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      Football pundit Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson suspended by BBC after describing players’ scuffle as ‘handbags’

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      A FOOTBALL pundit has been suspended by the BBC — for describing a scuffle between two players as “handbags”.
      Steve “Tommo” Thompson was relieved of his duties for using the familiar matchday phrase after ­listeners complained.

      Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson was relieved of his duties after describing a scuffle between players as ‘handbags’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 0-0 draw away at Accrington Stanley in the Sky Bet League One last Saturday.
      It is so common it appears in the Collins Dictionary as “an incident in which people, ­especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm”.
      Freelancer Steve, 65, who played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be “devastated” by the BBC’s decision.

      Steve made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 1-0 win at Swindon Town in the Sky Bet League One on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lincoln fan Bernard ­O’Mahoney is campaigning for his reinstatement. He said: “As any football fan knows, ‘handbags’ is an incredibly well-known saying.

      “I can’t begin to think who’d be offended by it. The BBC has lost touch with the public.”

      ‘Handbags’ appears in the Collins Dictionary as ‘an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm’

      Fan Marcus Greatorex added: “It’s just an old term. The BBC should pay more attention to songs on their stations promoting knife crime and drug use.”
      The BBC said: “After listeners raised concerns, Steve acknowledged some of his comments on air didn’t meet the standards we expect. He is taking a break but will be back in the New Year.”

      Freelancer Steve, 65, who has played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be ‘devastated’ by the BBC’s decisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      THE SUN SAYS

      THE BBC has been in the grip of “woke” madness longer than almost anyone.

      But dropping a footy pundit for calling an ineffectual on-pitch scuffle “handbags” is a new level of foolishness.
      Who exactly is offended by this term, so common it’s in the dictionary?
      No one outside the imagination of hyper-sensitive producers.
      The BBC is growing more distant by the day from the public whose licence fees it needs.
      It’s one own-goal after another.

      U23Malaysia and UAE friendly marred by shocking violence as players throw punches and trade blows
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

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      Football pundit Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson suspended by BBC for describing players’ scuffle as ‘handbags’

      by

      FOOTBALL pundit has been suspended by the BBC — for describing a scuffle between two players as “handbags”.
      Steve “Tommo” Thompson was relieved of his duties for using the familiar matchday phrase after ­listeners complained.

      Steve ‘Tommo’ Thompson was relieved of his duties after describing a scuffle between players as ‘handbags’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 0-0 draw away at Accrington Stanley in the Sky Bet League One last Saturday.
      It is so common it appears in the Collins Dictionary as “an incident in which people, ­especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm”.
      Freelancer Steve, 65, who played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be “devastated” by the BBC’s decision.

      Steve made the comment on BBC Radio Lincolnshire during Lincoln City’s 1-0 win at Swindon Town in the Sky Bet League One on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lincoln fan Bernard ­O’Mahoney is campaigning for his reinstatement. He said: “As any football fan knows, ‘handbags’ is an incredibly well-known saying.

      “I can’t begin to think who’d be offended by it. The BBC has lost touch with the public.”

      ‘Handbags’ appears in the Collins Dictionary as ‘an incident in which people, especially sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm’
      Fan Marcus Greatorex added: “It’s just an old term. The BBC should pay more attention to songs on their stations promoting knife crime and drug use.”
      The BBC said: “After listeners raised concerns, Steve acknowledged some of his comments on air didn’t meet the standards we expect. He is taking a break but will be back in the New Year.”

      Freelancer Steve, 65, who has played for and managed Lincoln, was said to be ‘devastated’ by the BBC’s decisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      THE SUN SAYS

      THE BBC has been in the grip of “woke” madness longer than almost anyone.

      But dropping a footy pundit for calling an ineffectual on-pitch scuffle “handbags” is a new level of foolishness.
      Who exactly is offended by this term, so common it’s in the dictionary?
      No one outside the imagination of hyper-sensitive producers.
      The BBC is growing more distant by the day from the public whose licence fees it needs.
      It’s one own-goal after another.

      U23Malaysia and UAE friendly marred by shocking violence as players throw punches and trade blows
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      Man Utd hero Rashford to be honoured with special award at Sports Personality of the Year for work fighting poverty

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is to be honoured with a Special Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
      But the Manchester United and England striker, 23, will not be included in the shortlist for the main prize.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Marcus Rashford will receive a Special Award for his impact outside of footballCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Special Award has been made on behalf of the judging panel in recognition of Rashford’s exceptional impact outside of sport, in which he successfully campaigned for free school meals for kids during school holidays.
      Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: “Marcus’ endeavour to give a voice to those who find themselves in a situation that he too is familiar with has been greatly admired and the panel wanted to ensure he was recognised for that.
      “In a year that has been challenging for everyone, but particularly vulnerable families, he has gone above and beyond to transcend his sport and make a real difference.

      “This award is a tribute to a remarkable young man.”
      SPOTY rules did not allow Rashford’s crusade to be included in the nominations for the main award because that is based on sporting achievement.
      Rashford will receive his gong at the Salford event on December 20.
      The England striker was named the Pride of Britain earlier this year after the success of his campaign to extend free school meals.

      He has also launched the Marcus Rashford Book Club which is aimed at encouraging youngsters to read – especially those from vulnerable and under privileged backgrounds.
      Rashford is not just excelling off the pitch though with the United striker scoring a penalty in their 4-1 win against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday in the Champions League.
      And the role model can now look forward to getting his hands on the award next month for the work he has accomplished outside of football.

      Boris Johnson has ‘been in touch’ with Marcus Rashford over free school meals, Matt Hancock claims More

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      Marcus Rashford ‘set to miss BBC SPOTY shortlist’ despite Man Utd star’s brilliant charity work feeding needy kids

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is set to miss out on a BBC Sports Personality of the Year nomination despite his remarkable charity work, according to reports.
      The Manchester United striker is odds-on favourite with the bookies for the award after earning plaudits for his tireless campaigning for disadvantaged children to receive free meals during school holidays.

      Marcus Rashford may be overlooked for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award despite his remarkable charity workCredit: PA:Press Association

      But the Daily Mail claims Rashford, 22, is likely to be overlooked as the Beeb’s guidelines state only ‘sporting achievements’ can be considered – despite the name of the award.
      That would leave Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton a strong contender after the Mercedes ace beat Michael Schumacher’s long-standing wins record at the Portuguese GP.
      Rashford forced the Government into a U-turn over the summer holidays after fighting for the free school meals programme to be extended in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

      And he took on ministers again as many vulnerable children head into the half-term without the safety net of food provided at school.

      The brilliant efforts also saw the young England star given an MBE.
      But despite his heroics off the pitch, it is difficult to suggest Rashford deserves special recognition for his successes on it.
      The United academy graduate has scored 11 goals in 28 appearances so far in 2020 for club and country but has not won any major trophies since 2017.
      And his shortlist snub could pave the way for Hamilton to race clear in the votes come December 20.

      Rashford has had a decent enough spell in front of goal in 2020 but with only ‘sporting achievements’ up for consideration he looks set to miss out on the awardCredit: PA:Press Association

      Lewis Hamilton is among the favourites to land the award after another record-breaking F1 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      By then, he is expected to join Schumacher on seven world championships and extend his lead in terms of career race wins.
      However, WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury – who dethroned Deontay Wilder in spectacular fashion in February – could be in with a shot.
      Among the other favourites for the 2020 gong is Ronnie O’Sullivan, who won his sixth World Snooker Championships at the Crucible in August.
      Ben Stokes picked up the award last year for his incredible summer helping England to Cricket World Cup glory and keeping the Ashes alive with one of the most memorable Test innings in living memory.

      Ben Stokes was the 2019 champion following his cricket heroics for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

      Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford helps out at food charity after MPs reject bid to extend school meals More

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      BBC may be handed live matches if Premier League clubs vote to screen every behind-closed-doors match

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      THE BBC could be awarded more live Premier League matches this season if clubs vote to screen all behind-closed-doors games.
      That would mean a dramatic U-turn on their decision to block fans from watching up to 160 games on television.

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      The BBC could be awarded more live Premier League games next season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Top-flight clubs will debate whether to continue screening matches during the pandemicCredit: EPA
      The Government has urged the Premier League to “follow the spirit of Project Restart” in making more games available to fans on TV.
      And clubs have now agreed to reconsider their refusal to allow more than 220 games to be shown live at a shareholders’ meeting on Thursday.
      The Telegraph claim that all twenty top-flight sides will hold talks this week to decide whether to continue screening their fixtures while fans remain banned from being in stadiums.
      The Premier League initially began talks with its broadcast partners to potentially screen every match from the beginning of the season until the start of October at the least.

      Those include Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon, but also the BBC, which became the first terrestrial broadcaster to air live Prem matches earlier this year.
      The Beeb also set the record for the most-watched Premier League game ever after it broadcast Southampton’s shock 1-0 win over Manchester City.
      However, the company’s radio coverage and Match of the Day show drew fewer numbers.
      And the report claims the Beeb are wary of that with highlight show MOTD costing them £211.5million in rights for the 2019-22 seasons.

      Yet sources at the rights holders, via the Telegraph, are expecting the BBC to be awarded at least one fixture if the Prem reverse their screening stance.
      That would mean the BBC showing one of the 11 games not already selected for broadcast by lead broadcasters Sky Sports and BT Sport.
      The two rivals have already swooped to show every one of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City’s this month.
      As with Project Restart, Sky, BT and Amazon would be expected to be given nearly all the other remaining matches.

      A potential split would see Sky awarded six or seven, BT two or three and Amazon and the BBC one each.
      Sources were not expecting the Premier League to present an alternative method of screening the eleven matches – such as via clubs’ own websites.
      A pay-per-view model is also unlikely to be approved at this stage.

      Premier League 2020-21 opening day fixtures revealed More

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      Southampton vs Man City sets Premier League viewing figure record as BBC eclipse Sky Sports with third ever game

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      SOUTHAMPTON’S shock win over Manchester City was the most-watched Premier League game ever. A record 5.7million tuned into the BBC’s live coverage of the game at St Mary’s on Sunday evening. The BBC’s coverage of Southampton vs Manchester City drew in a record audience of 5.7millionCredit: BBC It was just the third Premier League game […] More

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      Premier League fans will get to vote for favourite chants to cheer on teams when crowdless games return

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans will be able to virtually cheer on their team when crowdless games return – by voting against rival supporters to hear their team’s best chants. It could see Liverpool supporters still going head to head with those from Everton in the potential title-winning game, as part of a raft of innovations from […] More