes!”Another wrote: “Classic commentary gold!”A third added: “That’s a classic! Love seeing players getting involved even off the pitch! Lucas is bringing the energy!”And a final user replied: “Magic of the FA Cup.”However, despite the special scenes following the equaliser, the day did end in bittersweet fashion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is because Guiseley did manage a draw at Stevenage.But with replays scrapped, it went to extra-time and then penalties, where the third-tier Boro nicked it 5-4 in the shootout to book their spot in the second-round draw. The right-back wanted to get on the pitch to celebrate with his team-matesCredit: BBC SportWho are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    BBC Sport pundit forced to apologise after kicking table and breaking set of Football Focus celebrating goal vs Arsenal

    SHAY GIVEN broke a table on the set of Football Focus as ‘chaos’ broke out in the BBC studio.The Newcastle icon, 48, appeared on the show alongside presenter Kelly Somers and former Lioness Anita Asante.Shay Given was excited after Alexander Isak gave Newcastle the leadCredit: X/ BBCMOTDGiven, 48, clutched a piece of the table that he’d brokenCredit: X/ BBCMOTDThe Beeb show aired while the Toon took on Arsenal in the early kick-off.While appearing as a pundit, Given also had an eye on his beloved old side.And when Alexander Isak put Newcastle in front, the Irishman couldn’t help but celebrate.After returning from a segment, Somers said: “I’m just going to let you in on a little secret, live on BBC One.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s been a bit chaotic in the studio. Shay Given has just broken part of the set. Why have you broken part of the set?”Clutching a piece of the table, Given said: “Well I just kicked the table by mistake so I apologise.”Asked by Somers why he’d done that, he continued: “Why did I do that?”Because Isak has just scored against Arsenal. Brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander Isak celebrates his 12th minute openerCredit: Getty”Isak header, top corner, 1-0 to the Toon. Howay.”Given would have been thrilled as the game progressed, with Isak’s 12th minute goal going on to earn Newcastle a priceless 1-0 victory.Arsenal vs Newcastle: Player RatingsAfter the game, Toon boss Eddie Howe praised his side’s mental strength.He said: “You have to be really strong mentality and know results will turn if you continue to do the right things.”It has been a difficult week with the fixtures but the players have done really well.”There was a better feeling in training after the Chelsea win, as if pressure lifted slightly.”Today’s performance was built on hard, work , desire and a lot of really good defending in the second half.”I thought we looked good.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

  • in

    Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for it

    PAUL MERSON left fans baffled after dressing “like a lemon” on his Soccer Saturday comeback.The Sky Sports pundit made his return to the programme for this weekend’s Premier League action.Paul Merson wore an incredible outfit on his return to Sky Sports’ Soccer SaturdayCredit: X / PaulMerseFans were left baffled by the choice as they reacted on social mediaCredit: Sky SportsMerson, 56, had been absent from the show due to his commitment to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.However, it appeared that he had forgotten to swap the glitzy ballroom outfits, and he took his spot on the panel.The former Arsenal star wore a bright yellow suit, with a sparkly top and a huge rosette, which left many viewers baffled on social media.One fan commented: “He really brought the sunshine to the studio!”READ MORE ON SPORTA second wrote: “He is just sensational.”A third posted: “He’s looking dashing.”A fourth said: “A man of his word!! Nice suit by the way.”A fifth joked: “He is dressed like a lemon.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “I thought he was getting married.”However, there was a reason for his choice of a more flamboyant outfit. Paul Merson AXED from Strictly after shock dance off with series favouriteMerson wore the outfit while appearing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PASoccer Saturday host Simon Thomas asked him to wear the yellow suit on his return.Merson followed through with the request as he stunned in the studio.He insisted he would be wearing the suit for the whole show as he did not bring “any other clobber”.The retired footballer was the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly after he lost the dance-off to JLS star JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden.During his time on the show, he danced to the football anthem Vindaloo and Pitball’s Fireball.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    FA Cup second round draw: Date, start time, live stream FREE, ball numbers and TV channel

    THE FA CUP is rolling on at pace with the first round proper fixtures currently underway.And that means we won’t have long until the second round draw!Kelly Somers will be hosting the second round drawCredit: Instagram @kellyesomersSides from League One and League Two are entering the competition in the first round proper as the road to Wembley begins.Northampton Town are hosting Kettering Town in a huge derby.While MK Dons are taking on AFC Wimbledon.The lowest ranked team in the first round is Hednesford Town, who are currently 14th in the Northern Premier League Division One West.The Pitmen take on Gainsborough Trinity and will be number 12 in the second round draw should they pull off the shock.The second round proper ties will be played between Friday 29 November and Monday 2 December.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen is the FA Cup second round draw?The FA Cup second round draw is taking place on Sunday, November 3.The draw will be broadcast during BBC’s first round highlights show on BBC Two, and is expected at 7.45pm.Most read in FA CupKelly Somers will be hosting, with Emile Heskey and Leon Osman conducting the draw.How can I watch the FA Cup second round draw?The FA Cup second round draw will be televised on BBC Two during the BBC’s first round highlights show.It will also be available to be live streamed for FREE on the FA Cup’s YouTube page and across the FA Cup’s social channels.Emile Heskey will be conducting the drawCredit: GettyWhat are the ball numbers?1. Rotherham United or Cheltenham Town2. Barrow or Doncaster Rovers3. Worthing or Morecambe4. Boreham Wood or Leyton Orient5. Exeter City or Barnet6. Carlisle United or Wigan Athletic7. Tamworth or Huddersfield Town8. Brackley Town or Braintree Town9. Curzon Ashton or Mansfield Town10. Wycombe Wanderers or York City11. Bradford City or Aldershot Town12. Hednesford Town or Gainsborough Trinity13. Burton Albion or Scarborough Athletic14. Tranmere Rovers or Oldham Athletic15. Rochdale or Bromley16. Walsall or Bolton Wanderers17. Grimsby Town or Wealdstone18. Bristol Rovers or Weston Super Mare19. Milton Keynes Dons or AFC Wimbledon20. Solihull Moors or Maidstone United21. Stockport County or Forest Green Rovers22. Reading or Fleetwood Town23. Stevenage or Guiseley24. Northampton Town or Kettering Town25. Rushall Olympic or Accrington Stanley26. Swindon Town or Colchester United27. Salford City or Shrewsbury Town28. Crewe Alexandra or Dagenham & Redbridge29. Port Vale or Barnsley30. Chesham United or Lincoln City31. Chesterfield or Horsham32. Southend United or Charlton Athletic33. Notts County or Alfreton Town34. Maidenhead United or Crawley Town35. Harrogate Town or Wrexham36. Woking or Cambridge United37. Gillingham or Blackpool38. Tonbridge Angels or Harborough Town39. Sutton United or Birmingham City40. Newport County or Peterborough United More

  • in

    Jermaine Jenas makes shock return in new TV gig – two months after BBC axe

    JERMAINE Jenas has made his return to TV with a new pundit gig this afternoon – just two months after being axed from the BBC.Jermaine lost his £190k a year job at the public broadcaster after being caught sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to two female colleagues.Jermaine Jenas has returned to TV after being sacked by the BBCCredit: PAHe was spotted at Emirates stadium todayCredit: InstagramJenas lost his job on The One Show after sending ‘inappropriate’ textsCredit: BBC Press HandoutHis Match of The Day gig also came to an endCredit: InstagramBut today Jermaine was seen broadcasting on the sidelines at Emirates stadium, where Arsenal and Liverpool were playing.The shamed presenter was covering the match for an overseas broadcaster, so he will not be seen on British airwaves.It comes after Jermaine recently teased his return to presenting.In an instagram story last month, the former Spurs star told fans that there was “some exciting stuff that I’ve been working on, so you’ll all have that to look forward to very soon.”read more on jermaine jenasHe also thanks fans for their support adding: “I’m looking forward to getting back and talking about what I love most. So last of all, thank you very much and I’ll see you soon.”The 41 year was old was given the boot by the BBC back in August for sending unsolicited communications to two female staffers at the corporation.The Sun exclusively revealed he the messages to the two women who worked on The One Show.He was immediately pulled from air on both The One Show and Match of the Day.Most read in FootballJermaine also presented on TNT Sports and has not appeared on the network since the scandal, although it is believe he will return and has not lost his job there.In a sitdown interview with The Sun after the story broke, Jermaine expressed his remorse and admitted he did not known if his marriage to wife Ellie would survive.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told The Sun: “We’ve not really spoken properly since. She’s absolutely raging.”Praising her as an “amazing mother”, he said she was focused on the care of their two daughters and young son.He revealed: “It’s just about the children right now. It’s the school holidays and they’re trapped in the house because photographers are outside my house.“They’re like, ‘What’s going on, Daddy?’. It’s tough.”He continued: “I’ve got to take responsibility and I’ve apologised to all of them.The pundit revealed his marriage to Ellie was on the rocks in AugustCredit: instagram/@elliejenas More

  • in

    Gary Lineker has ‘ready-made replacement’ already working for BBC if Match of the Day legend decides to quit

    GARY LINEKER has a “ready-made replacement” working at the BBC should he decide to leave Match of the Day.The former England striker, 63, has presented the flagship football show since 1999 when he succeeded Des Lynman.Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for 25 yearsCredit: BBCMark Lawrenson has tipped one current BBC employee to succeed LinekerCredit: AlamyHis contract comes to an end in the summer and it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay as the frontman for the programme.But Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson, 67, feels the BBC already have a clear No1 candidate to step into Lineker’s shoes should he depart at the end of the season.Lawrenson spent many years as a Match of the Day pundit alongside Lineker and fellow Reds icon Alan Hansen.And he believes Mark Chapman, a regular host of Match of the Day 2, is poised to succeed Lineker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Metro courtesy of Free Bets, he said: “I still tune in regularly. It is still a very good programme, full stop.‘I know there is a lot of speculation over Gary at the moment. Would it surprise me if he left at the end of the season? Possibly no.”But he has earned the right to make his own decision, there is no doubt there whatever.”And in Chappers, there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Chapman often presents Match of the Day 2Credit: GettyAlongside his stints on Match of the Day 2, Chapman also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Sports.But despite Chapman’s pedigree, Lawrenson insists it will be a tough job should he take the helm on Match of the Day.Gary Lineker’s BBC pay negotiationsHe added: “Replacing Gary, it’s a big role for whoever takes it. Before him, Des [Lynam] and Jimmy Hill did it for years and were wonderful but at the end of it all, your time comes. “But the good thing for Gary is, I think he will decide. I don’t think the BBC will decide. He will decide if he wants to go. He has earned the right to do so. He’s earned the right to leave.”He’s in his 60s now, I’m not sure what else he has going on that could possibly be a substitute for Match Of The Day because when you first leave it feels like someone has chopped your arm off.”But he can do whatever he wants.” More