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    Seven controversial and awkward moments at the Women’s World Cup from handshake snub to X-rated blast and BBC apology

    THE Women’s World Cup will come to an end this weekend when England face Spain in a thrilling finale.It has been a tournament to remember, with so many twists and turns, unexpected exits and underdog stories.
    The Women’s World Cup comes to an end this weekendCredit: AP
    But amongst all that there has been some controversial moments.
    From X-rated rants to awkward interviews and even the odd broadcasting gaffe, this summer has had it all.
    So as the curtain starts to fall, SunSport looks back at some of the most bizarre and contentious moments from the last month.
    Handshake snub
    ON the opening day of the Women’s World Cup, Ireland defender Ruesha Littlejohn caused a stir when she refused to shake the hand of Australia winger Caitlin Foord.
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    Littlejohn snubbed a handshake with Foord on the opening dayCredit: ITV
    Fans suggested that the snub may have been motivated by Littlejohn’s split from long-term partner and Ireland captain Katie McCabe.
    They separated after more than seven years together shortly before the World Cup – as confirmed by McCabe on the UK’s Player Tribune.
    McCabe and Foord – who both play for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal – are good friends off the field and went on holiday to Ibiza together prior to the tournament.
    Littlejohn and Foord then clashed late in the match – which ended 1-0 to the Aussies – and the Ireland star had to be restrained by her team-mates.
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    German star gets POTM – despite exit
    ALEXANDRA POPP was far from impressed when she picked up her Player of the Match trophy following Germany’s 1-1 draw with South Korea.
    The shock result saw the European giants crash out of the Women’s World Cup at the group stages.
    Popp looked far from happy after picking up her POTM trophyCredit: Getty
    Despite the circumstances, Popp was named Player of the Match.
    But the devastated star could not have looked less happy when posing with her prize.

    X-rated blast picked up on TV
    IN another group stage gaffe, BBC commentators were forced to apologise after a foul-mouthed rant was overheard on TV during a match between Canada and Australia.
    In the 65th minute of the clash, Canada’s Allysha Chapman used some colourful language after clashing with Hayley Raso.
    Chapman’s foul language was picked up by TV microphones after she clashed with RasoCredit: AP
    She shouted: “She f***ing jumped into me you t***!”
    It prompted BBC commentator Robyn Cowen to swiftly apologise for the language.
    Cowen said: “Apologies there if any language was picked up on the very sensitive pitch-side microphones it seems.”
    Graphic gaffe
    THE BBC dropped an embarrassing clanger ahead of the first Women’s World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
    Ahead of Spain’s clash with Sweden, the broadcaster somehow completely messed up both line-up graphics.
    The BBC completely messed up the line-up graphicsCredit: Twitter @mj_kane
    Pictures of England stars were used instead of Spain and Sweden playersCredit: Twitter @mj_kane
    For both semi-finalists, the starting XI was shown with the correct player names in the right positions.
    But the BBC used photos of ENGLAND players instead in a hilarious blunder.
    It saw Lauren James’ face used for two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd while Mary Earps took her place in goal under the names Catalina Coll and Zecira Musovic.
    BBC apologise for ‘inappropriate’ question
    BBC chiefs were forced to apologise after a reporter asked Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak an “inappropriate” question during a press conference.
    Chebbak faced the media prior to Morocco’s Women’s World Cup opener against Germany.
    Chebbak was asked an inappropriate question during a press conferenceCredit: Reuters
    During the presser, the forward was asked if there are any gay players in Morocco’s squad.
    A BBC World Service reporter asked: “In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship. Do you have any gay players in your squad and what’s life like for them in Morocco?”
    The moderator immediately stepped in, saying: “Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”
    Following the incident, a BBC spokesperson told CNN: “We recognise that the question was inappropriate.
    “We had no intention to cause any harm or distress.”
    Rapinoe’s awkward interview
    MEGAN Rapinoe was forced to correct a reporter for an error following the USA’s 0-0 draw with Portugal.
    Reigning champions USA shocked fans by finishing second in Group E – two points behind table-toppers Netherlands.
    Rapinoe was forced to correct a reporter during an interviewCredit: Getty
    The Stars and Stripes confirmed their spot in the knockouts following the draw, but one reporter questioned Rapinoe if she would’ve liked more from the game.
    She responded: “What are you digging for here? I mean of course you want to win every game obviously but ultimately we don’t want to be going home…we’re alright.”
    The reporter then got her facts muddled by suggesting the last time the USA finished second in a group at the Women’s World Cup they still won the tournament.
    However, Rapinoe was quick to correct her, adding: “Japan won in 2011 actually. We did make it to the final but if you want to get to the final you have to get through the group stage I guess…”
    The USA then crashed out of the tournament at the round-of-16 on penalties following a 0-0 draw with Sweden.
    Rapinoe missed her spot kick before Lina Hurtig sent Sweden through in dramatic fashion.
    Spain’s ongoing feud with Vilda
    SPAIN’S successful Women’s World Cup campaign has been marred by an ongoing feud behind the scenes.
    Last September, 18 senior players – including Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas – went on STRIKE and protested a series of issues involving members of the coaching staff as well as the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
    Spain have been embroiled in an ongoing feud with VildaCredit: PA
    Putellas snubbed Vilda and his assistant after being substituted in the semi-finalsCredit: Getty
    Sources told The Athletic that they pointed to a lack of professionalism from the RFEF and complained about the behaviour of certain members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching team.
    Despite claims that Vilda had created a toxic atmosphere among the camp, the RFEF stood by the manager.
    And many fans and players were left angered as a result.
    Despite this, five striking players travelled to the World Cup, while three chose to stay at home.
    Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all made themselves unavailable for selection for the 23-woman squad.
    And despite their absence, Spain have been able to advance all the way to the final.
    But there is still some friction among the players and the staff.
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    After being substituted in the 57th minute of Spain’s semi-final clash with Sweden, Alexia Putellas completely dismissed Vilda and his assistant coach before taking to the bench.
    Several Spanish stars have also been filmed ignoring the manager on a number of occasions throughout the tournament. More

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    BBC pundit and England legend Ellen White in tears on live TV after England storm into historic Women’s World Cup final

    ELLEN WHITE was left in tears on live TV after England progressed into the Women’s World Cup final.The Lionesses roared to a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia to seal a spot against Spain in Sunday’s final.
    Ellen White was left emotional after England’s historic winCredit: BBC
    White is England’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: Getty
    But she was overcome with emotion as the Lionesses made it to their first World Cup finalCredit: Getty
    Having progressed into England’s first football World Cup final since 1966 and the Women’s first ever final, retired ace White was left emotional by the achievement.
    Appearing as a pundit on the BBC, the Lioness legend watched on as goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo fired England into the final.
    And at the final whistle White was overcome with emotion.
    She said: “I have tears in my eyes.
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    “I feel emotional. What this team has done and legacy they have created. To finally say we are in a World Cup final is incredible.”
    White, 34, is no stranger to winning silverware with England, having won the European Championships last year.
    But for England’s record goalscorer, a World Cup final is a new high.
    She was agonisingly close to being in one herself at the 2015 World Cup.
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    Though England could only muster a third-place finish on that occasion.
    Now the countdown is on for the clash against Spain, who like England are in their first World Cup final.
    Fans and pundits alike praised the efforts of the heroic Lionesses.
    SunSport columnist Piers Morgan took to Twitter to declare revenge on the Aussies after the controversial Ashes series.
    He said: “BREAKING: England’s fabulous @Lionesses crush Australia’s wilting Matildas 3-1 in their own back yard to reach the Women’s World Cup Final….
    “…. sweet revenge for the Jonny Bairstow Ashes runout debacle. Congrats ladies – you’ve made your country proud!”
    Fans were in pandemonium across the country as they watched on from pubs, BOXPARK’s and screenings all over.
    Sarina Wiegman hailed her England team in an emotional interview with the BBC, saying: “The way we played… of course it was a hard game but we found a way to win.
    “You’ve been talking about ruthlessness all the time, in this team there is ruthlessness.
    “Whether it’s in attack or defence, we really want to keep the ball out of the net. 
    “We stuck to the plan. I think [Australia have] done an incredible job.
    “They really grew into the tournament. They’ve had some setbacks too… they had to win the last game in the group stage.
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    “As a team they are really tough to play against. Yeah, what a performance. 
    “[On reaching a second World Cup final]. I don’t know. I just said… am I in a little fairytale or something?” More

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    England fans Google Lucy Bronze’s middle name to make sure it’s real after BBC commentator revelation in World Cup clash

    ENGLAND fans were left shocked after finding out Lucy Bronze’s middle name.Lioness supporters Googled the defender’s name in droves to see if it was real after the revelation.
    Fans had to Google Lucy Bronze’s middle nameCredit: Getty
    During the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, it was revealed that Bronze’s full name is Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze.
    Fans were amazed to discover that one of her middle names is “Tough” and took to social media to react after the commentator said: “Lucy Bronze. Tough. Literally her middle name.”
    One fan reacted by tweeting: “B*******, searches Lucy Bronze. True! Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze. Amazing. Come on #eng.”
    Another added: “I wish people would stop using ‘literally’ like that. Ah. It really is her middle name. Fair play.”
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    A third supporter also wrote: “I was going to get annoyed but, no, I checked and fair play.”
    Meanwhile, one more commented: “Whole new level of respect for Lucy Bronze having discovered that Tough is literally her middle name.”

    Bronze has lived up to her middle name at the tournament for England.
    The Barcelona star has started all six of the Lionesses matches so far, including Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Australia.
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    Sarina Wiegman’s side reached their first-ever Women’s World Cup final by beating the co-hosts 3-1.
    Ella Toone’s thunderous first half strike put England in front at the break in Sydney before Sam Kerr pegged them back.
    Second half goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed victory for England, though, setting up a meeting with Spain in Sunday’s final.
    Joyous supporters cheered on their heroes during the match, with Alex Scott and her fellow pundits also celebrating in the studio. More

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    BBC Women’s World Cup host Gabby Logan shows off incredible figure at 50 in sexy leotards for gymnastics shoot

    GABBY LOGAN has shown that her physique defies her age in her latest photoshoot. The BBC Women’s World Cup host has returned to her gymnastics leotards in a cover shoot for Women’s Health UK.
    Gabby Logan has shown off her figure in a recent photoshootCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    She posed for the camera whilst wearing a whole host of different gymnastics gearCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    Gabby is a former competitive rhythmic gymnastCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    She placed 11th whilst representing Wales in rhythmic gymnastics during the 1990 Commonwealth Games in AuklandCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    Fans of Gabby are used to seeing her on their TV screens hosting major sporting events, but are seeing a different side of her in these latest pictures.
    She can be seen posing in an array of different leotards whilst showing she still has the gymnastics skills of her past.
    The 50-year-old is currently covering the Women’s World Cup out in Australia and New Zealand as The Lionesses hope to go all the way to become World Champions.
    England are gearing up to face off against hosts Australia in the semi-final after progressing past Colombia with a 2-1 win the in the quarters.
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    As well as being such a familiar face in the sports broadcasting world, Gabby has now been branching out and taking different opportunities.
    The former competitive rhythmic gymnast is now the host of her own podcast, The Mid Point.
    And she told Women’s Health UK about how it has helped her broaden her audience and the people that she speaks to.
    She said: “I feel like I talk to more women now. Because doing sport for so long, especially in my thirties, I think women were probably a bit suspicious of me because I was always with men.
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    “I’m now able to have conversations that women are listening to. It’s women who come up to me – or men who talk to me and say, ‘My wife loves your podcast’, and I’m just like, ‘Oh, that’s so nice!’”
    The full Gabby Logan interview can be read in the September issue of Women’s Health UK, on sale now.
    Gabby is on the cover of the latest issue of Women’s Health UKCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    She is best known for her TV sports broadcastingCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK
    Gabby is married to former Scotland international rugby player Kenny LoganCredit: Mark Cant/Women’s Health UK More

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    Alex Scott ‘loses cool’ live on TV with BBC pundits forced to ‘keep presenter under control’ during Football Focus

    ALEX SCOTT lost her cool while presenting Football Focus during the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup quarter-final.Serina Weigmann’s side fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia and earn their spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
    Alex Scott lost her cool when Lauren Hemp netted for England against ColombiaCredit: INSTAGRAM @BBCSPORT
    She was listening to Dion Dublin talking about Declan Rice when the goal went inCredit: INSTAGRAM @BBCSPORT
    She was presenting on Football FocusCredit: INSTAGRAM @BBCSPORT
    And fans loved the momentCredit: INSTAGRAM @BBCSPORT
    Scott had been tense in the studio but appeared to lose her cool as Lauren Hemp netted last in the first half to equalise for the Lionesses.
    But while Hemp was scoring for England, Scott was listening to Dion Dublin talk about Arsenal’s summer signing Declan Rice.
    She said: “Sorry I am getting carried away here, England have just equalised and I am listening to you talk about Declan Rice.
    “I tell you this is live TV for you, I told you they had to keep me under control, I’ve already lost my cool.”
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    This led to her other pundits, Dublin and Ashley Williams to help keep her under control.
    And fans loved watching the moment as they reacted to a clip of it on Instagram.
    One commented: “I love her.”
    A second wrote: “Absolutely love it!!”
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    A third said: “They properly lost control.”
    A fourth added: “All eyes on the lionesses!! How can you keep your cool?! 🤣.”
    While a fifth joked: “Alex Scott is me at work when I hide to watch the games 😂😂.”
    Alessia Russo netted a winner for England in the second half and they will now face Australia in the semi-final.
    Scott and the rest of the BBC punditry team for the Women’s World Cup have been continuously praised by viewers.
    Scott herself has been hailed for her bold outfits.
    Scott has also been presenting on the World CupCredit: BBC iPlayer
    And she has been praised for her outfitsCredit: BBC iPlayer More

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    Stunning BBC reporter Emma Louise Jones fires back perfect response after creepy comment on pic of her wearing Leeds kit

    EMMA LOUISE JONES has responded perfectly to a creepy comment she received while wearing a Leeds shirt.The 33-year-old has gained thousands of adoring fans from presenting the BBC show MOTDX and working with Leeds United.
    Emma Louis Jones stunned as she donned the new Leeds third shitCredit: Twitter – @eljonesuk
    However it lead to her getting a creepy commentCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk

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    Recently Emma wowed her fans as she posed for a snap in the new third shirt of the Yorkshire club.
    Leeds just launched the pink and yellow kit, which has been compared to looking like Mr Blobby.
    Emma shared a snap of the new shirt with the caption:  “I like it! (Also good for covering food and drink spillages) @LUFC.”
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    While many of her fans loved the pic, it did lead to one creep commenting: “Can u pls turn on dm [direct messages] so that I can compliment you about how nice it looks on you.”
    To which Emma perfectly responded and shut down the person’s advances.
    She replied: “No. That’s why I turned them off.”
    Emma’s response was met with praise from her other followers as one Tweeted: “Quality 🤣🤣.”
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    A second wrote: “Haha nice one Miss Jones 😊.”
    A third said: “Good answer. He probably wears y fronts.”
    And another added: “He sounds a weirdo lol.”
    Emma recently opened up on how a man repeatedly stopped her as he wanted to take pictures of her, as well as making further requests she chose not to go into.
    Emma said the repeated harassment left her feeling “uncomfortable” and urged people witnessing similar events to help those in the interactions.
    The stunner is used to shutting down horrid trolls, brilliantly mocking someone who sent her creepy messages in a witty clip.
    In another instance, she brilliantly shut down one vile comment by posting a screenshot of the tweet alongside the caption: “Alexa, what does a virgin look like?”
    And she shut them down perfectlyCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    Emma has built up a massive following for her work in broadcastingCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
    She has over 400k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    She has worked for BBC SportCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    As well as Leed United’s own mediaCredit: Instagram More

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    Fans love Alex Scott’s bold outfit live on BBC as Women’s World Cup presenting team branded ‘fantastic watch’

    FANS have been full of praise for the “fantastic” BBC presenting team for the Women’s World Cup.The likes of Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Farah Williams are the latest to be hailed during their coverage of Sweden’s quarter-final win over Japan.
    The BBC presenting team have been hailed for their coverage of the Woman’s World CupCredit: BBC iPlayer
    Fans also loved Alex Scott’s outfitCredit: BBC iPlayer
    She donned an open-collar jumpsuitCredit: BBC iPlayer
    The trio gave the low down on the game as the Europeans edged to a 2-1 victory to earn a spot in the semi-finals.
    While giving their analysis, Scott wowed in a smart open-collar jumpsuit.
    And fans have been loving the coverage and outfits during the coverage of the tournament on social media.
    One Tweeted: “Fara Williams has been so so good for the BBC throughout this tournament.
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    “Watching Alex Scott, Ellen White and Fara Williams taking the reins of punditry has just been such a fantastic watch.”
    A second commented: “Good match so far, but Japan need to get in the game more, show their skills! BBC Alex Scott and Gabby Logan looking hot.”
    A third wrote: “There is no better punditry than the absolute golden trio of Alex Scott, Fara Williams, and Gabby Logan, genuinely feel like I’m sat having a goss with three friends.”
    A fourth said: “Say what ya want about women’s football, I love it.
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    Scott, Gabby Logan (left) and Farah William (right) presented the coverage of Sweden’s game against JapanCredit: BBC iPlayer
    Scott has often wowed with her outfits during the tournamentCredit: BBC
    She also donned this smart black outfitCredit: BBC Sport
    “Loved this #WWC2023 more than ever and Gabby, Alex Scott and Farrah Williams are excellent on BBC.”
    While a fifth added: “Loving your work on the Women’s World Cup coverage Alex. Well done! Brilliant.”
    BBC presenter Scott has been a regular sight for viewers since the start of the World Cup tournament.
    Scott has previously dazzled in a black dress, while she was also present for the tournament’s opening game as a pundit while Logan opened proceedings on the presenting side.
    On ITV’s coverage, Laura Woods had fans equally enamoured as she donned a bold blue outfit.
    Scott is a former Lioness starCredit: Getty More

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    BBC gaffe as ‘awful’ commentator Jonathan Pearce heard muttering during national anthem at Women’s World Cup

    FANS have slammed “awful” Jonathan Pearce after the commentator was heard muttering during the French national anthem.Pearce provided commentary for the BBC at the Women’s World Cup match between France and Morocco on Tuesday.
    France’s national anthem was disrupted by Jonathan Pearce’s mutteringCredit: BBC Sport
    Jonathan Pearce was branded ‘awful’ by viewersCredit: BBC
    However, he suffered an embarrassing gaffe prior to kick-off as the French players sang their national anthem.
    As the camera panned across the French team, he could be heard muttering away in the background.
    He was even picked up on the microphone asking “was I on air there?”
    Viewers were quick to spot the blunder as they watched the round of 16 tie.
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    One fan tweeted: “Talked over a national anthem, commentated on a replay thinking it was live, sounded disappointed when goals went in, Jonathan Pearce is awful.”
    Another added: “Jonathan Pearce gaffe bingo ticked off early today.”
    A third viewer also wrote: “Jonathan Pearce is terrible. TERRIBLE.”
    Meanwhile, another fumed: “Someone tell Jonathan Pearce it’s disrespectful to speak during a national anthem!”
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    Others could see the funny side, though, with one joking: “Quite a unique rendition of the French national anthem featuring Jonathan Pearce.”
    It is not the commentator’s first on-air gaffe either, having called Liverpool “champions” on Match of the Day in 2019, over a year before they won the Premier League.
    He also referred to the quarter-final clash between Brazil and Belgium at the 2018 World Cup as an FA Cup tie.
    Once the action got underway in Adelaide, France raced into a 3-0 lead with a trio of goals in the space of eight first half minutes.
    The winner of the final round of 16 match will face co-hosts Australia in the last eight on Saturday.
    Jonathan Pearce could be heard talking at the start of the French national anthemCredit: BBC Sport
    Jonathan Pearce has suffered from several on-air gaffesCredit: PA:Press Association More