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      Fans claim Pep Guardiola is trying to turn Haaland into Weghorst after seeing bizarre Man City line-up from BBC

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      FANS worried Pep Guardiola was trying to turn Erling Haaland into Wout Weghorst after seeing the BBC version of Manchester City’s formation against Bayern Munich.Goal machine Haaland was shown next to John Stones amid four players behind sole attacker Bernardo Silva for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
      Erling Haaland is gunning for more Champions League goal records as he takes on Bayern Munich in the last eightCredit: EPA
      Loan frontman Wout Weghorst has often been used behind the main striking position by Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: Reuters

      In the event, the Norwegian poacher did of course feature at the front of City’s attack.
      But even he must have been open-mouthed in admiration at the way Rodri swerved a stunning opener on 27 minutes – his first ever goal in Europe’s top club competition.
      Online observers, however, were bewildered by Haaland’s tactical role, based on the Beeb’s graphics, which suggested he might play a deeper role like Manchester United’s under-fire Weghorst.
      One fan said: “#Pep seen #Weghorst playing in the hole and thinks I can’t be outdone by Sir #TenHag – I know let’s try #Haaland and #Stones as a centre midfield pairing with license to go forwards protected by #Rodri and #Ilkay.”
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      Another posted: “What is BBC cooking!? Gündogan DM, Haaland and Stones as number 10s and Bernardo Silva as a number 9.”
      A third wrote: “Has BBC Sport got this right? I know Stones has been playing more advanced lately, but next to Haaland with Silva as lone striker?”
      And a fourth stated: “BBC Sport reckon Stones and Haaland are playing midfield just in behind Bernardo Silva tonight.”
      Etihad chief Guardiola has shaken his tactics up in recent months.
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      One fan spotted the BBC’s lineup
      The main difference is England centre-back Stones generally playing as one of two holding midfielders in front of a three-man defence.
      But he can drop to right-back to make a rearguard of four players when City are on the defensive.
      In front of the banks of three and two come four more creative midfielders, chiefly Bernardo Silva, stylist Kevin De Bruyne and bang-in-form Jack Grealish.
      That leaves Haaland in the position no-one doubts he’s best at – centre-forward.
      But it was Rodri’s long-range breakthrough that ignited fans most on social media.
      One said: “There’s no stopping those!” and another raved: “What a goal!” More

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      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?

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      MATCH OF THE DAY viewers have been left surprised after being deprived of Gary Lineker again.Three weeks ago, his entire career at the BBC was up in the air after an impartiality row.
      Gary Lineker was conspicuously absent from Match of the Day on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      But that issue was resolved after a fan backlash over the Beeb’s decision to axe the presenter.
      Upon reaching a deal, BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
      And that agreement may leave some even more surprised that he is not presenting this evening’s show.
      So what, exactly, has happened?
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      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?
      Gary Lineker has been very up front about his reasons for missing MOTD this evening.
      And fans have no reason to be worried that he will be off-air for the long run.
      Lineker tweeted earlier today: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
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      Why was Gary Lineker suspended before?
      Gary Lineker was suspended because the BBC ruled that a tweet he posted about Home Secretary Suella Braverman broke impartiality rules.
      He responded to a video of her setting out the Government’s Migration Bill, labelling the language being used similar to 1930s Germany.
      Lineker tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      However, the BBC agreed to review its social media guidelines for presenters who aren’t covering current affairs.
      And they allowed Lineker to return to air so long as he agrees to follow the current rules while the new ones are being drawn up. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals reason why he missed Match of the Day, three weeks after BBC row

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      GARY LINEKER revealed earlier this evening that he would NOT be presenting Match of the Day, three weeks after being taken off the show by the BBC.The presenter was reinstated to the show after being taken off it for what the Beeb said was a breach of impartiality rules.
      Gary Lineker revealed he would not be presenting Match of the Day tonightCredit: PA
      Lineker criticised the Government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
      But he reassured viewers that he has not been suspended again, and is simply on holiday.
      Taking to Twitter, Lineker wrote: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
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      Following his previous suspension, Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues rallied around him and refused to participate in broadcasts until his reinstatement.
      The 62-year-old returned for the Beeb’s FA Cup coverage the following weekend, before having to miss another broadcast due to being unwell.
      Earlier this week, Lineker won a £4.9million tax battle.
      HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
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      The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
      But Lineker insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
      Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
      But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case. More

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      Alan Shearer left stunned after Micah Richards reveals his top ten pundit list which left BBC star ‘feeling guilty’

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      ALAN SHEARER was left red faced after revealing his top ten pundits alongside Micah Richards.Newcastle legend Shearer, 52, admitted he was “feeling guilty” when listening to Richards’ list.
      Alan Shearer admitted to ‘feeling guilty’ when hearing how highly Micah Richards rated him as a punditCredit: BBC
      In response Newcastle legend Shearer put Richards rock bottom of his own listCredit: BBC
      Shearer, Richards and Gary Lineker were left in stitches by the hilarious exchangeCredit: BBC
      The pair appeared on the Match of the Day podcast, hosted by Gary Lineker, and were asked to name their top ten pundits, including themselves.
      Former Manchester City man Richards, 34, kicked things off, putting Jimmy Hill tenth, himself ninth, Rio Ferdinand eighth, Alan Hansen seventh and Graeme Souness sixth.
      Realising that he was high up on Richards’ list, a stunned Shearer joked: “I’m feeling guilty now.”
      Lineker then asked Toon icon Shearer to give his own list, and he hilariously started by saying: “Micah, ten.”
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      Shearer putting Richards rock bottom of his list caused the trio to burst out laughing.
      Lineker went one further and joked: “I wouldn’t have put you ten. I would not have put you ten Micah.
      “I wouldn’t done that to you Micah… I wouldn’t have had you in the list.”
      Shearer then put Manchester United icon Roy Keane ninth on his list.
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      The pair were involved in an infamous bust up in 2001 during a game between Newcastle and United, prompting Richards to joke: “This is personal now.”
      Shearer then put Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher eighth on his list, leaving Richards in disbelief.
      Richards accused Shearer of favouring his BBC colleagues, joking: “All the BBC are number one to five, aren’t they? I know what you’re doing here!”
      Lineker hit back hilariously by saying to Richards: “No they’re not, you’re ten!”
      In an effort to get his own back at Shearer, Richards relegated the BBC man to fifth on his list after originally having him in second.
      Richards had Sky colleagues Carragher, Gary Neville and Keane as his top three pundits.
      Meanwhile Shearer named Match of the Day pal Ian Wright as his No1, with Souness second and Neville third.
      Richards was left in disbelief at Shearer’s list More

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      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wins £4.9million tax battle with HMRC

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      MATCH of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle.HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle with HMRCCredit: PA
      The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
      But Gary, 62, insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
      Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
      But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case.

      HMRC may appeal.
      It comes amid recent controversy surrounding a tweet from Lineker that the BBC originally deemed to be in breach of their guidelines.
      Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
      He tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
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      The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
      But bosses later apologised to Lineker and announced he would return to hosting duties. More

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      John Motson laid to rest as football stars mourn BBC commentary legend at his funeral

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      FOOTBALL stars mourned John Motson as the legendary commentator was laid to rest at his funeral today.The BBC pundit and iconic voice of football died aged 77 last month leaving the world of sport reeling.
      John Motson sadly passed away last month at the age of 77Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The coffin of John Motson is carried into Crownhill Crematorium, Milton KeynesCredit: PA
      Mark Lawrenson, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs arrive for the funeralCredit: PA
      Pundit Garth Crooks was also seen attending the ceremony to send off MottyCredit: PA
      Commentator Martin Tyler arrives at the funeral serviceCredit: PA
      Martin Keown arrives ahead of a funeral service for sport commentator John MotsonCredit: PA
      Bob Wilson and Sir Trevor Brooking greet each other before the serviceCredit: PA
      A floral wreath of the Tottenham Hotspur badge ahead of Motty’s funeralCredit: PA
      Motty’s wife Anne Motson at the funeralCredit: PA
      Guests coming to pay their respects at the serviceCredit: PA
      Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, celebrated 50 years at the BBC in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
      The legendary commentator covered more than 2,000 games, including 29 FA Cup Finals, and covering ten World Cups and ten Euros.
      Friends, families and stars all turned up in memory of Motty at the Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes today.
      Former footballers and broadcasters Mark Lawrenson, Sir Trevor Brooking, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs were pictured at the funeral.
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      While pundits Garth Crooks and Martin Keown were also seen arriving to pay their respects to Motty.
      And legendary Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler was also spotted making an appearance as well as broadcasting stalwart Jim Rosenthal.
      MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman and former CEO of FIFA Brian Barwick also attended to salute the commentary legend as he was laid to rest.
      Tottenham Hotspur FC left a wreath of flowers in the club’s crest with a card describing Motty as “a true gentleman” and “great loss to the footballing world”.
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      The service at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes, Bucks kicked off at 11.30am with hundreds of mourners queuing to get inside Oak Chapel.
      Others spilled out listening on speakers as Motty’s son Fred said: “Everyone knew John Motson as Motty but of course to me he was just dad,” adding: “I’ll miss my best mate”.
      He remembered helping fill up his Ford Sierra at the local petrol station every Friday ahead of the weekend’s match – before pinching mint imperials from the hotel next door.
      And a vivid memory of decapitating his mum Anne’s ornament while playing hallway football with his dad versus ex-England and Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson and his son.
      The service was followed by a private wake held at Stadium MK, where he regularly watched MK Dons with wife Anne.
      Motson was famed for his signature coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
      He was born in Salford and began his journalistic career in Barnet – the team he supports on the Barnet Press.
      He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
      His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
      Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
      His breakthrough came during Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup replay.
      Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
      He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
      It helped propel his career even further – with Motson going on to voice major FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup finals.
      Motson’s last day at the BBC came at Crystal Palace’s 2-0 home win against West Brom in 2018. Palace’s then-boss Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programmes from his first and last matches.
      He later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
      Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.
      They have one son together called Fred, who was born in 1986.
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      A huge factor in his success was Anne, who kept a log detailing all his games.
      Motson said: “My research is based mainly on my wife’s wonderful record book which she keeps dutifully and diligently every day of the season with all the teams, matches, appearances, goalscorers, newspaper cuttings, you name it.”
      Motty in his signature sheepskin coatCredit: Rex
      Former CEO of FIFA Brian Barwick arrives to the funeral of John Motson on FridayCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker REPLACED as host for today’s BBC FA Cup coverage after illness and ‘deteriorating overnight’

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      GARY LINEKER will NOT present the BBC’s FA Cup coverage today because he is struggling with illness.The host, who made his return to screens yesterday following his BBC Twitter row, struggled with his voice during the Beeb’s coverage of Manchester City vs Burnley and “deteriorated overnight”.
      Gary Lineker returned to BBC screens yesterdayCredit: PA
      Lineker, 62, had been due to host Brighton’s clash with League Two Grimsby Town this afternoon.
      But the BBC have confirmed that he will be replaced by Football Focus presenter Alex Scott.
      In a statement this morning, they confirmed: “Due to illness, we’ve got a line-up change for today’s live FA Cup coverage of Brighton v Grimsby on BBC One.
      “As viewers will have noticed yesterday, Gary Lineker was struggling with his voice and unfortunately it has deteriorated overnight.
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      “Alex Scott will be hosting instead.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan quickly made light of the situation, joking on Twitter: “BREAKING: Lineker’s free speech cancelled again.”
      Yesterday’s broadcast marked Lineker’s first appearance on terrestrial telly since he was suspended after likening the language used in the government’s introduction of their controversial Illegal Migration Bill to that of 1930s Germany.
      Ahead of his return, Lineker made a cheeky reference to the situation on his Twitter page.
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      He wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Lineker’s removal from Match of the Day sparked a mutiny within BBC Sport.
      Regular analysts and presenters including Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the show into crisis.
      The result was a 20 minute broadcast devoid of a host, analysis, commentary or interviews.
      Due to curiosity of what the decimated show would look like, viewing figures soared by 500,000 to 2.58million.
      But normal service has now been resumed after Lineker and the Beeb were able to settle their differences.
      With Lineker hosting yesterday’s live match coverage, Mark Chapman presented Match of the Day.
      Lineker posted a snap of himself alongside Shearer and Richards in the BBC’s Etihad Stadium studio yesterday.
      He wrote: “Teammates. 🙌🏻 @alanshearer @MicahRichards.”
      Last night Shearer said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
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      “It’s good to get back to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      And Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Lineker posed alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the Beeb’s Etihad Stadium studioCredit: TWITTER/GARY LINEKER More

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      Fans blast Gary Lineker as he returns to screens WITHOUT apologising for ‘disgraceful’ Nazi tweet after BBC climbdown

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      FANS are divided after Gary Lineker returned to screens WITHOUT apologising for his “disgraceful” Nazi tweet.The former footie star, 62, was back on TV last night hosting live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley.
      Lineker was back on TV last night for the first time since his tweet rowCredit: Getty
      Lineker returned to TV tonight alongside Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: BBC
      He appeared alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards for the first time since the Twitter scandal which saw him suspended.
      The highest paid BBC pundit was taken off air over his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      His tweet – in which he likened the Illegal Migration Bill to “Germany in the ’30s” – was blasted as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” by MPs.
      And now fans have piled in, with some calling for Lineker to step down after he failed to apologise.
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      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
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      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      The presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      He hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain, on Twitter.
      Lineker wrote: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs slammed the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Following Lineker’s tweet, the BBC “decided that [Lineker] will step back from presenting Match of the Day” after the post was found to have breached the BBC’s strict impartiality rules.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Shearer, also pulled out in support if their colleague.
      But the BBC later confirmed Lineker WILL return to the channel in an embarrassing climbdown 72 hours later.
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences after his embarrassing climbdown.
      Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself also attracted criticism.
      He today marked his return to the popular TV show by tweeting a picture of him and teammates Shearer and Micah Richards.
      And it came minutes after Lineker posted a selfie with the caption: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Opening the show, Lineker told viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      And Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity with Lineker – apologised to fans for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      He added: “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised.
      “I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.”
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to Mail Online.
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      Yesterday saw the arrival of the Home Secretary in Rwanda, to meet with President Paul Kagame and her counterpart Vincent Biruta, to discuss the plan. More