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      ‘Petrified’ BBC pundit forced to hide from rowdy rival fans for FOUR HOURS on packed train

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      ALAN SHEARER revealed that he was “petrified” after being caught on a train with Sunderland fans.The BBC pundit and retired footballer is beloved in Newcastle but not liked by their biggest rivals, the Black Cats.Alan Shearer admitted he was ‘petrified’ while on a train with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyHe scored 206 goals for Newcastle during his careerCredit: GettyShearer, 54, found himself on a packed train from London to Newcastle, surrounded by the rival supporters.The Sunderland fans were in a great mood, having watched their side beat Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park.The former Newcastle star was trying to get back up north after flying back to Heathrow from a friends wedding in Perugia in Italy.However due to the latness of the train, he was unable to get a spot in first class and ended up having to hide his face from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShearer revealed his ordeal on the Rest is Football podcast He said: “We get on the Heathrow Express and then get on the tube to King’s Cross.”There was a lovely lady from LNER and she was waiting for us and told us there were hardly any seats left.”She met us at King’s Cross and got us enough seats but there were no booths.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”She then said there was going to be a lot of football fans on, so I am sat thinking at least I am on the train.”We were not in first class and were in coach and I think ‘oh my f*****g god, Sunderland have played Portsmouth away.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure'”So I got my cap on, and I am wedged in the corner, and it is getting busier and busier, and the aisle is getting taken up by singing Sunderland fans.”Within half an hour, I can’t lift my head up because I am scared as it is just full of them in a great mood.”Then they started singing the Newcastle and Shearer songs and I had nearly four hours of which I could not lift my head up, I was petrified.”Shearer continued to reveal that he managed to make it all the way to Newcastle without being spotted by the Sunderland fans.He added: “I got all the way to Newcastle and was hoping they all got off at Durham, but only half of them did.”I was petrified getting off at Newcastle, but there was not one that recognised me.”I did not move for four hours and they had sung and abused me for four hours.”Shearer has often upset Sunderland fans during his appearances on the podcast.He has previously called the Stadium of Light a “s***hole” to which Gary Lineker said it was a “disgusting thing to say.Shearer made 405 appearances for his hometown club after signing from Blackburn in 1996.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored 206 goals for the Magpies during his 10-year spell at St James’ Park.Shearer is also the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Joe Hart’s Match of the Day appearance with Lineker divides fans as some confused by him ‘going on about smelling stuff’

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      JOE HART’S Match of the Day punditry has split opinion among viewers.The former Manchester City and England keeper, 37, hung up his gloves at the end of last season after winning the double with Celtic.Joe Hart appeared on Match of the Day for a second time on Saturday nightCredit: BBCHart’s opinion in between Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy divided opinionCredit: BBCHe was a part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024, regularly offering his insight to presenter Gary Lineker and those watching at home.Now he is set to become a regular fixture on Match of the Day following the departure of Arsenal legend Ian Wright.Hart’s first appearance on the iconic highlights programme came earlier this month as he suffered a blunder by getting Newcastle star Joelinton’s name wrong.But two weeks later he was back on the MOTD screen when he accompanied Lineker and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Saturday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd some people were loving his appearance on the show.One social media user said: “Joe Hart is probably BBC’s MOTD best analyst and he only just joined lol.”While another added: “How good is Joe Hart as a pundit by the way? Breath of fresh air! 👍”And a third replied: “Joe Hart really is an excellent addition to #MOTD. His analysis is detailed and insightful, and focuses on really breaking down moments in a way MOTD often doesn’t.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAwkward moment Celtic hero Joe Hart gets Newcastle star’s name wrong live on Match of the DayBut others were somewhat confused by a few of his comments and left unimpressed.One person said: “Does Joe Hart think he’s Gordan Ramsay on #motd? Keeps going on about smelling stuff.”A second agreed, responding: “Why is Joe Hart talking like a poet?? ‘They can smell it, they can smell it’ 😂 #MOTD.”And another added: “Joe Hart was a fantastic GK and will forever be a Celtic legend, but Jesus Christ he is a boring a** pundit.”Drones on and on and on about teams ”smelling’ their opponents. Ready to jump off a cliff. His analysis is neither insightful nor interesting with his monotone voice.”Hart is one of two ex-footballers replacing Wright on Match of the Day, with former England international Theo Walcott the other.After being announced as a pundit on the show, Hart said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”Some fans were confused by Hart’s references to ‘smelling’Credit: BBC More

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      BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’

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      FANS blasted the Carabao Cup third-round draw as a “fix” after the complicated new format was introduced by BBC host Mark Chapman.The presenter even joked that he was “glad Rod Stewart and Martin O’Neill were not beside” him before he explained the changes.Mark Chapman was tasked with explaining the new Carabao Cup formatSir Stewart, 79, became and internet sensation after delivering the  2017 the Scottish Cup draw after a “few bevvies”.Sir Stewart ballsed it up after mixing up the numbers, shouting the wrong names out and putting his thumbs up to the camera.Former Ireland boss O’Neill had his own comical gaffe for the second-round of Carabao Cup draw last season.The Northern Irishman put each team ball to his mouth when it came out of the hat thinking it was a microphone to the amusement of fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman didn’t want any repeats of these events and needed no distractions as he made subtle digs the new-look design.Expansive changes to the Champions League and Europa League this season have sparked up the need for the revised Carabao Cup format. Two bowls were used on Wednesday night to help the six European sides avoid fixture clashes. The first bowl only included the six Prem teams playing in the Champions League and Europa League.Most read in FootballThe other 26 teams were relegated to the second part of the draw.As such the first four teams picked were from the European bowl, which meant Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United lucked out with home fixtures.How the draw was laid out before teams were selectedCredit: Sky SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a bid to make it a tad bit fairer, the final two games swapped so that two other European teams would be drawn away. Aston Villa and Tottenham were the last two European qualifiers left to be selected, so they face Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry City away.Smoking and vaping to be banned in pub gardens and outside football stadiumsChelsea were not included in the first “Europe” bowl as their Conference League round begins later on in the season.However, fans are horrified by the new approach but absolutely loved Chapman’s presenting skills.One fan wrote on X: “Even Mark Chapman knows this draw is a farce, he’s laughing as he’s describing it.”A second said: “Bloody love Mark Chapman. He knows this draw is wrong.”A third replied: “Chapman taking the p** out of the format is hilarious 😂.”While another noted: “The draw is biased and embarrassing. As a result of ensuring they can’t draw each other. All those teams should be away and allow the smaller teams a chance of a home giant-killing and important revenue.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League teams not in European competitions entered the Carabao Cup in the second round.Meanwhile, two additional matchweeks have been added to the calendar for the two European competitions as that is drawn on Thursday.Carabao Cup draw in fullLiverpool v West Ham UnitedManchester City v WatfordArsenal v Bolton WanderersManchester United v BarnsleyWycombe Wanderers v Aston VillaCoventry City v Tottenham HotspurWalsall v Leicester CityBrentford v Leyton OrientBlackpool v Sheffield WednesdayPreston North End v FulhamEverton v SouthamptonQueens Park Rangers v Crystal PalaceStoke City v Fleetwood TownBrighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton WanderersAFC Wimbledon v Newcastle UnitedChelsea v Barrow More

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      Jermaine Jenas ‘to RETURN to TV as he’s handed career lifeline’ after being sacked by BBC over ‘inappropriate texts’

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      JERMAINE Jenas is set to be given a career lifeline by TNT Sports following his sacking by the BBC.TNT has no plans to remove him from their screens and he is expected to return later this season, the Telegraph reports.Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAJenas has since admitted he feels ‘ashamed’Credit: Andrew StyczynskiThe former England star was sacked by the BBC for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.But TNT has kept Jenas on its books – and he is expected to return after next month’s international break.An official date is yet to be confirmed.TNT declined to comment but is expected to make an announcement during the Premier League break next month.Read More Jermaine JenasIt has been confirmed Jenas was not banished from commentary duty at Brighton’s Premier League win over Manchester United on August 24.Despite conflicting reports, the TV personality was not actually scheduled to appear.It is understood if evidence is found of any more cases of inappropriate behaviour by Jenas at the BBC, TNT would change their approach on keeping him on their roster. Jenas is employed as a freelancer by TNT and also presents TNT’s E Sport programming.Most read in FootballHe commentated on Liverpool’s opening-day Premier League win over Ipswich for TNT on August 19. But he was absent on Match of the Day because of the BBC investigation.Jermaine Jenas admits sexting female colleagues & says ‘I’ve let my family down’It comes as the former footie ace is ‘like a Zombie’ as he struggles to deal with the damage done to his family.And after being thrown out of the marital bedroom by “raging” wife Ellie, the broken presenter fears losing his 13-year marriage.The ex-Match of the Day and One Show host, now seeing a therapist to help him survive the crisis, said his head has barely hit the pillow since the BBC confronted him over inappropriate messages sent to women colleagues.The former England, Spurs and Newcastle ace said: “I feel ashamed.“I feel I’ve let everybody down. “Friends, family, colleagues.“I’m pretty much as low as I’ve ever been.”Jenas also revealed that BBC bosses blocked his attempts to apologise to the two female colleagues at the centre of his sex text shame.He said: “I wasn’t allowed to contact the women at all.”The shaken former Premier League and England footballer has also blasted the BBC over the way it dealt with his sacking.“The handling of the situation wasn’t great. It was quick — and hell,” he said.“I don’t think there was a game plan for when they were going to announce they’d fired me.”I think different departments were being told different things. I think it’s shocking.”Jenas was sacked in an online meeting with HR and senior executives on Monday — five days after the initial consultation process and two days after he worked on the Saturday.He has slammed the dismissal process, which happened over a Zoom call while he was on holiday in Spain with wife Ellie and their three kids.The former Spurs star said he does not want to be made a scapegoat for the corporation’s failings over disgraced news presenter Huw Edwards and the inquiry into bullying claims against Strictly pro dancer Giovanni Pernice.The BBC has recently reformed workplace culture guidelines in the wake of Edwards continuing to be paid after being arrested on child abuse images charges in November.Regulations have also been brought in to ensure no more abuses of power occur following the sacking of Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima for allegedly kicking his celeb dance partner Zara McDermott in rehearsals.BBC Director General Tim Davie has since spoken out on the scandals engulfing the BBC.READ MORE SUN STORIESMr Davie said the recent news stories were “shocking” and said there were “lessons we can learn” to make the “strongest possible workplace culture”.In an email sent to all BBC staff yesterday, Tim said he wanted to “acknowledge that this has been a demanding period for the BBC”.Jenas slammed the BBC’s disciplinary process which took place while he was on holiday with wife EllieCredit: 2023 Getty ImagesHis last BBC appearance was on The One Show, alongside Alex Jones, on July 22Credit: BBC/Jamie SimondsJenas is employed as a freelancer by TNT and also presents TNT’s E Sport programmingCredit: AFP More

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      New details emerge of major broadcast change that saw BBC land rights to huge football competition

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      NEW details around the Champions League’s broadcasting change have been revealed.The BBC will broadcast a weekly highlights show of Europe’s premier competition for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.Three different channels will have Champions League rights in the UK this seasonCredit: The TimesAmazon also have the rights to first pick of the Tuesday matches, while TNT Sports continue to show the remainder of the games.And according to The Times, this season’s Champions League will see a 20 per cent increase in earnings for clubs taking part.A rise in the broadcasting rights and sponsorship income is set to mean a more lucrative competition for all those involved.That is despite the tournament expanding from 32 to 36 teams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is understood the average earnings for Champions League teams last season was £54million – and £80m for English clubs.The increased revenue could be worth around £23m per year for English sides.Numbers from the 2022/23 season showed £114m in revenue for winners Manchester City, £81m for Chelsea, £71m Liverpool and £56m for Tottenham.A Uefa source claims the new Champions League format is the reason behind an increase in the price of broadcasting rights.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAll 36 teams will be in one league and play eight games, with the top eight automatically into the last 16 and ninth to 24th facing off in play-off ties.The source said: “There was declining interest in the old format, with some groups decided after only three or four rounds. The new format should keep the interest going much longer.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThey also went on to add: “For the UK, we have highlights on the BBC for the first time, which is important to ensure greater eyeballs from free-to-air TV.”As well as a change in the number of teams and format, Uefa have also added two qualification spots for fifth place in Europe’s best performing leagues the previous season.For the 2024/25 campaign, this has seen Bologna and last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund secure places in the league stage.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

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      My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One club

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      THE SON of a former Premier League star and TV host is forging his own career in football.Leo Castledine, 19, completed a loan transfer to Shrewsbury from Chelsea earlier this week.Leo Castledine has joined Shrewsbury on loan from ChelseaCredit: 2024 Crystal Pix/MB MediaThe attacking midfielder, who has already made his debut for the Blues after appearing in their Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough in January, is going on his first loan spell to continue his development.Having joined Chelsea’s academy from Wimbledon as an Under-15 star, he is described as “a player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle”.And he is now hoping to make waves in League One with the Shrews.Speaking to club media, Castledine – who has represented England Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level – said: “I’m really excited to get going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously it’s my first loan in the men’s game but I’m ready to get going and just want to play.”(Shrewsbury) is a great club with a lot of history and I’m eager to get going and I can see a set up here where it’s going to work out and I’m going to get a lot of games and be able to help the team.”Manager Paul Hurst said of the deal: “We are really pleased because he’s one we’ve been looking at for a long time and initially we weren’t sure he’d be allowed to come out on loan.”There was also word that he may end up in the Championship, so we’re delighted to get him in and had to be patient on this one. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s a player we think can add a lot to this squad. He’s a mature character who plays with maturity, enthusiasm, and has quality.”Castledine comes from Premier League stock, with his father Stewart Castledine starring for Wimbledon for nine years in the top flight.Premier League fathers and sonsCastledine senior, 51, had a ten-year career in professional football despite never being a regular player with the Dons.Following his playing career, Castledine Snr went straight into TV presenting.He hosted BBC One’s Big Strong Boys and Houses Behaving Badly over the course of seven years.Castledine also tried his hand at modelling for the likes of DKNY and Topman and in acting in the 2006 film Pink Panther.He has since had various directorial roles in sport, including eight years at Sports Revolution Ltd, and currently works at KIN Partners and a Football Commercial Director.Castledine is also married to TV presenter Lucy Alexander, with the pair having two children together, Leo and EastEnders actress Kitty.Stewart Castledine is a former BBC TV presenterCredit: RexHe starred for Wimbledon for nine yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      Jermaine Jenas will NOT work for TNT Sports this month after he is sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts’

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      JERMAINE JENAS will NOT be working for TNT Sports this month following his axing from The BBC.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder has been fired from the national broadcaster due to alleged “inappropriate behaviour”.Jermaine Jenas has been axed by the BBC over alleged “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: GETTYJenas’ Beeb axing has raised questions over his future with TNT SportsCredit: PAJenas is currently not slated to be on TNT Sports for the next few weeksCredit: GettyJenas was sacked after a female member of staff on The One Show claimed she received “unsolicited texts” from the 41-year-old.The Beeb have launched a probe into the allegations, which have raised questions about his punditry duties with TNT.And according to The Mirror, TNT currently don’t have Jenas “pencilled in for games over the next few weeks”.TNT have yet to release a statement on the allegations made against Jenas, who was part of their broadcast team for Liverpool’s trip to Ipswich last Saturday.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASThe allegations against Jenas have likely ended his dream of succeeding Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.Jenas’ axing comes just weeks after the Beeb announced an independent review into its workplace culture in light of the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.A well-placed source told The Sun: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.”Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.Most read in FootballJermaine Jenas is understood to be “devastated” by his BBC axingCredit: GETTY”After some immediate routine enquiries, the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.”The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’”At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”Jenas was live on talkSPORT when news of his sacking broke, although he declined to provide an in-depth comment on his dismissal.The married dad-of-four said “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.”There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”The retired midfielder later added: “I’m not happy about this situation.”I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.” More