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      Luton contact ‘disrespectful’ Garth Crooks as boss Rob Edwards lashes out at BBC Sport pundit for controversial comments

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      LUTON have contacted Garth Crooks after his “disrespectful” comments about the club’s survival hopes.And manager Rob Edwards also lashed out at the BBC Sport pundit for his controversial assessment of the Hatters.
      Luton boss Rob Edwards has lashed out at Garth Crooks for his commentsCredit: Reuters
      Crooks tipped Luton to be relegated from the Premier League before ChristmasCredit: Dan Charity
      Crooks tipped the newly-promoted side to be relegated before Christmas after losing their first three Premier League matches.
      Luton were beaten at Brighton and Chelsea before a 2-1 loss to West Ham in their first home match.
      The results have left them 19th in the table, having scored just twice and conceded nine goals.
      Following the loss to West Ham, Crooks wrote in his BBC team of the week column: “It’s good to see the tangerine colours of Luton back in the big league once more, but I can’t take them seriously, and see them down by Christmas.”
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      Edwards has now revealed that Luton have contacted the former Tottenham forward.
      “I think after three games it is disrespectful,” the Luton boss told the BBC.
      “It does hurt when you hear comments like that. When people tell you that, it’s hard to shy away from it.
      “At this level in the Premier League you’re going to be shot at, people are going to have their opinions and I suppose that’s what he’s paid to do but I think it was a disrespectful comment.”
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      The club have also invited Crooks to visit their training ground to see their vision.
      Edwards added: “We have reached out to Mr Crooks so he can come in and we can show him what we do with our plan and that we’re not a team to be laughed at.
      “Our job is to get good results and performances and to change people’s minds.”
      Luton are back in action away to Fulham on Saturday before a home clash with Wolves next weekend. More

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      BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones mocks creep who sent her X-rated message in hilarious ‘DM Helpline’ clip

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES has mocked a fan who sent her a creepy X-rated message on social media.The Leeds United TV and BBC Sport star shared a witty video of herself posing to be a hotline assistant, speaking to the creep who is referred to as “Simon”.
      Emma Louise Jones brilliantly hit back at a creep onlineCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She posted a video of her mocking their gross DMsCredit: instagram
      She is known for her work presenting on BBC and for Leeds United TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma, 33, has a massive following online with over 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      She is a fan favourite for her work as a sports presenter, however she does attract some unwanted attention.
      And she regularly exposes some who send creepy X-rated messages into her DMs.
      However, now she has come up with a brilliant way of mocking them, in the hope of deterring future offenders.
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      In a video posted to her Instagram account, Emma can be seen wearing a headset to appear as though she is working in a call centre for the “DM Helpline”.
      She then speaks to “Simon” who sent her messages saying “Hey Emma, show us your t**s please” and “Keep up the good work”.
      Emma responds: “Do you think that is an appropriate conversation starter Simon?”
      After mimicking a response, she added: “I know you said please, but you did still ask a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
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      She has had to deal with creeps on more than one occasionCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma receives a lot of attention on social mediaCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
      “I know you told her to keep up the good work, but you still asked a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
      “My advice to you would be to stop asking women to show you their t**s.”
      It is not the first Emma has opened “the DM Helpline”, as she did the same to “Sniffy Dave” back in May.
      And her fans loved the skit as they took to the comment section.
      She has over 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma has worked for Leeds TV and BBCCredit: Instagram @eljones90
      One fan commented: “These skits are funny but it’s a serious message.”
      A second wrote: “I really do enjoy these. I know there shouldn’t need to be a reason to post them in the first place hopefully it raises awareness.”
      A third said: “Was waiting for the next DM Helpline episode. It didn’t disappoint. Pure comedy.”
      While another added: “Comedy genius but with a serious message.” More

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      Jermain Defoe reveals Arsenal legend who used to PINCH him during matches as ex-Spurs ace says ‘I loved it

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      JERMAIN DEFOE claims Arsenal legend Martin Keown “pinched” and “headbutted” him – but the ex-Tottenham striker “loved it”.Defoe has revealed his shock at the “mad” baptism he revealed as a teen breaking into the Premier League against no-nonsense defenders.
      Jermain Defoe punched above his weight as a West Ham kid but fears other players could have been ruined by the same treatmentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Martin Keown was named by Defoe as one of the harsh defendersCredit: Getty
      The former England star, 40, only quit playing last year after a second spell with Sunderland.
      But he vividly remembers the unexpected suffering he endured during his early days with first club West Ham.
      Defoe says he was “buzzing” with excitement but soon “stinging” with pain.
      Buzzing – from playing against greats like Thierry Henry amid the Gunners’ peak years under Arsene Wenger.
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      And stinging – from the treatment he got from ex-Three Lions centre-back Keown.
      He told BBC podcast Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts: “He’d be standing behind me.
      “He’d pinch your back or he’d headbutt the back of your head – mad stuff like that.
      “Remember, you’re not getting this in the youth team.
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      “So when he started doing it I was like, ‘what is going on here?'”
      Defoe thinks Keown’s behaviour actually inspired him – but wonders if other personalities would have buckled.
      He said: “It fuelled me. But if you are a different sort of character you are done.
      “In a funny sort of way I loved it because I’m buzzing anyway.
      “I’m playing at Highbury – Thierry and that all that lot playing there. I was buzzing, so when he (Keown) did it I loved it but it was mad.
      “The pinches would hurt, you know. It felt like someone had punched me – the sting and the little headbutts.”
      More than just grin and bear it, Defoe reckons Keown’s actions fired him upCredit: Getty More

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      Wales fans rage at VAR as Latvia ace avoids red for ‘disgusting’ lunge as Aaron Ramsey helps clinch crunch Euro 2024 win

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      WALES fans were left raging after Janis Ikaunieks escaped a “definite red” after a disgusting challenge on Jordan James – even after a VAR check.The Welsh secured a 2-0 win in Latvia in their crunch Euro 2024 qualifier thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s first half penalty and a late David Brooks strike.
      Aaron Ramsey helped fire Wales to a crucial win in LatviaCredit: AP
      Welsh players were fuming over a challenge on Jordan JamesCredit: Reuters
      The referee deemed it only worthy of a yellow card despite a VAR checkCredit: AP
      The main talking point came midway through the second period when the 19-year-old Birmingham City midfielder knocked the ball past his Latvian rival just inside his own half.
      But despite him having no chance of winning possession, Ikaunieks nastily lunged for the ball but instead kicked the Welsh ace directly on the kneecap, leaving him writhing in agony.
      The Wales team were fuming and instantly protested with the referee as he only gave the Latvian a yellow card.
      VAR then ordered the official to check out the pitchside monitor for a possible red card for the cynical hack.
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      However, Ikaunieks ended up unbelievably staying on the field after the referee decided that his original decision would stand – leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
      “One of the most blatant red cards you will ever see,” tweeted one.
      Another asked: “How has the ref not given a red for that?”
      A fellow supported said: “Player gets booted in the knee well after the ball has gone, no red card after looking at the replay for an age. Disgraceful refereeing.”
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      Ex-Wales striker Ian Walsh told BBC Radio Wales: “That is an absolute joke.
      “You talk about standards, and all the intricate rules in football now that you can and you can’t do.
      “Something as obvious as that and you’re not off the pitch. That is a disgrace.”
      And fellow former Welsh frontman Nathan Blake agreed, telling BBC Radio Wales: “I can’t believe it. That is a disgraceful decision.”
      Meanwhile, Ramsey completed a century of career goals to keep Wales’ slim hopes of reaching Euro 2024 alive.
      But the big question is will Rob Page still be in charge when their bid to reach Germany resumes next month?
      Talk of the building pressure following the disastrous back to back defeats in June dominated the build up to this game.
      And a narrow win over the group minnows – thanks to the captain’s first half spot-kick and an injury time second from sub Brooks – may not be enough to save him.
      Croatia’s win in Armenia earlier in the day coupled with three points in Riga means Wales are still fighting – although they have little margin for error in the autumn.
      This was a game they simply had to win – and after just one victory in their last 13 games nothing could be taken for granted.
      Yet they could have been ahead inside the first couple of minutes as Spurs new boy Brennan Johnson was sent clear by Ethan Ampadu but blasted his effort over the angle.
      Ampadu himself nodded a chance over while Ben Davies saw a header tipped over by Roberts Ozols in the Latvia goal.
      The result might still not be enough to save Rob Page’s jobCredit: EPA
      The Dragons were looking confident and they got the goal they deserved when Kaspars Dubra needlessly barged over Harry Wilson.
      It was a clear penalty and skipper Ramsey was cool from the spot as he sent Ozols the wrong way for his 21st international goal.
      Neco Williams and Johnson both fluffed opportunities to extend the lead and Wales were almost punished for their wastefulness at the end of the first half.
      Latvia – ranked 134th in the world – created three good chances with Ikaunieks heading the best one straight at the feet of Danny Ward.
      When Ramsey had to be withdrawn early in the second half it could have affected the visitors but they continued to dominate.
      Tottenham fans will be hoping their new £47.5million signing Johnson is saving his goals for them as he could have had a hat-trick here.
      Ikaunieks can count himself lucky to escape a red card for a wild tackle on James – with the VAR decision taking an age to sort out.
      And it would have been hard for Wales to stomach if the midfielder’s late effort went in – but luckily for them it was just the wrong side of Ward’s post.
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      But deep in stoppage time Wilson played in Brooks who expertly clipped in his first international goal since beating cancer.
      A heart-warming moment and a big three points – whether it is enough to save Page remains to be seen. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals he snubbed Premier League manager job offer – and gives three brutally honest reasons why

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      GARY LINEKER revealed he turned down the opportunity to work as a manager in the Premier League.Lineker is arguably the most famous UK media personality thanks mostly to his work as presenter of Match of the Day ever since he took over from Des Lynam in 1999.
      Gary Lineker revealed Match of the Day could have looked very differentCredit: BBC
      However, the popular football show could have looked very different if the ex-England star decided to follow in the footsteps of fellow legends and try his luck in management.
      The 62-year-old was offered the top job at Aston Villa and his beloved Leicester in the 1990s.
      In fact, the late Doug Ellis – who was Villa chairman from 1982 until 2006 – called the Tottenham legend personally and offered him the position.
      But the Barcelona hero turned down the opportunity, just like he did with the Foxes, because that career path never “appealed” to him.
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      The ex-Everton star was certain that wouldn’t work and is adamant he wouldn’t “have been very good at it”
      The popular presenter also remembered how much he disliked training as a player.
      Finally, the former striker wouldn’t be able to handle a dressing room as he couldn’t even be able to leave someone out of the team.
      Lineker told The Rest Is Football: “It never appealed, for a variety of reasons.
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      “I don’t think I’d have been very good at it. I don’t think I could have coped with leaving someone out of the team.
      “I never really loved training, I found it quite boring most of the time. So if I didn’t like training, I’m not going to really like watching training. It just never, ever, ever crossed my mind.
      “I got a couple of job offers, I think Villa, Doug Ellis asked me to be Villa manager, and Leicester did at one point.
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      Lineker was offered the opportunity to manage Aston Villa and LeicesterCredit: BBC
      “I got a phone call from Doug Ellis, it was shortly after, I can’t remember the era apart from the fact that it was relatively soon after I’d finished playing.
      “And he said, ‘Would you be interested in the Aston Villa job?’ And I just said, ‘Management is not for me, sorry Doug’.” More

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      Micah Richards reveals ‘angriest I’ve ever been in my life’ after manager decision as he’s mocked by Lineker and Shearer

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      MICAH RICHARDS left Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in stitches as he revealed why one of Manchester City’s greatest days left him “the angriest” he has ever been.The trio all enjoyed great success on the football pitch and now regularly work alongside each other on BBC.
      Micah Richards had Gary Lineker in stitches as he revealed the ‘angriest I’ve ever been in my life’Credit: BBC
      He was also mocked by Alan Shearer as he recalled his agony from 2012Credit: BBC
      They have also recently embarked on a brand new football podcast named “The Rest Is Football”.
      And it was during an episode of their latest venture that Richards was mocked by his colleagues as he recounted Man City’s iconic last-ditch Premier League title victory in 2012.
      Trailing QPR on the final day of the season 2-1 going into additional time, Edin Dzecko came off the bench to equalise.
      And then Sergio Aguero earned himself legendary status as he fired in a dramatic winner to earn Roberto Mancini’s side the title.
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      However, despite being part of that dramatic afternoon as an unused sub, former City defender Richards still counts the day as a painful one after being dropped in favour of Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.
      And the 35-year-old had his former England striking colleagues crying with laughter as he recalled the agony of not only being dropped for the Argentina ace – but then having to sit there and watch him open the scoring.
      Richards said: “We’re going to the room where he is writing the team and I’m always a second player if I’m going to get picked because when you write on the board it’s always the goalkeeper and then you start with the right-back.
      “He [Mancini] has wrote in Joe Hart and I’ve never watched someone so closely to see what letter he is going to write… If he starts on the left then it means that he is going to write ‘Z’ and go straight across.
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      “If he starts in the middle or at the end and goes down first then he is going to write an ‘R’ for Richards. And what does he do? He goes across like that… Za… Zabaleta.
      “I just thought f*** this! I didn’t do the warm-up properly. But Mancini, the thing is, he wouldn’t even make eye contact with me because he knew what he’d done.”
      As Shearer and Lineker struggled to hold back their laughter, Richards continued: “And what happens in the game? Zabaleta scored the first goal.”
      The chuckling Lineker then asks: “Did you cheer and jump up off the bench?”
      To which Richards bluntly replied: “Did I cheer? I’ve never been so angry in all my life.”
      However, despite his personal anguish, Richards said all of that washed away as he willed his team on from the dug-out during the closing stages.
      Although he still had time to get mocked one more time by Shearer and Lineker as they burst into laughter as he added: “I was in paradise. It was like everything was in slow motion. It was jubilation, it was disappointment.
      “But you know what p***es me off more than anything… ‘Oh, what was it like to play in that QPR game?’ I’ve never got over it.”
      Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring for Man City as Richards watched onCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Alex Scott wows fans as BBC football presenter joins no bra club in bold outfit on NTAs red carpet

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      ALEX SCOTT dazzled in a bold outfit at the National Television Awards.The ex-Lioness was dressed to impress on the red carpet with a cream gown and big gold-coloured ear-rings.
      Alex Scott looked elegant at the National Television AwardsCredit: PA
      The former England defender wowed on the red carpetCredit: Splash
      The pundit stunned at the O2 Arena in LondonCredit: PA
      The BBC presenter went without a bra as she posed confidently for photos on the red carpet at the O2 Arena in London.
      Comedian Joel Dommett hosted the NTAs, where Ant & Dec took the award for Best TV Presenters for the 22nd time.
      Scott herself is developing a winning tradition too – for daring dresses.
      She shone in a black dress presenting last week’s Europa League draw.
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      One fan described her as a “national treasure” for that appearance, with another adding: “Alex Scott on, TV on.”
      And days earlier the 38-year-old was also deluged with admiring comments for her outfit at the PFA Awards.
      Her leggy display was called “unreal”.
      The former Arsenal defender won 140 caps before retiring in 2018.
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      But despite her less active role behind the camera she’s kept in shape.
      And Scott is happy sharing bikini shots from her summer holiday in Ibiza with her 1.8million Instagram followers.
      Scott looks just at home on the red carpet as on the pitchCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how Match of the Day chooses running order after fan complaints

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed how the Match of the Day running order is decided after receiving accusations of bias from fans. The 62-year-old faced backlash when his former club Tottenham were played first on Saturday’s show after their 5-2 win at Burnley.
      Gary Lineker has responded to fans’ complaints of the MOTD running orderCredit: Alamy
      Lineker fired back insisting the most exciting Premier League games are always on first on Saturday’s MOTD.
      However other factors are taken into consideration, particularly during the second half of the season, he explained.
      Lineker has hosted the BBC flagship football highlights show for more than two decades.
      But fans still question how the running order is decided.
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      Seeing which games get picked to be shown first is one of the show’s unique selling points and hints which Premier League fixtures have been more entertaining.
      The England legend revealed the show’s editor is responsible for the running order but admits it’s a team effort involving himself and the pundits for the weekend.
      He made the revelation during the latest episode of The Rest Is Football – his podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.
      Lineker said: “It is a combined effort but it is ultimately the editor’s decision.
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      “Generally you get the best match on first, it is Match of the Day.
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      “Obviously when you cover a sporting event, the main focus is on the leaders.
      “You don’t watch a horse race and focus on the back six… Towards the second half of the season.
      “Whoever is top of the league has to come into your thinking when deciding.”
      Lineker also said winning results are preferred to draws when it comes to deciding the line-up.
      He added: “We put Forest beating Chelsea 1-0 on second on Saturday night, ahead of Manchester City scoring five against Fulham because it is a big story… You take all those things into account.”
      The BBC has broadcast highlights of the Premier League for most of the division’s existence.
      The only exception was between 2001 and 2004 when ITV obtained the rights. 
      Since regaining coverage Lineker admits he’s worked hard to ensure every team is given a good show.
      He continued: “I had a discussion with BBC bosses when we got the TV rights back from ITV over whether we could show every game.
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      “Back then it was highlights from a few matches, a couple of clips from another and then just goals.
      “They worked it out and I thought ‘at last we won’t get complaints from fans that teams aren’t being shown’. Now it is just them complaining that their team is on last!” More