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      John Motson dead: BBC commentator legend dies aged 77 as stars pay tribute to ‘voice of football’

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      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has died aged 77 leaving the world of sport in mourning.The BBC pundit celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
      John Motson has passed awayCredit: Rex
      Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
      The commentator was famed for his signature sheepskin coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      A statement from his family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday).”
      Read more on John Motson
      Tributes have flooded in for the legend from the world of football.
      Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died.
      “A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
      Most read in Football
      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      Fellow commentator Clive Tyldesley wrote on Twitter: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.”
      Jamie Carragher said: “RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.”
      While former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell wrote: “Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.”
      In 2014, Motson was diagnosed with bowel cancer and forced to miss the World Cup in Brazil.
      Speaking at the time, he said: “I consider myself very lucky I was diagnosed so early that the cancer was dealt with and the positiveness came about because I wanted to get back into my normal life.
      “That drive and determination was probably the most positive thing I could’ve had.”
      Motson 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.
      He commentated on almost 2,500 televised games in total including a record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008.
      Motson was famed for his often poetic commentary and encyclopaedic football knowledge during his illustrious career.
      His quip at Wimbledon scuppering Liverpool’s chances of the double in 1988 became notorious.
      The legend said: “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.”
      Motson bowed out after 50 years on the final day of the 2017/18 season and was invited on to the pitch.
      Then-Crystal Palace manager Roy presented him with a framed copy of the programme from his first and last matches at Selhurst Park and a crystal microphone.
      He won a Bafta that year for his work and received an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
      Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie described Motson as “the voice of a footballing generation”, steering fans “through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day”.
      Read More on The Sun
      He added: “Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.
      “He will rightly be remembered as a legendary figure in British sports broadcasting, respected by those in the game, loved by fans and an inspiration to those who followed him in the commentary box.”
      A final photo of Motson shows him attending a match at Sutton United on February 4Credit: Facebook
      Motson began his career in the 1960sCredit: Getty
      He became known as the voice of footballCredit: Getty
      Motson won a Bafta for his commentating in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      He retired that year after commentating on the final game of the seasonCredit: Stuart Roy Clarke
      Motson was given a standing ovation at his last game in 2018Credit: Rex
      The pundit covered almost 2,500 televised gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Motson was given an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England gamesCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Footie fans spot BBC blunder after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa

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      EAGLE-eyed footie fans spotted a BBC blunder after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 win over Aston Villa today.The broadcaster accidentally reported the game was a 2-2 draw, despite the Gunners finishing victorious.
      Arsenal won a 4-2 at Aston Villa today but the BBC reported it was a 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
      Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring the opening goal against ArsenalCredit: PA
      The now-updated article said Unai Emery’s team denied his former club the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League in a “dramatic” tie at Villa Park.
      It concluded Villa’s “defensive strength was evident” as they “earned a well-deserved point”.
      But in reality, Arsenal netted two stoppage time goals in the 93rd and 98th minutes, resulting in a 4-2 win.
      Supporters were quick to clock the error and point it out on social media.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Bob Oliver tweeted with a laughing face emoji: “Did the reporter leave early?”
      Cheryl Swanick added: “Obviously wrote it at 90 mins.”
      And Rob Potts said: “The BBC want to get their app sorted.
      “Arsenal won 4-1 but the report of the game says it was a 2-2 draw.
      Most read in Football
      “Rubbish reporting. Must have left before the finish.”
      Mikel Arteta said his side were “absolutely bouncing” after winning today’s “rollercoaster” game.
      Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho put the home side in front on two occasions, only for fine strikes from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko to level for Arsenal.
      A stoppage-time own goal by former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez and an even later clincher from Gabriel Martinelli put the Gunners’ stuttering title bid back on track.
      After breathing new life into their Premier League title challenge with the last-gasp win, Arteta believes his squad now have “more belief” than ever.
      He said: “The dressing room is absolutely bouncing.
      “We showed a lot of resilience, character and quality.
      “It was a rollercoaster, very emotional at the end.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I feel it’s right back, with more belief than before because you have to turn performances into results.”
      Emery said after the match it was an “embarrassing” loss. More

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      English referees to wear BODYCAMS in world’s first trial, FA announces

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      BODYCAMS for referees will be trialled for the first time in the world, the FA has announced.The hope behind the trial is to encourage better behaviour towards officials, according to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.
      Bodycams on referees are set to be trialed in EnglandCredit: Getty
      The trial will take place in four grassroots leagues in England.
      It will start this weekend in Middlesbrough and will then be tried in Liverpool, Worcester and Essex.
      A hundred officials will have the equipment in the adult grassroots leagues and the footage will be available for usage in disciplinary hearings if needed.
      If the trial goes well then it will be added to more grassroots leagues in the 2023/24 season.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Bullingham said: “Referees are the lifeblood of our game and we thank Ifab for its support in allowing us to undertake this new grassroots bodycam trial, the first of its nature globally.
      “We have listened to feedback from the referee community, and we hope this trial will have a positive impact on the behaviour towards them.
      “So that ultimately they can enjoy officiating in a safe and inclusive environment.”
      Hundreds of officials have told a BBC questionnaire that they have “feared for their safety”.
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      And 293 out of 900 referees have said that they have been physically abused by players, coaches, managers or spectators.
      A BBC report also suggested that some spoke about being “being punched, headbutted and spat at”. More

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      Ryan Reynolds makes hilarious comment about Sheffield United – leaving BBC studio in stitches before Wrexham’s 3-3 draw

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      WREXHAM owner Ryan Reynolds left BBC pundit Alan Shearer in stitches before Sunday’s 3-3 FA Cup thriller with Sheffield United.Canadian actor and Hollywood star Reynolds, 46, completed a takeover of the non-league club in 2021 with Rob McElhenney.
      Ryan Reynolds left BBC pundit Alan Shearer in stitchesCredit: Rex
      Ryan Reynolds is the co-owner of non-league side Wrexham, who will contest an FA Cup fourth round replay against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Instagram
      The National League leaders missed out on promotion last season but are targeting a cup run this year.
      Wrexham beat Championship side Coventry in the third round of the FA Cup to set up their clash with Sheffield United.
      Ahead of kick-off, Reynolds joined Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and pundit Shearer.
      And he left the studio in stitches as he claimed it would take a miracle to beat his high-flying team.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Reynolds said: “I get nervous for a match like today.
      “Sheffield United are three leagues above us, 70 teams above us. It’s a classic David vs Goliath.
      “You guys know this more than anybody on Earth, this is football.
      “This is the beautiful game.
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      “And I’m going to go on record and say there’s a chance – albeit a slim chance – that Sheffield United pulls off a miracle today.”
      A miracle did in fact happen at the Racecourse Ground.
      Wrexham were minutes from booking their place in the fourth round of the cup with a 3-2 win over ten-men Sheffield United.
      However, John Egan scored right at the death in the fifth minute of added time to send the game to a replay. More

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      ‘Real and relentless’ – BBC Sport reporter Emma Louise Jones has woken up to vile fan messages every day for YEARS

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      BBC Sport reporter Emma Louise Jones has revealed she faces daily torment from fans sending her vile messages.The TV journalist has become a popular face on TV for her role on Match of the Day X, an offshoot of the popular highlights programme aimed at a younger audience.
      Emma Louise Jones is enjoying a growing career in sports journalism
      The presenter has spoken out about inappropriate behaviour from people online
      But the increased profile has also brought trolls and invading her social media pages.
      Jones has previously shared strange messages fans had sent her way.
      And she has now shared in detail how she feels about the disturbing DMs.
      She said on her Instagram: “I sometimes get told that if I ignore these comments they’ll stop.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “That’s not true. These messages have come thick and fast for years and I kept quiet about it. It never stopped.
      “I know we laugh at the vulgarity of them, but there’s also a real issue here with people feeling they can anonymously send explicit messages with zero repercussions.
      “I share them because I want people to understand what I (and so many others) wake up to every, single day. So that people know this stuff is real and relentless.”
      Jones’ post was triggered after she was sent yet another twisted DM.
      Most read in Football
      Jones’ career is going from strength to strength and she currently has a role with BBC SportCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      She shared a crude message a fan sent her about her underwear.
      In the past the former Leeds TV presenter has taken to publicly shaming those who send her messages.
      Jones’ 382,000 followers have often enjoyed her brutal putdowns. More

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      BBC broadcaster Jennie Gow gives health update after suffering stroke and says without husband ‘I might not be here now’

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      BBC broadcaster Jennie Gow has provided an update on her health after she suffered a stroke.And the much-loved star revealed “I might not be here now” if it was not for her husband.
      Jennie Gow has provided an update on her health after suffering a strokeCredit: Getty
      Her husband, Jamie Coley, has helped her provide a health update on TwitterCredit: Twitter
      The 45-year-old has become a huge favourite after playing prominent roles in both Netflix’s F1 series Drive to Survive and her commentaries on Extreme E.
      But her career was cast in doubt after she revealed the medical emergency has affected her communication skills when revealing she had suffered a stroke this month.
      Releasing a statement on social media, Gow wrote earlier:””Hi everyone, been quiet the last few weeks, this is because I suffered a serious stroke two weeks ago.
      “My husband is helping me type this, as I’m finding it hard to write and my speech is most affected. I’m desperate to make a full recovery and return to work but it might take some time.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “Thank you to the medical teams at Frimley and St George’s and my family and friends who’ve got me through the last fortnight X.”
      Gow continued: “A month ago today I collapsed with a stroke.
      “With a lot of help from the NHS, friends and family we are finding our feet in this post Stroke world.
      “I am having rehab every day (with lots of homework) and we are seeing progress but I can’t tell you how exhausting it is!”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Gow then paid tribute to her husband Jamie Coley and her daughter, adding: “A final mention to my daughter and most importantly the husband, @jamiecoley396.
      “Without him, I might not be here now. (Excuse any mistakes – learning the write again is tough) Thanks for your support!!”
      A host of well-wishes quickly arrived in the replies to her update.
      Fellow BBC broadcaster Sonali Shah wrote: “Oh Jenny – sending you love and strength for your recovery.”
      Presenter Nicola Hume: “One day at a time. Sending you lots of love xx.”
      While racing driver Alice Powell wrote: “Keep strong hun, you can do this.”
      Many stroke victims suffer from Aphasia and it affects their ability to speak and sometimes their ability to understand what others are saying.
      However, it is possible to recover through the help of speech and language therapy.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gow, who celebrated a decade of working in F1 last year, has become one of the most popular voices over recent years.
      Prior to her exploits covering F1, she led BBC’s MotoGP coverage and filled in for Natalie Pinkham on Radio 5 Live. More

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      Stunning BBC Sport presenter Emma Louise Jones shares troll’s X-rated DM as she says it made her ‘feel ill’

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      PRESENTER Emma Louise Jones hit back at a vile troll who offered her money to fulfil a sick fantasy. Emma, who presents MOTDx on BBC, shared an X-rated DM she was sent on her Instagram page.
      Emma Louise Jones blasted an X-rated DM she was sent by a trollCredit: Instagram
      An alarming number of fake profiles have been set up using pics of herCredit: Instagram
      Emma shot to fame as a presenter on Leeds TVCredit: Getty
      The message read: “Another fake account is on… now that I have your attention, can you please kick me in the b****? I’ll pay.”
      In response, Emma slammed the post saying: “As if I didn’t feel ill enough,” followed by an emoji wearing a face mask.
      There has been an alarming trend of people making fake profiles of Emma on various sites.
      Catfish accounts using her pictures have been used on both Tinder and an X-rated dating site.
      READ MORE IN THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      The latest sick message comes after Emma revealed to her 381,000 Insta followers that she had come down with a “chest infection and had the lungs of a 98-year-old” – hence why she had not “posted on her stories”.
      She joked at the bottom she would “share any fake Tinder profiles I get sent”, with the next part of her story being another fake account of her, before revealing the DM.
      Emma, 32, shot to fame while presenting on Leeds TV.
      Since then she has picked up gigs hosting MOTDx alongside Jermaine Jenas and presenting on Premier Sports.
      Most read in Football
      She is a diehard Leeds fan, and will have likely been left less than impressed with the team’s precarious Premier League position.
      However, Wilfried Gnonto’s Paolo Di Canio-like screamer in the FA Cup replay against Cardiff would have surely cheered her up.
      She has 381,000 followers on her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram
      She is also a diehard Leeds fanCredit: Instagram More

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      Emma Hayes says Chelsea clash with Liverpool should not have gone ahead after WSL game is called off due to frozen pitch

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      EMMA HAYES called the turf at Kingsmeadow “an ice rink” after Chelsea were forced to postpone their WSL clash with Liverpool.The 12:30pm match – which was being aired live on BBC Two – was halted after just six minutes due to frosty pitch conditions.
      Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool became the second WSL duel to fall foul of a frozen pitch this weekendCredit: Alamy
      The match was called off after just six minutes by referee Neil Hair due to icy conditions at KingsmeadowCredit: Alamy
      Emma Hayes addressed the crowd at Kingsmeadow to apologise for the game being haltedCredit: Alamy
      Liverpool boss Matt Beard says the match could have been called off before it kicked offCredit: PA
      Mild boos rang out from the crowd which included fans who travelled down to London from Liverpool early this morning to watch Matt Beard’s side in action.
      A pitch inspection took place at 9:30 today with Chelsea tweeting that the fixture would go ahead.
      But the match was later halted by referee Neil Hair with the surface being deemed unsafe to play on before officially being called off in the ninth minute.
      The game was the second WSL fixture to be called off due to a frozen pitch with Tottenham’s duel with Leicester also postponed.

      Hayes apologised to supporters who travelled to the ground saying the decision to call off the match was wrong in terms of the timing but right for the players in terms of safety
      The Chelsea chief told BBC Sport: “Where do you begin? You can see from the opening minutes it’s like an ice rink down the sides.
      “For Matt Beard he’s upset that it got to that point and he’s right.
      “It’s not for managers to decide that, it’s for the FA and officials to determine when it’s on.
      Most read in Football
      “We did have heaters on. I think this is when we have to start saying to ourselves we have to have undersoil heating.
      “We have got to take our game seriously.
       “Yes, we can have blowers and little pitch tents, but it’s not going to be enough – it’s minus one (degrees here).”
      When BBC Sport guest pundit Hope Powell asked if the game should have started, Hayes said “never”.
      The Chelsea chief added: “You know everybody wants to get the game on.
      “But when you got emotions of one team wants to play, one team doesn’t want to play, that’s when you have to have outside parties there.
      “There’s no FA here and they need to be at our games to execute those decisions.”
      Reds chief Beard criticised the length of time it took to make the decision to postpone the game with players thought to have complained about the turf being slippery.
      Hayes’ and Beard’s teams will face each other in the FA Cup fourth round next SundayCredit: Alamy
      When asked for this thoughts on what referee communicated to him, Beard said: “I don’t know why it took six or seven minutes that it was frozen.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It was frozen in the morning and frozen in the warm-up.
      “I’m just gutted for our fans because they set off at five o’clock this morning when it could have been postponed at 9:30 because the pitch wasn’t safe.” More