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    Gary Lineker told ‘you do know you worked for the BBC for 30 years?’ as he jokes ‘it’s pointless them sacking me now’

    GARY LINEKER joked “it’s pointless them sacking me now” as Micah Richards poked fun at the BBC stalwart.Lineker, 64, announced last month that he will be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season after 26 years as host.Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC in 2026Credit: ReutersHe will continue presenting FA Cup action on the Beeb during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the broadcaster after the 2026 World Cup.During the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Lineker discussed watching the Champions League earlier this week.The former BT Sport anchor said: “I really do like this format. I sat last night and watched the first 20 minutes of City, the second 25 minutes of Arsenal.”And then I put the Goals Show on, which is really good because because it’s a little bit like Soccer Saturday where they’re talking about the games but you actually see the action with it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So when the goals go in it’s quite good to keep across all of it. Then I’m constantly checking my phone for the league table and how it changes every few seconds.”It keeps it really interesting, every game’s big, every game’s really important.”Micah Richards cheekily replied: “I don’t think Jason Mohammad would be too happy with that, the BBC have a programme called Final Score Gary, you referenced…”Lineker then cut back in, as Shearer laughed: “Or Final Score.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRichards added: “You do know you worked for the BBC for 30 years, you know that?”Lineker replied: “In my defence, Micah, at that time of day I’m sitting in the office watching football, so I’ve never seen it.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day moments”But actually, I think Final Score’s a much better programme. But Final Score doesn’t need a lift up from me where that other show on Sky does, probably. You work for everybody, Micah!”Final Score came up later in the show, when Lineker referenced keeping up with Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.He said: “I watched quite a lot of that in the second half because it kept coming up on the Goals Show, which is actually nearly as good as Final Score.”Shearer then joked: “You’ll be getting an email!”Lineker added: “It’s pointless them sacking me now though isn’t it really, I’ve only got a few months left anyway.”The presenter recently revealed that he turned down an offer to go on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million’.”Lineker then added: “He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget’.”Lineker, 64, has entered his final few months hosting Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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    Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality shows

    SPORTS pundit Gary Lineker has revealed just how much a reality TV show might need to pay to entice him to take part.Speaking on YouTube for his podcast The Rest Is Football, he discussed with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer over what he would do if he ever gave up being a pundit for good.Sports presenter Gary Lineker revealed he would ‘never’ do a reality showCredit: ReutersGary revealed he’d been approached for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballThe sports TV pundit revealed his agent joked that he would only take part in a reality show for £50mCredit: YouTube/The Rest Is FootballGary Lineker revealed: “Do you know last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”As his fellow podcasters laughed he then revealed his agent handled the enquiry, but outlined a major fee before Lineker would agree to be involved.Lineker continued: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million’.”He then added: “He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget’.”More on Gary LinekerAs Micah and Alan laughed along they joked that Gary would be getting more requests for shows now he’s stepping back from Match Of The Day, but he revealed a stint on a reality show is not likely.Gary explained: “I can tell you now, don’t bother asking.”Last month Gary revealed he will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.Yet as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.Most read in CelebrityLineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down from the show.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027The former England striker is understood to be on new terms, which will see his salary reduced significantly. He currently receives £1.35m, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.In November, a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Gary is set to leave BBC’s Match Of The Day in 2026Credit: BBCThe sports pundit will continue to present FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverageCredit: PA More

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    I’ve got 19 gold medals and I’m on Sports Personality of the Year shortlist – but lots of people don’t know who I am

    DAME SARAH STOREY is in the running for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award – but she admits people still ask “Who is she?”.The Paralympic Games star has enjoyed a medal-laden career with 19 gold medals.Sarah Storey has been nominated for SPOTYCredit: GettyShe has won 19 gold medals during her careerCredit: PALuke Littler is one of the favourites for the awardCredit: PAJude Bellingham is also in the runningCredit: APStorey, 47, is up against popular stars including Luke Littler and Jude Bellingham in the race for SPOTY.Olympic 800m champ Keely Hodgkinson and triathlon king Alex Yee as well as record-breaking cricketer Joe Root are also in the running.The cyclist and swimmer has insisted that para-sports is not covered enough between Paralympic games.Storey has claimed that, as a result, it makes sports more challenging and affects people’s ability to recognise her compared to her counterparts.READ MORE ON SPORTShe said: “It’s really, really challenging.”You only have to look at comments when I was out of Dancing on Ice, people were like, ‘Well, who is she?’”People don’t see para-sport on TV enough to know who their most successful athlete is.”She won two more gold medals in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 time trials in the Paris Olympics earlier this year.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe was expected to appear on Dancing on Ice but was forced to withdraw due to a fractured ankle, which occurred during practice.If Storey succeeds at SPOTY, she will have made history as the oldest winner of the award ever.Dancing On Ice chaos as Sarah Storey QUITS with nasty injury weeks before show startsKeely Hodgkinson has also been nominated for the awardCredit: Sunday TimesAlex Yee is also in with a chance after his Olympic heroicsCredit: GettySarah Storey’s Paralympic medalsHere is a look at Sarah Storey’s Paralympic medal haul…1992:2x Gold3x Silver1x Bronze1996:3x Gold1x Silver1x Bronze2000:2004:2x Silver1x Bronze2008:2012:2016:2020:2024:She had already picked up her fifth gold medal in swimming before four of her rivals were born.She first competed in the Games back in 1992 when she was just 14 years old.The mum of two added: “I’m quite happy at being the oldest.”The only person [on the SPOTY shortlist] who was born when I went to my first Games was Joe Root and the other four weren’t born until after I’d won my fifth gold in swimming.”There’s lots of talk around older athletes, especially older female athletes, and I’m involved in research into enabling more female athletes to continue into their late thirties, early forties and in my case late forties.”The example I’m hopefully leading is that you can come back after having children, if you’ve got the right support, if you know your body, and you can continue to enjoy competitive sports at any level.”Storey is aiming to make it ten appearances at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.However, she is aware of the competition from younger athletes such as France star Heïdi Gaugain.Storey had the edge over Gaugain in Paris as she beat her in the road race after a thrilling sprint finish.She said: “It’s taking it one year at a time and hopefully come March or April, when I’m fully recovered [from her ankle injury], I’ll have got a plan together.”You’ve got to be strategic and if you’re not, you don’t know where you’re going to find those gains.”They’re marginal and they get even more marginal as you get older.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Heidi is getting older and stronger, and that’s exciting.”But I have to make sure I’ve got a plan to counteract her youthfulness.”Joe Root is the final nominee for the SPOTYCredit: APBBC Sports Personality of the Year Award nominationsHere is a look at the nominations for this year’s SPOTY…Luke Littler – Darts starJude Bellingham – FootballerKeely Hodgkinson – OlympianAlex Yee – OlympianSarah Storey – ParalympianJoe Root – Cricketer More

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    Luke Littler could become second-youngest winner of BBC SPOTY as shortlist revealed including Bellingham & Hodgkinson

    LUKE LITTLER will vie with Jude Bellingham and Keely Hodgkinson for the affection of the British public after being shortlisted for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The teen sensation is the youngest of the six contenders” for the prestigious TV award, which has been running annually since 1954.Luke Littler has won 10 titles in his incredible 12 months in dartsCredit: GettyKeely Hodgkinson took 800m gold at the Paris Olympics in AugustCredit: GettyJude Bellingham landed Champions League glory in his first Real seasonCredit: GettyLionesses’ keeper Mary Earps took the 2023 SPOTY awardCredit: PAThe Nuke will be up against Real Madrid’s Champions League winner Bellingham, Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Hodgkinson, record-breaking cricketer Joe Root, Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee.Littler, 17, has been deservedly recognised for his exceptional exploits in his first year as a darts professional.The Warrington ace made it to the PDC World Championship final on January 3 – he was defeated 7-4 by Luke Humphries at Ally Pally – and then became Premier League champion in May following a superb nine-dart leg.Littler – who has banked more than £1million in prize money throughout 2024 – has won 10 titles in total and thrilled crowds across the country with his outstanding displays despite leaving school only last year.READ MORE TOP SPORTIf Littler receives the most votes on the night of Tuesday December 17 – and Hodgkinson is the bookies’ favourite – he would be the second-youngest winner in the event’s history.The youngest recipient was 17-year-old Scottish swimmer Ian Black, who was victorious in 1958 ahead of footballers Bobby Charlton and Nat Lofthouse.Littler turns 18 next month and is the fave for this year’s World Championship, which starts on Sunday. He could even have double success on the night as he is also shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year category.Most read in DartsJoe Root become England’s leading Test scorer and also hit a 262Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Taylor was second behind jockey Tony McCoy at SPOTY 2010 but has told Littler he should consider skipping the night and staying at home so can fully focus on trying to win the Sid Waddell Trophy in the New Year.Football has provided seven winners of the main award, including Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleBBC SPOTY 2024 CONTENDERSHere are the runners and riders in with a shot of ultimate glory…Luke Littler – DartsJude Bellingham – FootballKeely Hodgkinson – AthleticsJoe Root – CricketDame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclingAlex Yee – TriathlonBellingham helped Madrid win the LaLiga title and the Champions League at Wembley, contributing a remarkable 23 goals across all competitions in his debut season at the Bernabeu.Though England lost the European Championship final to Spain in Berlin, the 21-year-old scored twice in the competition, including an incredible bicycle kick in the 2-1 Last 16 win over Slovakia.Hodgkinson, 22, became the tenth British woman to claim an Olympic title in athletics as she stormed to glory over two laps at the Stade de France.Root, 33, made history in style as he surpassed Alastair Cook’s mark of 12,472 runs to become England’s leading scorer in Test cricket with a career best 262 against Pakistan in October.Mum-of-two Storey, 47, is Britain’s greatest Paralympian and added two more gold medals to her impressive collection as she won cycling’s C4-C5 road race and C5 road time trial in Paris.And Yee, 26, enjoyed a stunning 2024 in which he was crowned both Olympic and world champion.What is most surprising is that the shortlist has been confined to six people for the seventh year running – rather than be expanded because it is an Olympic and Paralympic year.It does not include the likes of cycling hero Mark Cavendish, who retired after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage.Road cyclist Tom Pidcock and trampolinist Bryony Page – who are both Olympic champions – have also been snubbed as organisers kept it to a small list.And swimmer Poppy Maskill, 19, would consider herself unlucky not to be nominated after winning five medals at the Paralympics, including three golds.Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will present the show live on BBC One but Gary Lineker has stepped down as host after 23 years in the role.The judging panel consisted of 12 people – former sportspeople, broadcasters, journalists and BBC executives – and included retired cyclist Laura Kenny and ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther awards presented on the night are World Sport Star of the Year, the Helen Rollason Award, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Unsung Hero, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award .Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps took home the coveted title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.Team GB’s greatest Paralympian Sarah Storey won two more goldsCredit: RexTriathlete Alex Yee won both Olympic and world titlesCredit: Rex More

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    Artificial ‘intelligence’ reveals the sexiest male football pundit on TV according to ‘golden ratio’

    ARTIFICIAL “intelligence” has named Peter Crouch the sexiest male football pundit on TV.The 6ft 7in ex-England forward, famed for his robot goal celebration, scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty tool.Pundit Peter Crouch scored 17.39 out of 20 on the AI beauty toolIt measured facial ­symmetry and structure, health, smile and eyes and social media feedback.Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist was second with a score of 16.12, ­followed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Michael Dawson on 14.63.BBC Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman was fourth on 14.42.Ex-Man United hardman Roy Keane was in last place with just 9.59.READ MORE ON PETER CROUCHGary Neville came twenty-fourth on 11.67 with Gary Lineker twenty-fifth on 11.21 and Rio Ferdinand twenty-seventh on 11.11.Betting tips and news site Footy Accumulators used the Golden Ratio Face app to measure the looks of 38 pundits.A spokesman said: “Crouch was the clear winner and is the most attractive male pundit on TV.”“As well as expert knowledge he brings sex appeal to punditry and gets female viewers hot under the collar.”Most read in FootballMy Premier League team-mate was catfishing fans… it really annoyed me and I can’t believe supporters fell for it’Peter Crouch – 17.39Ally McCoist – 16.12Michael Dawson – 14.63Mark Chapman – 14.42Shay Given – 14.41Dion Dublin – 13.94Don Hutchison – 13.45Glenn Hoddle – 13.1Joleon lescott – 13.06Ashley Williams – 13.04 More

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    Cole Palmer reveals his McDonald’s order after stunning workers at drive-thru as fans say ‘never change’

    COLE PALMER has finally revealed his favourite McDonald’s order after being spotted at a drive-through.And the Chelsea and England star’s usual haul from the fast food chain is a massive one, to say the least.Cole Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s drive-through last monthCredit: XThe Chelsea and England star has revealed his massive order from the fast-food chainCredit: REXAs an elite athlete, Palmer seldom munches a Maccies – unlike many of his age mates.But on the few occasions he does, the winger absolutely goes to town.The Euro 2024 final goalscorer, 22, was quizzed about his order during an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast.He replied: “Double cheeseburger, 20 nuggets and a strawberry milkshake.”READ MORE ON COLE PALMERReacting to Palmer’s order, one Chelsea fan said: “Never change.”Palmer stunned McDonald’s employees during last month’s international break by rocking up to a drive-through.And he cracked out a smile as they did their best impression of his cold celebration.The photo went viral and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom said: “This is cold.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea player ratings vs SouthamptonCHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Here’s how the players rated…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.MALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal. Rattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner. Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.COLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact.Another said: “Bro wherever he passes through – the coldness increasing.”And another said: “He freezes everything.”Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyPalmer may love a McDonald’s, although they specialise in his beloved “chippy chips” – which he’s partial to having after games.When asked what his favourite post-match meal is, he told the BBC: “I don’t know. Chinese, probs.”Salt and pepper chicken [and rice. No salt and pepper chips, too much that. You know chippy chips?”They have to be them chips or you don’t get them. Curry sauce and noodles.”Palmer and his Chelsea team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling across London to take on Tottenham. More

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    Fans blast ‘FA Cup is dead’ after discovering third round games being played on THURSDAY as full schedule confirmed

    FOOTBALL fans are outraged following the announcement that the FA Cup third-round fixtures will begin on a THURSDAY.Tradition has it that FA Cup rounds typically start on a Saturday – during the years when the competition was the pinnacle of domestic footie.Fans are outraged by the FA Cup’s bizarre scheduling for the third-round properFulham v Watford has been moved to a Thursday and will only be shown overseasBut only 10 of the 32 third-round games will actually be played at 3pm on Saturday January 11 due to TV demands.The move reduces what is usually one of the busiest and most interesting afternoons of the season into a handful of games.An incredible 22 games have been moved to Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday.And some will be played on Saturday earlier or later than 3pm.READ MORE FOOTBALLIn fact, the round kicks off with Cardiff City’s trip to Sheffield United on Thursday 9 January. While Everton’s clash against Peterborough United and Fulham’s hosting of Watford will be played on the same night.And NONE of them will be televised live in England on Thursday, instead fans can catch Everton on BBC iPlayer and Fulham overseas.Peterborough have since criticised the decision to host their game midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Posh’s statement read: We were very confident of taking a full allocation of tickets for our ever first visit to Goodison Park and what is the final ever third round tie there. “On learning that the tie will take place on Thursday 9 January we are incredibly disappointed that the needs of our supporters have not been taken into consideration in this decision.”Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup drawThe full schedule for the Emirates FA Cup third round properThursday 9 January 2025 – 7pm GMTSheffield United v Cardiff City (Live on BBC Wales)Thursday 9 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTEverton v Peterborough United (Live on BBC iPlayer)Fulham v WatfordFriday 10 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTWycombe Wanderers v PortsmouthFriday 10 January 2025 – 8pm GMTAston Villa v West Ham United (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday 11 January 2025 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End v Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United v Harrogate Town (Live on BBC iPlayer)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town v Wigan AthleticSunday 12 January 2025 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday 12 January 2025 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Sunday 12 January 2025 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man Utd (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United v Bromley (Live on BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday 12 January 2025 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea City (Live on BBC Wales)Monday 13 January 2025 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Live on ITV4 and ITVX)”We feel a better solution could have been found to ensure all our supporters who wish to travel to the game would have been able to do so.”They also pointed out the lack of public transport available from Liverpool to Peterborough on the evening of the match, meaning fans must travel by car or coach. They added: “We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.” Peterborough United Chief Executive Dawn Gore said: “To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.”Everton cannot share the same game day with Liverpool, who are scheduled to play at Anfield on Saturday.Other fans were quick to vent their anger at perhaps the most bizarre rescheduling to date.One wrote: “FA Cup 3 Rd on a Thursday evening. A sad demise of a once great cup competition.”A second said: “The FA are really saying ‘let’s make it a Thursday night for overseas coverage so kids can’t come’.”A third wrote: “Sickening. The only games that should be playing on a Thursday night are European ties.”While another added: “This is genuinely the worst possible time for the Everton game. I don’t get it, the weekend was free.”Just can’t f***ing help themselves can they.”On the overseas broadcast option, one fan to commented: “Who the f** is going to watch Fulham v Watford in another country?”The FA website had originally announced that the third-round would take place between January 10 – 13, with another fan writing: “@EmiratesFACup is just dead isn’t it.”Only six games will be shown on live TV – five of which include a Premier League team.Fans were particularly fuming with the decision to televise all Prem clash Aston Villa v West Ham on Friday.Many believed that the magic of the cup should’ve allowed League Two side Bromley to pick up the TV money that comes along with a trip to Newcastle.While Harrogate’s clash with Leeds at Elland Road has also missed out on selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, Bromley will be shown on BBC iPlayer at 3pm on Sunday, as Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal will be live on BBC One.The other ties being shown are Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge. More

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    Sir Mo Farah ‘hounded for money’ by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action

    SIR Mo Farah has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he took.The Olympic hero, 41, offered to help the other Mo, after a 2022 TV show but it ended in emotional blackmail, it is claimed.Sir Mo, seeking the man whose name he took, in the BBC show The Real Mo Farah – who has now allegedly been hounding the star for moneyCredit: BBCThe four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of Mo Farah, above, when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nineCredit: https://www.facebook.com/hamo11111111111/photosSir Mo winning 5,000m and 10,000m at Rio 2016Credit: PAA source said: “It’s so sad.”Sir Mo claims he has had to change his phone number after “incessant demands” for cash from his namesake.The four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of a child called Mo Farah when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nine.Sir Mo promised to stay in touch, and it is understood he has sent up to £5,000 to his namesake.READ MORE ON SIR MO FARAHBut the other Mo, 40, and around ten others are alleged to have hassled him for money after getting hold of the long-distance star’s mobile number.Sources say Sir Mo sees it as emotional blackmail, and has not spoken to his namesake for months.A source said: “Sir Mo felt he was being harassed and hounded.“He has taken a step back. He didn’t want to make a big fuss but thought it better to not engage.Most read in Athletics“He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this.“He feels he’s the victim. He is just tired, and thinks it’s so sad.”I’ve been living a lie… my real name is not Mo Farah and I came here illegally after my dad was killed in Somali warThe pair were brought together in BBC’s The Real Mo Farah in which Sir Mo revealed he was trafficked to the UK after his dad died in Somalia’s civil war and his mum sent him and twin Hassan to live with family.The athlete revealed his name is actually Hussein Abdi Kahin and that he took “Mo Farah” from a child’s passport used to fly him to Heathrow in 1993.He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this. He feels he’s the victimSource close to Sir MoLater in the show, Sir Mo tracked his namesake to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was studying.But the real Mo now says they have not spoken since December 2023 and claims Sir Mo reneged on a promise to get him a visa.Speaking from his home in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the other Mo said: “Mo got what he wanted and now he doesn’t care whether I live or die. He made a lot of promises and said he would stop using my name and give me my name back.“He told me he wanted to stop living a lie, but he is still living a lie.“He said he would help me get a tourist visa so I could visit my mum in England, but I’ve spent two years waiting and nothing has happened.” Sir Mo became the world’s greatest long-distance runner winning double golds in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and shares four children with wife Tania. But his namesake’s life has been beset with tragedy.The other Mo said: “My mother left, I was left with her older sister Amina in Nairobi, and when she died from kidney failure in 2005, my world fell apart.“I wanted to become a cricketer. I went for trials for Kenya under-19s and would have had much more opportunity if I’d taken the visa and moved to England.”The other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 Olympics.He said: “Some uncles were visiting from the UK, they said, ‘Do you know the athlete, Mo Farah? Do you know he is using your name?’ I couldn’t believe it.Sir Mo Farah, pictured with wife Tania, has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he tookCredit: Getty – Contributor“I’d watched him on TV and clapped for him when he was heading to the finish saying, ‘Go, Mo’.“I was a big fan. But even then I didn’t try to get in touch with him.“The first time we spoke was when Sir Mo’s adopted aunt Kinsi contacted me on Facebook and said, ‘‘Mo is looking for you. He is going to give you everything. He’s going to give you back your name and take you abroad’.It is not Mo’s responsibility to be looking after the son of people who mistreated him and trafficked him to the UKSource close to Sir Mo“We kept in touch by phone after that and, after the documentary came out the TV crew kept me hidden in a hotel for six weeks to make sure no one could find me.“One BBC producer even discussed making a second documentary in which I would get to meet Sir Mo in London, but that didn’t happen.”Last night sources close to Sir Mo painted a different picture of why the relationship has broken down. An insider said: “Sir Mo has ­sympathy. This man was also a casualty of events out of his control as a child. But it is not Mo’s responsibility. The people who were adults and responsible for them clearly didn’t do their jobs properly.“But it certainly wouldn’t be appropriate for Mo to use his ­influence on any UK immigration policy or ­process. Quite the opposite.“This isn’t Mo’s job to sort out. That said, on a personal level, Mo has been in contact with Somali Mo for a number of years.“Communication ceased in the summer when Mo had to distance himself. Anytime there’s something on Mo’s socials, when it might look like he has had some kind of financial gain, a deal with Nike or whatever, they are demanding why has he not sent money.”Last night the other Mo insisted: “I’m not a bad person. There is no way I would tell anyone to hound him. I didn’t give anyone his number so I don’t know who has been doing this. It’s not anyone in my family.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The last time I messaged him I said, ‘If you don’t want to answer my call, it’s OK. You do what is best for you, I’ll do what’s best for me’.” Sir Mo was approached for comment.The legend’s victory pose after he secured a 3,000m win in London, 2015Credit: PAThe other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 OlympicsCredit: BBCCONFESSION SHOCKED UKBy Joe Morgan NATIONAL treasure Sir Mo Farah shocked the country when he admitted lying about his identity all his life, saying: “The truth is I’m not who you think I am.”He revealed on TV two years ago that his real name was Hussein Abdi Kahin and he was trafficked into the UK as a child after his dad was killed in Somalia’s civil war. The running great and father of three told BBC1 documentary The Real Mo Farah: “I want to feel normal and not feel like you’re holding on to something.”The Sun, right, reported Sir Mo feared being stripped of his citizenship for lying on his application but politicians joined celebrities in rallying round. More