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    ‘Ask Southgate about Afghanistan’ – Angry Iran boss Carlos Quieroz confronts BBC reporter over protest question

    ANGRY Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC reporter for asking about Iranian protests, demanding: Why don’t you ask Gareth Southgate about Afghanistan? Iran’s players refused to sing the national anthem in support of anti-government dissenters before being battered 6-2 by England.
    Carlos Queiroz was an assistant manager at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson during the noughtiesCredit: Getty
    But coach Queiroz took exception to a journalist urging striker Mehdi Taremi – sat beside him when talking to the media ahead of facing Wales – to provide a message for those who have taken to the streets against the authoritarian regime. 
    The Portuguese made a beeline for the reporter at the end of the press conference. 
    And he insisted: “Why do you ask us these questions? 
    “Is it not fair to ask these questions to the other coaches? 
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    “Why don’t you ask Mr Southgate about England and the United States when they left Afghanistan?” 
    Mass protests have been met with a fierce crackdown in recent months. 
    They were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September after she was detained for allegedly breaking strict rules around head coverings. 
    Before the outburst, Queiroz said: “It is the right of journalists but they should ask the same questions of the others causing problems around the world. 

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    “To make them the only people that need to give answers about human’s problems is not fair or right. 
    “It is time to ask other coaches and players about other issues.
    “The word I use is ‘respect’ for 3,000 years of Iran. It is an amazing place.” 
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    Striker Taremi refused to answer an earlier question before admitting he was not worried about going back to Iran following the team’s protest. 
    He added: “We came here to play football – I cannot change anything.”  More

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    BBC slammed for ‘worst ever’ World Cup advert as ‘disgusted’ viewers say it encourages people to be ‘disrespectful’

    THE BBC have been slammed for their World Cup advert as viewers are left “disgusted”.In what has been mistaken as public service announcement about the increase in domestic abuse during competitions, people have branded it “the worst advert ever”.
    The BBC has been blasted for their World Cup advertCredit: BBC
    It’s been branded the ‘worst advert ever’Credit: BBC
    Displayed across London tube stations it’s meant to copy a football score board – but instead reads: “Kid’s nativities missed 1 – 2 Wales highlights watched.
    “Work meetings attended 2 – 7 Refreshing the sport app.
    “Visits to nan 0 – 3 England games seen.”
    “It’s the World Cup, though.”
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    A TV version – which is meant to promote the Qatar World Cup – arguably promotes the “neglecting of animals and kids” instead.
    In the clip a mum is ignoring her child and a dog is lying next to an empty food bowl.
    It also shows a woman zoned-out listening to her neighbour explain a football match and a Santa Claus watching a game rather than speaking to an excited kid about presents.
    One Twitter user said: “Is anyone else disgusted at the BBC’s World Cup advert?
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    “It’s basically saying it’s ok to be more rude, selfish, disrespectful, and neglecting of animals and kids because the World Cup’s on… well done for making this situation worse.”
    Another added: “Is this the worst advert ever? Ffs BBC you have managed to make the World Cup depressing.”
    Meanwhile someone else said: “This is a very strange way to advertise the World Cup.
    “The whole way through it I was expecting the ending to be for a charity helpline – but it’s just a BBC advert?”
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    The Qatar World Cup has made headlines for its controversy with the BBC even deciding against televising the opening ceremony.
    The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night because they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham.
    A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a light hearted take on the nation’s obsession with football.”
    How you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

    Always keep your phone nearby.
    Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
    If you are in danger, call 999.
    Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
    Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
    If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
    Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

    If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
    Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
    You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More

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    Wales clash with USA beats England’s thumping win over Iran in World Cup TV viewers war between BBC and ITV

    ENGLAND and Wales will be duking it out during the final game in the World Cup group stage next week. But another intense match over viewing figures is going on in the background between ITV and BBC.
    BBC’s World Cup coverage includes pundits such as Alex ScottCredit: Reuters
    ITV’s coverage features the likes of Roy Keane and Graeme SounessCredit: Getty
    The two TV channels are sharing the World Cup coverage rights with both hoping to eclipse the other in terms of ratings.
    And following the home nations opening matches ITV have taken first blood in this contest.
    As revealed by Lizo Mzimba, BBC viewing figures for England’s 6-2 thriller against Iran saw 7.38 million people tune in according to BARB overnight figures.
    This does not include viewing figures from other platforms.
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    However, Wales’ clash against the USA on ITV1 scored even higher viewing figures.
    Mzimba said: “An average audience of 9.39m TV viewers watched yesterday’s World Cup 1 -1 draw between Wales and USA on ITV (and ITV+1) between 1900 and 2100, according to BARB overnight figures.

    “This doesn’t include viewers watching on S4C or on other platforms.”
    A late Gareth Bale penalty saw Wales salvage a point in their first World Cup game for 64 years after Timothy Weah opened the goalscoring for the US in the first half.

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    ITV will be covering the next England game when they take on the USA on Friday.
    Meanwhile, BBC will be taking the coverage of Wales vs Iran before they take on both of the final games from Group B.
    Both channels have already had some major talking points during their coverage.
    BBC’s coverage of the World Cup’s opening game was criticised after they elected to not show the opening ceremony on BBC One.
    Meanwhile, on ITV Roy Keane and Graeme Souness were involved in a heated bust-up at half-time of Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over Argentina. More

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    Hilarious moment Gary Lineker trolls Micah Richards at start of BBC World Cup coverage of England vs Iran

    POOR Micah Richards was hilariously trolled by Gary Lineker ahead of England’s World Cup opener.The Three Lions began their campaign in Qatar with a brilliant 6-2 victory over Iran this afternoon.
    Micah Richards was hilariously trolled live on the BBCCredit: Getty
    Gary Lineker could not resist poking fun at his colleagueCredit: BBC

    Bukayo Saka grabbed two of the goals while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford also got their names on the scoresheet.
    The match was being broadcast live on BBC One with ex-England striker Lineker on hosting duties.
    He was joined in the studio at the ground by a star-studded panel of Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and former Man City defender Richards.
    Three out of the four represented the Three Lions at a World Cup back in their playing days.
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    And Lineker was quick to let the odd one out know about it right at the start of the show.
    He said: “Here at the Khalifa Stadium we are joined by two former England captains in Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand.
    “And after Fabio Capello in 2010 and Roy Hodgson in 2014 both left him out, finally, it’s a World Cup debut for Micah Richards.”
    A laughing Richards said: “I’m here! Thank you, thank you.” 
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    Despite the smiles in the studio, there were concerns elsewhere at the Beeb.
    Fans were left fuming after iPlayer went down and left them unable to watch or listen to the start of England’s World Cup adventure.
    Millions will have been tuning in to BBC One to catch all of the action from the game.
    However, loads were left raging after a problem with BBC’s iPlayer forced them to miss the kick-off, which led to Lineker apologising for the troubles at half time.
    They were also unable to tune-in to the commentary on BBC Radio Five Live due to the technical issues – and they quickly took to Twitter to vent their anger at the Beeb. More

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    Gary Lineker forced to apologise to fans live on air after technical issue on BBC during England vs Iran World Cup clash

    GARY Lineker has apologised on-air to fans watching the England World Cup match on BBC iPlayer following a technical issue.The BBC Match Of The Day host and former England footballer, 61, made the comments during half-time of England’s World Cup opener against Iran, adding that the broadcaster was working on fixing it.
    The pundit made the apology at half-time of England’s opening match against IranCredit: BBC
    Viewers had reported problems with the iPlayer feed, meaning they were unable to watch part of England’s opening match.
    On Twitter, BBC Sport said: “We’re aware of an issue affecting some users on BBC iPlayer.
    The pundit said: “Just a quick pointer, apologies if you have had any BBC iPlayer issues during that first half.
    “We are working to fix them.”
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    “We’re trying to fix this ASAP.
    “Coverage is also available on BBC One and the BBC Sport website and app.”
    It comes as supporters faced ticket problems as they attempted to enter the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar to watch the much-anticipated match.
    Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association team that provides travel and logistical advice to fans, said on Twitter: “We’re aware of issues with some e-tickets at the stadium with FIFA’s ticketing app.
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    “The FA is working hard to find a resolution for England fans.
    “If you have issues seeing your ticket on the app, join the ticketing resolution queue at the stadium, but keep checking the app.”
    England went on to win the match 6-2, with a late Iranian penalty providing a face-saving goal for the beaten side.
    Bukayo Saka starred for the Three Lions with two goals in the match, with Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford bagging one each. More

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    BBC iPlayer viewers fume with iPlayer DOWN at start of England’s World Cup opener with Iran

    FANS were left fuming at the BBC after iPlayer went down and left them unable to watch or listen to the start of England’s World Cup adventure on BBC iPlayer.The Three Lions kicked off against Iran in their Group B opener at 1pm this afternoon.
    England fans were left fuming after a problem on BBC iPlayer left them unable to watch the big gameCredit: Twitter
    The Three Lions kicked-off their World Cup today against IranCredit: Getty
    The problems on iPlayer left many unable to watch or listen to the actionCredit: Twitter
    Fans were also unable to listen to the game via BBC commsCredit: Twitter
    Millions will have been tuning in to BBC One to catch all of the action from the game.
    However, loads were left raging after a problem with BBC’s iPlayer forced them to miss the kick-off, which led to Gary Lineker apologising for the troubles at half time.
    They were also unable to tune-in to the commentary on BBC Radio Five Live due to the technical issues – and they quickly took to Twitter to vent their anger at the Beeb.
    One wrote: “How is BBC IPlayer down during the flipping World Cup?? Poor from BBC!”
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    Another tweeted: “Trying to get in and watch the game on the BBC iPlayer and its down. What the hell is that all about?”
    A fellow viewer trying to tune in said: “BBC iplayer down? Useless @BBCiPlayer sort your stuff out.”
    Another said: “BBC iplayer is down two minutes before kick off. F***ing fantastic.”
    While another raged: “Why the F*** has BBC iPlayer crashed during the first WC game.”
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    England boss Gareth Southgate was himself fuming as his team were denied an early penalty against Iran.
    But he was soon more than happy.
    A double from Bukayo Saka and more from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford saw England win 6-2. More

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    Fans all say same thing about dodgy sound on BBC’s coverage of World Cup 2022 after snubbing entire opening ceremony

    FOOTBALL fans have slammed the BBC’s coverage of the first World Cup game after issues with the sound during the broadcast.Gary Lineker introduced the tournament live from Doha ahead of Qatar’s clash with Ecuador.
    The sound kept cutting in and out during BBC’s coverage of the opening gameCredit: BBC
    They opted against showing any of the opening ceremony in a move criticised by many on social media.
    And those online were then angered even further as the audio began to bizarrely cut in and out.
    Speaking on Twitter, one person said: “Why does it sound like somebody is washing the dishes in the background of the BBC World Cup coverage? 🤣🤣🤣 The audio is horrendous.”
    Another added: “What the f*** is wrong with the sound on BBC1?”
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    A third said: “Why does it sound like someone is playing with spoons next to a microphone on the BBC??”
    A fourth added: “Is that the stadium still being built in the background on the BBC sound?”
    And another said: “What’s with the sound on the BBC in the studio? Sounds like Gary is talking into a glass box on Teams.”
    The Qatar World Cup has come under severe criticism due to the country’s human rights record.
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    There have also been allegations of corruption during the process of winning the bid.
    But, nearly 12 years after being awarded the tournament, it is now getting underway.
    Qatar’s game against Ecuador is the only match taking place on Sunday.
    It is followed on Monday by three more matches, starting with England vs Iran, before Senegal vs Netherlands and USA vs Wales. More

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    World Cup fans rage as BBC SNUB entire Qatar opening ceremony

    FOOTIE fans were left stunned by the BBC’s decision NOT to broadcast the opening ceremony of the World Cup.Qatar 2022 officially got underway on Sunday afternoon with a glitzy ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha.
    The BBC missed the opening the historic opening ceremony in QatarCredit: REUTERS
    The national broadcaster eventually cut to their coverage of the opening match but didn’t show the ceremony as it went on in the backgroundCredit: BBC
    The ceremony included immaculately dressed and co-ordinated dancersCredit: GETTY
    Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman was also part of the spectacular showCredit: EPA
    Freeman sat down on the floor with Qatari YouTuber Ghanim al-Muftah during the ceremonyCredit: REUTERS
    But unlike tournaments of yesteryear, the BBC didn’t cover a single moment of the ceremony.
    And footy fans up and down the UK were baffled as to why the national broadcaster didn’t air the historic event.
    One tweeted: “Why are no British channels showing this outrageous opening ceremony?”
    Another asked: “Why isn’t the BBC showing the opening ceremony?? I’m so confused.”
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    And another asked: “No why the hell isn’t BBC showing the opening ceremony.”
    One chimed in: “Why aren’t BBC/ITV playing the opening ceremony?? So disappointing.”
    Another remarked: “How is BBC 1 not showing the opening ceremony??”
    The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium ceremony as they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham – which the Blues won 3-0.
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    But the proceedings, which included an array of immaculately dressed dancers and bright mascots, were not aired once they switched to their team in Doha.
    That further enraged fans, one of whom tweeted: “I have never known the BBC to not show an opening ceremony before.”
    Another said: “This is an absolute joke.
    “Qatar have a whole opening ceremony going on right now in aid of the biggest football tournament in the world.”
    And another said: “The fact the BBC haven’t shown the World Cup Opening Ceremony on their terrestrial channels is so disrespectful.”
    One furious footy fan said: “Poor for BBC not to broadcast the world cup opening ceremony.”
    Fans also complained about the sound quality as the BBC played numerous pre-packed montages.
    The World Cup mascot La’eeb made an appearance via a stunning hologramCredit: GETTY
    The ceremony proved to be quite the colourful affairCredit: GETTY
    Several caricatures and mascots were also on displayCredit: AP
    The Al Bayt Stadium provided a stunning back drop for the opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
    One said: “Why does it sound like somebody is washing the dishes in the background of the BBC World Cup coverage?
    “The audio is horrendous.”
    And another said: “Why does it sound like someone is playing with spoons next to a microphone on the BBC??”
    Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman was one of the main attractions during the glitzy ceremony.
    As was 20-year-old Qatari social media star Ghanim al Muftah.
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    Al Muftah – who was born with a rare disorder called Caudal Regression Syndrome and has no lower body – took centre stage with Freeman amid an array of flashing lights.
    Hosts Qatar will light the tournament’s blue touch paper at 4:00pm with their Group A opener against Ecuador. More