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    ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message

    GARY LINEKER issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the Day after a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixtures.Southampton and Manchester City played out a drab goalless draw at St Mary’s, Everton won 3-1 at Fulham, Brighton prevailed 2-0 at Wolves, Brentford beat Ipswich 1-0 at Portman Road and 10-man Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Gary Lineker issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the DayLineker blasted a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixturesThe games left much to be desired and Lineker, 64, suggested the BBC found it hard to put together an exciting highlight reel.So much so that the famous presenter described Saturday’s action as “probably one of the worst”. Lineker issued the following savage verdict: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Read More on FootballMatch of the Day shared a clip of that remark with the following caption: “No sugar-coating from @GaryLineker there.”Several football fans were left in stitches with that unique sign-off and took to social media.One fan tweeted: “The man Gary.”Another laughed: “Bahahahaha!”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Keepin’ it real, yess!”Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gagAnd a further post read: “Straight shooter Gaz.”Lineker dropped that tongue-in-cheek statement in one of his last ever appearances on Match of the Day as he will step down as presenter in May after 26 years in the esteemed show.The former England international will also leave the BBC altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.The Leicester legend will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker insists he will not be seen on any TV rival after leaving the Beeb and will instead be doing podcasts while also focusing on his personal life. More

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    ‘Not for £100million either’ – Gary Lineker reveals he turned down reality TV offer following Match of the Day exit

    GARY LINEKER has revealed that he has turned down multiple reality TV shows since it was announced that he would be leaving the BBC. Lineker, 64, will step down from his post as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker’s tenure as Match of the Day frontman is coming to an endCredit: BBCThe presenter has always made his political views public, sometimes to his detrimentHe will be replaced by the trio of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman. He will, however, be kept on to lead the Beeb’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico. He will also continue to front the broadcaster’s FA Cup offerings. In an interview with The Times, Lineker admitted that he had several offers from reality TV shows to appear. Read more in FootballAccording to Lineker, the producers of Big Brother tapped up his agent to enquire about the former England striker’s interest in appearing on the programme. They were met with a £100million price tag, although Lineker revealed that he “wouldn’t have done it for £100million either,” with the sum being “a little over their budget”. In the interview, Lineker, who earned 80 caps for his country, scoring 48 goals, said that he had become quite the chef in his spare time. That had also led to offers from culinary shows. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe insisted: “I’ve actually been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don’t want to, because whilst I’m a very keen cook and I think I’m a good cook, I’m not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”Lineker believes that he is a better presenter now than he ever has been, with his podcast “The Rest is Football” helping him behind the microphone and in front of the camera.Lineker has been the subject of bids from several showsCredit: AlamyHowever, that venture did not help sway the BBC’s decision to keep him on. He said: “I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been.“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.“There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract.”Lineker got the Match of the Day gig in 1999, replacing Des Lynam in the hotseat.He was also the Beeb’s lead presenter for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and he was reported to be the corporation’s highest-paid presenter in July 2022. He was suspended from Match of the Day in 2023 for criticising the British government’s immigration policy on social media.  More

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    Premier League set for major broadcasting changes including cameramen allowed on PITCH during matches

    PREMIER LEAGUE broadcasts are set to allow cameramen on the pitch, according to reports.Several changes will come into place when the new TV deal kicks in next season.Cameramen will be allowed to enter the pitch to record celebrationsCredit: GettyOne innovation will change how fans get to see goal celebrations.Previously, cameramen were banned from entering the field of play.According to the Mail, they will now be allowed to do so in order to film players celebrating.With the new domestic TV deal worth a record £6.7billion, Prem chiefs are hoping to make innovations in order to add more value to broadcasters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA further change will affect press box etiquette.Commentators and pundits will now be allowed to record their in-game reactions.The new deal will come into effect at the start of next season and run through to the end of the 2028-29 campaign.It will see 270 games broadcast live, with the BBC continuing to air Match of the Day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSky Sports purchased four of the five packages available and in a major change, will now be able to broadcast all Sunday 2pm kick-offs.TNT Sports, meanwhile, will show all Saturday 12.30pm matches in addition to two full mid-week rounds of games.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals just THREE Man Utd players have spoken to him since he was sackedAll final day matches will be shown by Sky Sports.Previous rights holder Amazon Prime Video will no longer carry Prem matches.Games will no longer be broadcast on Prime Video from next seasonCredit: Rex More

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    FA Cup final gets never-before-seen kick-off time after BBC and ITV clash over scheduling

    THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.The FA Cup kick-off time has finally been shared with fansCredit: ReutersThe new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there would be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMore than 7.5million people in the UK watched Eurovision on the BBC last year, with the corporation desperate to not see the final clash with the competition.ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm because of a scheduling clash with Eurovision that night too.In each of the Chelsea’s previous trips to Wembley in 2021 and 2020 for the FA Cup final kick-off has been at 5:15pm and 5:30pmMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyMeanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.The 2024-25 FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer as well as ITV1 and ITVX.No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsAnd City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up this time, after 5,000 fans snubbed the journey against Forest.Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.Read More on The SunA spokesperson said: “The FA Cup is our biggest revenue producer, and it allows us to invest more funding into every level of English football.“We will be freezing the prices of almost all tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final for the next three years.” More

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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

    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

    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

    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

    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