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      Jeff Stelling ‘in talks with two huge broadcasters about new role’ weeks after stepping down from Sky Sports

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      JEFF STELLING is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBC – just weeks after his departure from Sky.The 68-year-old signed off his 30-year career with Sky Sports on the final day of the Premier League season last month.
      Jeff Stelling called time on his Sky Sports career at the end of the seasonCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Stelling is reportedly in talks with both Amazon and the BBCCredit: GETTY
      Stelling, 68, had been with Sky for over 30 years before his summer departureCredit: SKY SPORTS
      And the veteran broadcaster has reportedly wasted no time in looking for a new gig.
      The Telegraph claim Stelling has been sounded out by both Amazon and the Beeb.
      It’s claimed Amazon chiefs are eager to have him head up their growing footie coverage.
      They will, however, have to wait a while to secure Stelling’s services as he must first see out a period of gardening leave before he can join one of Sky’s immediate rivals.
      Stelling emotionally announced his departure from Sky on air in late April.
      The beloved broadcaster received a thunderous applause from the in-studio pundits and the camera crew.
      He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
      “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
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      “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
      Sky paid a touching tribute to the now-departed Stelling after his departure was announced.
      Director of Football, Gary Hughes, said: “After a brilliant 30-plus year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.
      “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
      “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
      Jeff Stelling’s on-screen antics were beloved by footie fansCredit: SKY SPORTS
      “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades.
      “Exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.
      “His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
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      “He will be sorely missed.” More

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      BBC veteran broadcaster steps aside following ‘difficult’ health battle

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      BBC Scottish football reporter Roddy Forsyth is to retire from live broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.The veteran Radio 5 Live broadcaster revealed Scotland’s win last night over Georgia would be his last match.
      Roddy Forsyth is retiring from broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’sCredit: SNS
      The BBC Scottish football reporter has worked with the broadcaster for more than four decadesCredit: SNS
      Forsyth worked for the BBC for more than 40 years and has covered four World Cups and three European Championship finals with Scotland.
      He also worked on five European finals featuring Scottish sides.
      The 69-year-old author and journalist said having Parkinson’s, combined with osteoarthritis, made it too difficult for him to continue in his role.
      Speaking after Scotland’s 2-0 win at Hampden, he said: “I’m afraid this is the last game I will cover as a Scotland reporter for BBC Sport and that’s 42 years after I made my first contribution.

      “Sadly for me it’s a combination of Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis that’s made it too difficult to continue lugging equipment and sitting outdoors at Scottish grounds in mid-winter for four or five hours.
      “At a full house like we had tonight with 50,000 people here, the odds are that 100 people in the crowd will have Parkinson’s. This is twice as many as it would have been five years ago.
      “Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder and it afflicts 145,000 people in the UK.
      “No cure has yet been found but recent research has uncovered exciting lines of enquiry so if you get the chance to contribute to a Parkinson’s charity please help.
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      “You will be investing in a healthy future for yourself and your loved ones.”
      He added: “Can I please say a massive thank you to BBC Sport, my terrific colleagues and its wonderful listeners for making this job such an exceptional experience. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
      Having started with the BBC in 1981, Forsyth began his current role in 1986. He also covered Scottish football for the Daily Telegraph.
      Tom Connor, BBC Scotland’s sports editor, said: “He’s a brilliant communicator who has led audiences through the twists and turns of the game in Scotland for decades with his memorable commentaries and analyses.
      “At BBC Scotland, we’re grateful for his many radio contributions and also the interviews he conducted so skilfully for the landmark television series, Only A Game. We wish him all the best.”
      In a statement, Parkinson’s UK Scotland said: “We’re sending best wishes to Roddy Forsyth who’s announced that he’s retiring as a broadcaster and has Parkinson’s.
      “Thank you for talking about your diagnosis Roddy – and for four decades as the voice of Scottish football.”
      We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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      BBC commentator known as ‘voice of F1’ sacked over allegations of inappropriate touching

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      A BBC commentator among the most recognisable “voices of F1” has been sacked after alleged inappropriate touching. Jack Nicholls was dismissed by IMG – who produce BBC Radio 5 Live’s Formula One coverage – after recent complaints by three people.
      Jack Nicholls has been sacked from his commentary roleCredit: Splash
      He had already been fired by Formula E as their lead commentator ahead of last month’s Monaco Grand Prix following an internal investigation.
      And now a spokesperson said: “IMG has decided to part ways with Jack Nicholls in light of the incidents that led to his departure from Formula E.”
      Allegations first surfaced regarding Nicholls’ behaviour in March.
      Three individuals – all employees at Formula E – made complaints, including one junior colleague he was in a relationship with at the time and two witnesses.
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      The incidents were said to have taken place across the world including in Rome and Cape Town.
      Nicholls, who was regularly dubbed radio’s “voice of F1” by 5 Live listeners, said in his own statement when the allegations were made public: “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken.
      “I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologise unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable.
      “I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behaviour in future.”
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      Nicholls was a regular on the BBC since 2016.
      He often worked as part of a team that includes ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Jennie Gow. 
      The commentator, who has now deleted his social media accounts, was also part of the Netflix docu-series Drive To Survive in 2019.
      With Formula E, Nicholls had been a key fixture in the commentary booth from its launch in 2014.
      He became a well-known voice to fans of the sport with nearly a decade in the hot seat.
      However, Ben Edwards replaced Nicholls on the Formula E coverage for the Jakarta ePrix at the beginning of June.
      And Edwards will remain in the role for the rest of this season.
      Nicholls, centre, worked for Formula E for nine years since its launch in 2014Credit: Splash
      Nicholls faced complaints from three peopleCredit: Splash More

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      BBC star Alex Scott enjoys crazy night out with Lionesses Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh on stunning Ibiza holiday

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      ALEX SCOTT enjoyed a crazy night out with England stars during their Ibiza holiday.The Soccer Aid TV presenter was seen alongside Lionesses Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh as they went for a night out.
      Alex Scott and Leah Williamson managed to grab a picture before party really started
      The group headed out to beachfront dance club Ushuaïa IbizaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Alex Scott’s story showing friends dancingCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      There was time to grab some photos with another camera
      While she also showed off their drinks for the nightCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Fellow Lioness Keira Walsh also joined the party
      Williamson captioned a post with Walsh ‘Family’Credit: Instagram / @lahwilliamsonn
      The popular holiday destination is accustomed to seeing celebs, including Manchester City’s Treble winners, Ben White and YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI.
      Scott and Co were the latest to join the party after a day of relaxing in the sun on a speedboat.
      Videos shared on Scott’s Instagram story gave fans an insight into her adventures.
      It began with videos of her friends dancing at beachfront dance club Ushuaïa Ibiza.
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      Before they really dove into the night, Scott managed to grab a picture alongside Arsenal star Williamson.
      The 26-year-old also posed for a picture on her Instagram alongside Walsh – who is currently the most expensive women’s football transfer of all time – captioning her post: “Family.”
      As the night progressed, Walsh was later seen wearing some pink LED glasses as the group sang their hearts out for Rihanna song We Found Love.
      Later on Scott, 38, was seen hitching a piggy back ride from Williamson as the party continued.
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      Scott later grabbed a piggyback off WilliamsonCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      While Walsh grabbed some LED glassesCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      The group were singing Rihanna hit We Found LoveCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Williamson suffered an ACL injury back in April, meaning she will miss the Women’s World Cup which will kick start in July.
      The tournament recently agreed a broadcast deal with BBC and ITV to bring an end to a Fifa blackout risk.
      European Champions England will be taking on Haiti, Denmark and China in their group with the aim of dethroning 2019 holders USA.
      Scott, who was labelled as “brave” for wearing her “gorgeous” dress for Soccer Aid, is regularly seen presenting during sporting events.
      The party appeared to go well into the nightCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      The unwind came after Scott’s exploits on Soccer AidCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2 More

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      BBC and ITV seal Women’s World Cup broadcast deal with Fifa bringing an end to blackout risk

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      BBC and ITV have confirmed they will air coverage of this year’s Women’s World Cup bringing an end to the row around a TV deal. The tournament’s 64 games in Australia and New Zealand will be shown live on either of the channels with the exception of the final. 
      BBC and ITV will share live coverage of games at this year’s Women’s World Cup including England’s group stage fixturesCredit: Alamy
      Both confirmed a deal has been reached for the rights to provide broadcast coverage of the tournament to UK audiencesCredit: Getty
      Televised coverage of the decider for this summer’s contest, which starts on July 20 in Auckland, New Zealand, will be shown live on both BBC1 and ITV1. 
      And both broadcasters will share coverage of the Lionesses’ Group D fixtures against Haiti, Denmark and China in Australia. 
      Today’s announcement comes weeks after broadcasters in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France came under pressure to announce a deal. 
      Fifa President Gianni Infantino had threatened the prospect of a TV blackout in Europe’s “Big Five” countries after describing bids as a “slap in the face for women’s football”. 
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      It is claimed some of the offers made for broadcast rights were as low as one to two per cent of the amount bid for the men’s contest.
      And Infantino’s remarks last month were followed by sports ministers in each nation flagging concerns that no broadcast agreement had been reached. 
      However yesterday Bloomberg claimed a deal was imminent with BBC and ITV reportedly paying an estimated £8million for the rights to air matches.
      BBC director of sport Barbara Slater, said: “The growth of the women’s game is extraordinary, demonstrated by the 28 million who watched BBC coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the huge audience of 17.4 million who watched our coverage of the Euro 2022 final on TV last summer. 
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      “In partnership with ITV we are delighted to make this World Cup available to the widest possible audience and free to air.”
      ITV Sport director Niall Sloane added: “England’s Lionesses are entering the World Cup Finals as European champions.
      “Fans have been able to follow their progress to qualification on ITV through our coverage of the World Cup qualifiers.
      England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup with a Group D clash with Haiti on July 22Credit: Getty
      “We hope they’ll join us to see all the action from Australia and New Zealand throughout the tournament.”
      The joint rights deal will also see live audio commentary of the World Cup aired on BBC Radio Five Live and Five Sports Extra.
      And ITV will broadcast half of the contest’s clashes across ITV1 and ITV4 with catch-up coverage on ITVX. More

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      BBC forced to apologise after Kalvin Phillips’ X-rated John Stones chant during Man City’s booze-fuelled Treble parade

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS led an X-rated chant about John Stones during Manchester City’s open-top bus parade as the BBC issued an apology.The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winners capped their Treble triumph with a huge celebration through the streets of Manchester on Monday evening.
      Kalvin Phillips led a John Stones chant during the celebrationsCredit: Twitter / Footballdaily

      Stones appeared to be loving every minute of itCredit: Twitter / Footballdaily
      Phillips sung the chant up close as Stones watched onCredit: Twitter / Footballdaily
      And when they eventually got off the bus and made it to a stage that had been set up for them, a microphone found its way to midfielder Phillips.
      When the ex-Leeds man received the mic, he launched into a song about defender Stones – who was sensational in their Champions League final triumph.
      But unfortunately for the broadcaster, it contained the phrase “he f****g hates United”.
      Prior to the incident, the BBC had apologised “for any bad language you may hear”.
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      Phillips only played a small part in Man City’s Treble triumph during his first campaign at the Etihad.
      He made just three starts across the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
      But Stones has been integral to the success of Pep Guardiola’s men this season.
      His ability to move from defence into midfield has been one of the major talking points around Man City’s system.
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      But irrespective of how much each individual player had featured during the campaign, everyone associated with the club was having a wonderful time during the parade.
      The likes of Stones, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and skipper Ilkay Gundogan were picture making their way to the celebrations by tram.
      Grealish was then covered in Champagne by star striker Haaland, before the Norwegian was seen dancing with his hair down.
      The parade had been delayed by an hour due to torrential rain and lightning.
      But that did not dampen the mood of the players, staff or crowd as they soaked in achieving a historic Treble. More

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      BBC forced to apologise as Declan Rice swears twice in X-rated interview during West Ham Europa Conference trophy parade

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      THE BBC were forced to apologise after Declan Rice swore twice when being interviewed during West Ham’s trophy parade. Rice captained the Hammers to the Europa Conference League trophy, their first success in over 50 years.
      The BBC were forced to apologise after Declan Rice swore twice when being interviewed
      Rice holds the trophy aloft as hundreds of Hammers fans cheer in East London
      The bus winds its way through the packed streets near the old Upton Park stadium
      David Moyes’ men were given a hero’s welcome upon their arrival back home and fans came out in their numbers to celebrate the moment with them.
      Rice was being interviewed after the parade when he accidentally let off an F-bomb.
      He said: “I’m lost for words.
      “You hear Billy Bonds, Bobby Moore and now to lift that trophy for this football club… it’s not hit me yet to be honest but it is so f****** special. I’m lost for words, it’s just incredible.”
      The first apology was issued on the BBC, but Rice could not contain himself as he continued: “These are the best fans in the world for me.
      “Two years in a row we’ve had European competitions, they travel all round the world to watch us, pre-season, Europe and to be honest I didn’t expect this many people here tonight.
      “But it is West Ham, we’re f****** massive, ain’t we?! Yes!”
      West Ham celebrated their first piece of European silverware since Bobby Moore’s Hammers won the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in May 1965.
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      Moore – who lifted the World Cup for England a year later – and his team-mates were greeted by fans from the balcony of East Ham Town Hall.
      This time, it was led by manager Moyes and club captain Rice, who may have played his last game in claret and blue.
      Hammers owner David Sullivan told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be [his last game].
      “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
      “In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
      “It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
      “It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
      “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
      Declan Rice and manager David Moyes with the trophyCredit: PA More

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      Football set for major law change, reveals Gary Lineker live on BBC after ‘very reliable information’

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      GARY LINEKER has claimed the handball law will be simplified ahead of the 2023-24 season.Manchester United were awarded a penalty for a controversial handball during Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
      Man Utd were awarded a penalty following a controversial handballCredit: BBC
      Fernandes converted the spot kick to draw United levelCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box at the half-hour mark, despite his arm seemingly being in a natural position following a header from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Bruno Fernandes converted, much to City’s frustration.
      And ITV pundit Lee Dixon called it the “worst penalty in history penalties”.
      The current handball law states that a player will be penalised if they “deliberately touch the ball with their hand/arm,” or if they “touch the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger.”
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      FA rules also say: “A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation.”
      However, Lineker has since suggested that the “absurd” law will soon be changed.
      When addressing the controversial handball decision on the BBC, the former England and Leicester striker said: “It is probably technically right in the way the law is now but I’m sure we all agree that the law is a absurdity at present.
      “I have it on very reliable information that they are going to simplify that law.
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      “Almost go back to where it was, common sense.
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      “I think it’s absurd that idea of a natural position unless it’s not attached to your body then it’s in a natural position.”
      Several pundits were quick to blast the decision to award the penalty.
      Dixon blasted: “That’s the worst penalty in the history of penalties. I don’t care what the rule book says, it’s not a penalty.”
      While BBC’s Jermaine Jenas said: “Yes it’s hit his hand, yes his hand is in the air, but it’s not a penalty for me.”
      Man City went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a stunning double from Ilkay Gundogan.
      Man City beat Man Utd 2-1 to win the FA CupCredit: Getty More