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      Women’s World Cup presenter, 32, announces pregnancy after fertility struggles and says ‘I never thought I’d be a mum’

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      FOOTBALL presenter Kelly Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first child.The 32-year-old – who has appeared on the BBC, talkSPORT, Premier League Productions and Optus Sport – declared the news one day after the Women’s World Cup final.
      Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first childCredit: Getty
      She also opened up about her pregnancy journey and battle with fertility issues.
      In an interview with OK!, Somers said: “I never, ever thought I would get to be a mum.
      “I’ve grown up thinking it wouldn’t be possible. I’ve had so many problems, so I just feel incredibly fortunate.
      “At my age, everyone knows someone who’s going through fertility problems or who has a bad story, and I always thought I was going to be one of those stories.”
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      The popular presenter also revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis before doctors discovered she had polycystic ovaries in 2019.
      Somers added: “It was the biggest relief ever because it fitted and explained everything.
      “But then also, I knew you can’t cure it and it was going to be really hard to conceive.
      “So at the beginning of this year, Max (fiance) and I were thinking: ‘OK, it’s going to take years to have a baby. Let’s see what happens.'”
      Most read in Football
      Somers, who is nearing her third trimester, recently returned to the UK after working at the Women’s World Cup for Australian channel Optus Sports.
      England suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday.
      But despite the defeat, Somers believes her baby will one day be able to look up to the Lionesses as role models.
      She added: “I’m excited that my baby is going to be born in a generation with the Lionesses as role models.” More

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      Mason Greenwood saga reveals shocking truths about Man Utd leadership, says Gary Neville – as striker axed

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      MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood saga.The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Red Devils captain tonight said Greenwood’s newly-announced exit exposed leadership failures at the Old Trafford club.
      Gary Neville has accused his old club Manchester United of failing to be ‘strong’Credit: PA
      Mason Greenwood’s United exit is finally the ‘right decision’, Neville saysCredit: Getty
      Former England international Neville said it was the “right decision” to announce this afternoon Greenwood would be leaving United.
      But he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports tonight the six-month process ahead of the announcement was “pretty horrible”.
      And he accused club chiefs of failing to be “strong and authoritative”.
      His intervention came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
      United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      Most read in Football
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of survivors’ “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      UNITED ‘LACK STRONG LEADERSHIP’
      And when asked this evening about the development ahead of the Premier League derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Neville criticised United officials for their handling of the situation.
      He said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there – however, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
      “When you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership and Manchester United don’t have that.”
      He also called for an “independent review” in similar situations of alleged violence against women.
      Neville added: “It should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation – not only for themselves, but also for the game.
      “People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well.
      “My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation.
      “It’s been well above their experience and ability.”
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      GREENWOOD ACCEPTS HE ‘MADE MISTAKES’
      Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
      “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
      “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      United’s handling of the case prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker breaks his silence on Mason Greenwood after striker was AXED from Man Utd – as club faces losing MILLIONS

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      GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
      Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
      Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
      Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
      The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation.”
      United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
      Read More On Mason Greenwood
      The Red Devils now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
      If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
      They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
      Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
      Most read in Football
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
      The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
      “This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
      “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
      “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty More

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      England women’s World Cup final is second-most watched event of 2023 but did BBC or ITV win viewing figures race?

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      THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP final was the second-most watched event of 2023 so far.Viewing figures from the match between England and Spain have revealed that 12million people watched on BBC 1.
      Alex Scott and the BBC came out on top in the viewing figuresCredit: BBC Sport
      Laura Woods and ITV were dwarfed by the BBC’s viewing figuresCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      According to the Daily Mail, Spain’s 1-0 win has only been trumped by one other event this year – the Coronation of King Charles III in May.
      Both the BBC and ITV provided coverage of the tournament, with both broadcasters airing Sunday’s final from Sydney.
      However, the BBC dwarfed ITV’s viewing figures for the match as just 2.46million average viewers saw Laura Woods host their coverage.
      Despite viewer complaints, more viewers tuned in to watch the Lionesses’ heart-breaking defeat on the BBC.
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      Across both channels, a combined 14.7million people watched the final minutes of the match as England went in search of an equaliser.
      The BBC, who’s line-up of presenters included ex-Lioness Alex Scott, also registered 25.7million stream requests across iPlayer and the BBC Sport webiste.
      Their numbers surpassed those of the Wimbledon men’s singles final earlier this summer.
      A peak audience of 11.3million viewers watched Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic back in July.
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      That was despite viewers complaining that they could hear a Spanish commentator during the BBC’s coverage of the match.
      Numerous complaints were made alleging they could be heard in the background as Robyn Cowen and ex-England star Rachel Brown-Finnis commentated on the match.
      Across the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, there were 25.7million streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
      This amounts to a 75% increase from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which had 14.7million streams. More

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      England fans heartbroken as BBC’s Alex Scott chokes back tears and struggles to commentate as Lucy Bronze cries

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      ENGLAND fans have been left heartbroken after seeing Alex Scott hold back tears during the BBC’s Women’s World Cup coverage.Scott struggled to commentate after the Lionesses were beaten by Spain in Sunday’s final.
      Lucy Bronze was seen crying after the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: BBC
      Alex Scott held back tears as she praised BronzeCredit: BBC
      Defender Lucy Bronze could also be seen crying as she walked round the pitch following the trophy presentation.
      Spain emerged 1-0 victors thanks to Olga Carmona’s first half goal, to the dismay of England fans back home.
      Cameras caught the moment Bronze’s emotions got the better of her during England’s lap of appreciation.
      She could be seen sobbing as the Lionesses applauded the crowd whilst Spain lifted the trophy.
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      Her former team-mate Scott held back tears herself as she praised the full-back’s performance.
      Scott hailed the Barcelona star as an “incredible person and player” as she called for someone to put their arm around her.
      England fans were equally heartbroken as they reacted on social media.
      One supporter tweeted: “Alex Scott crying commentating because Lucy Bronze is walking around the pitch crying. I can’t.”
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      Another added: “Alex Scott crying over the fact Lucy Bronze was crying is soooooo real.”
      Bronze and Scott were both members of the England squads for the 2013 and 2017 Euros, as well as the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
      Scott has gone into punditry since retiring in 2018 and has been a key part of the BBC’s coverage of the tournament. More

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      Fans beg for BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage as they identify pundit ‘dream team’

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      FANS begged BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage.That’s after they identified their “dream team” of pundits. before England’s 1-0 final defeat to Spain.
      Fans begged BBC and ITV to merge their coverage of the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: ITV
      Supporters identified their ‘dream team’ of pundits from either channelCredit: BBC
      Supporters were spoiled for choice on Sunday morning as they tuned in for England’s highly-anticipated clash against Spain.
      The Lionesses have thrilled once again as they look to add a dream World Cup win to their Euros triumph.
      And both BBC and ITV had plenty to offer, with both channels showing the match live from Australia.
      The BBC’s line-up throughout the tournament included the likes of Fara Williams, Ellen White and Steph Houghton.
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      Meanwhile, ITV were able to call upon stars including Emma Hayes, Jill Scott and Eni Aluko.
      The brilliant array of pundits on both sides of the divide left fans desperate for a joint link-up between BBC and ITV.
      But one supporter was simply desperate to see BBC’s Alex Scott and ITV’s Ian Wright on the same screen together.
      They said: “I am so torn between BBC or ITV coverage.
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      “I wish Alex Scott and Ian Wright were both commentating together.”
      Another declared: “The choice between watching the Lionesses on ITV or BBC?
      “ITV went with a studio broadcast and BBC went to the stadium.”
      One noted: “BBC or ITV for England today?”
      Another added: “England vs Spain — World Cup final. Where to watch it?”

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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      Fans all switch from BBC to ITV for Women’s World Cup final after discovering ‘annoying’ technical blunder in commentary

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      FANS have blasted an annoying technical blunder with the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup final.Viewers could hear the BBC’s Spanish colleagues through the microphones of their commentary.
      Fans could hear a Spanish man shouting in the background of the BBC’s commentary
      The opening stages of the encounter between Spain and England were dominated by a man shouting in Spanish.
      Fans were confused whether the man was a Spanish commentator or a fan.
      And viewers took to Twitter to complain about the coverage during the early stages of the match.
      One fan wrote: “Already turned over to the ITV coverage. That Spanish commentator you can hear in the background on the BBC is rather annoying.”
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      A second fan wrote: “Why can we hear the Spanish commentator in the background on BBC tv coverage?”
      A third added: “@BBC get rid of the Spanish guy please.”
      While a fourth wrote: “Switched to ITV commentary, BBC’s bit of a mess. Commentator losing her voice and can hear Spanish commentary in background.”
      The BBC’s commentator, Robin Cowen then apologised for the interruption, saying: “Apologies if you are hearing our Spanish colleagues.”
      Most read in Football
      England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.

      Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
      Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half. More

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      Fans blast BBC and ITV as they cut away and talk through Women’s World Cup closing ceremony

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      FANS were left fuming as both the BBC and ITV opted not to show the Women’s World Cup’s closing ceremony.The tournament wraps up today with England taking on Spain for ultimate glory.
      The BBC opted to talk over the closing ceremonyCredit: BBC
      ITV also decided not to focus on the closing ceremonyCredit: ITV
      There was a spectacular closing ceremony at Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Fans were unable to watch the ceremony in full on BBC One or ITVCredit: Getty
      As is customary, there was an official closing ceremony in front of a packed stadium pre-game.
      But both channels showing the match in the UK opted not to show it in full.

      One fan tweeted: “Great start, BBC talking over the final ceremony and ITV not even showing it.”
      And a second wrote: “Why is ITV so behind, BBC isn’t showing the closing ceremony how odd.”
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      A third blasted: “BBC talking over the closing ceremony. ITV not even showing it. Bit disrespectful.”
      Another fumed: “@GabbyLogan @AlexScott so ignorant. The closing ceremony is on and you both continue to talk over it.
      “@BBCSport why would you leave the closing ceremony and go to the zoo. The ceremony is what we would be watching if it was a men’s World Cup or olympics.”
      The closing ceremony was available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer.
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      But on BBC One, they decided to talk over it, instead continuing their pre-match build-up.
      Coverage of the tournament has generally been well received in the UK.
      Most fans have loved Alex Scott’s punditry on the BBC.
      While ITV’s Laura Woods is one of the most popular presenters in the country.
      England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
      Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
      Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Fans in the stadium were able to enjoy live musicCredit: AFP More