BT Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ITV in talks to buy BT Sport in bid to make Premier League and Champions League football FREE to watch

      by

      ITV are preparing a bid to bring top flight English football back to free-to-air TV as they contemplate buying a stake in BT Sport, according to reports.It was revealed earlier this week that BT Sport was being put up for sale.
      ITV could return Premier League football to free-to-air televisionCredit: PA
      The Champions League could also find itself back on free-to-air TV in the UKCredit: Reuters
      And streaming platforms Amazon, Disney and DAZN were all touted as potential buyers for the TV network in a deal that would be worth billions.
      But according to The Telegraph, ITV have now emerged as another possible buyer.
      Both ITV and BT Sport have attempted to diversify in recent times, with ITV a partner in YouView and BT considering investing in ITV’s streaming service BritBox.
      BT Sport is believed to be worth around £2billion.
      According to insiders, ITV acquiring BT Sport would mean some Premier League and Champions League will be shown on free-to-air.
      The network has held the Champions League rights since 2015 when they paid the best part of £900m for the competition.
      Before then the rights were shared between ITV and Sky Sports.
      It is thought that while ITV lacks the financial power of other buyers, it could still be able to afford BT Sport in a post-pandemic climate.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR PUNCHESTOWN

      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      This is because pay-TV has struggled since the coronavirus outbreak began.
      In addition, the competitions being on terrestrial TV will mean a larger audience and provide increased advertising sales.
      Talks are said to be underway but there is no known date when a deal could be struck.
      Kevin De Bruyne reacts after Man City beat PSG 2-1 in first leg of Champions League semi-final More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer says it’s ‘easy’ to make decisions in studio over Scholes & Hargreaves comments

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER rapped “it’s easy” to make decisions in a studio – after Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves wanted Manchester United to make changes before they went goal crazy.United fought from 2-1 down to beat Roma 6-2 in the Europa League semi first leg as attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba gelled.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was rewarded for his bold midfield selection, with Paul Pogba notching a late headed goal in a 6-2 comeback win over RomaCredit: PA
      Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes showed they can play together just behind frontman Edinson Cavani, with Marcus Rashford out wideCredit: Getty
      But ex-Old Trafford and England midfielders Scholes and Hargreaves had called for United to reshuffle in the centre when they trailed at the break.
      Instead, Fernandes and Edinson Cavani completed doubles, while Pogba and sub Mason Greenwood struck late on to surely make the return leg in Italy a formality.
      Solskjaer told BT Sport: “It’s easy up there thinking who should play… but who should not play?
      “That’s a very good team, it worked really good against Tottenham [3-1 away win on April 11].  
      “Maybe those two should try to leave players out and pick a team with balance.
      “We know we have got creative players who can create big moments. 

      “Paul Pogba’s position today was very good in that position, he’s allowed some freedom. He’s got the foundation behind him.”
      And Solskjaer believes the only real change between this romp and recent displays was United’s finishing.
      He said: “Mason Greenwood should be disappointed not to be playing but it’s about balance.   
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

       “The diference today is we took most of our chances.
       “The character showed that they came back and didn’t lose their heads… we didn’t look great but we got ourselves together. 
      “The two goals [conceded] are junior, schoolboy errors that shouldn’t happen at this level.”  
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd star Bruno Farnandes enjoys a bottle of milk after leaving the pitch More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker forced to pull out of BT Sport Champions League coverage on Wednesday after Covid scare with colleague

      by

      GARY LINEKER was forced to pull out of BT Sport’s Champions League coverage on Wednesday night amid a Covid scare.The 60-year-old had been due to analyse the game between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City from the BT Sport studios in Stratford, East London.
      Gary Lineker was forced to pull out of BT Sport’s Champions League coverage on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker was in the studio on Tuesday night for Real Madrid vs ChelseaCredit: @btsportfootball/Twitter
      Massively disappointed not to be on @btsport tonight for such a great game. A late shout after a positive Covid test to an important member of our team. Obeyed our strict social distancing guidelines, but it was decided to be ultra cautious & get tested before returning to work.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) April 28, 2021

      But he was forced to pull out at the last minute after a Covid scare.
      Stand-in host Jake Humphrey revealed at the start of the broadcast: “There is no Gary Lineker tonight as unfortunately one of the team from last night has today had a positive Covid test result.
      “As a precaution we have decided that no-one from yesterday’s team returns until they have been tested and declared completely safe to do so.”
      Lineker also tweeted as the show began, writing: “Massively disappointed not to be on BT Sport tonight for such a great game.
      “A late shout after a positive Covid test to an important member of our team.
      “Obeyed our strict social distancing guidelines, but it was decided to be ultra cautious & get tested before returning to work.”
      He later put out another tweet with his feet up in front of a big screen, writing: “Well, this is different.”
      The presenter was on air for Tuesday night’s coverage of the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Chelsea.

      The pundit made his opinion clear about the failed European Super League last weekCredit: pixel8000

      Current Covid rules mean anyone told by NHS Track and Trace they have come into contact with a person infected with Covid-19 should self-isolate for 10 days.
      The England legend revealed he had the vaccine on Twitter, back in February, joking: “Had the vaccine and England Cricket lost Root & Stokes whilst I was getting jabbed. Nobody said anything about those side effects.”
      The news comes after Lineker vowed to ‘never work on the European Super League’ as he blasted former club Barcelona for agreeing to the controversial plans.
      The BBC and BT Sport pundit made it clear he would not be part of the ESL circus – which sent shockwaves throughout football last week.
      Lineker wrote on Twitter: “To be clear, if it actually happens, I will never work on this European Super League.”
      The former England striker also took aim at old side Barcelona, where he scored 52 goals in 137 games.
      Last week, all six English clubs quit the hated European Super League in a massive victory for fan power.
      Chelsea were the first to break ranks after fans gathered outside their Stamford Bridge ground to voice their anger, with Manchester City following soon after.
      Click here to follow all the action from Manchester City vs PSG

      Then Spurs, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all announced they were quitting the project hours later.
      Gary Lineker also hit out at Jurgen Klopp for being ‘spectacularly tone deaf’ over the European Super League fallout.
      The Liverpool boss was asked his thoughts following the fierce backlash and collapse of the money-making farce – and said he believed pundits ought to “calm down.”
      Lineker was far from impressed with Klopp’s reasoning and believes the fans have every right to continue making their voices heard.
      He fired back on Twitter: “A handful of owners try to tear our game apart and may well try to do so again, and we’re just told to ‘calm down and move on’.
      “Huge admirer of Klopp but he’s spectacularly tone deaf here.
      “Without the fans of our beautiful game it would be much uglier today.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Neymar’s sister Rafaella stuns in selection of bikinis for steamy photoshoot More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Joe Cole appears to suffer knee injury in the COMMENTARY BOX as BT Sports pundit wears ice pack on knee

      by

      CHELSEA legend Joe Cole has shown that punditry can still be as dangerous as playing after he was spotted nursing an ice pack at Villa Park.The 39-year-old was providing analysis for Aston Villa’s derby clash against West Brom on Sunday where Dean Smith’s side earned a 2-2 draw.
      Joe Cole could be seen nursing an ice pack on his knee during Aston Villa’s clash against West BromCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      And the former England international was seen with an ice pack on his knee as he watched the two West Midlands clubs compete.
      It is unclear whether he picked up the knock outside of the studio or inside the ground.
      Cole may have suffered the injury when he rolled back the years after featuring for non-league side Belstone FC earlier this month.
      The former Liverpool midfielder – who retired in November 2018 following two years spent in America with the Tampa Bay Rowdies – played the first half in the cup clash.
      And he inspired the club to a 2-1 victory after being asked by his friend and manager Aaron Lincoln to play.
      Cole recently threw his name in the hat to succeed Aidy Boothroyd as England’s new Under-21 boss.
      Speaking on JOE Media and Coral’s latest All To Play For podcast, he remarked: “I’ve said before I’m not ready for a role like the England U21s manager.
      “But I’m a proud Englishman and playing for my country was the proudest moment of my career, so I would regard any kind of position like that as more of a calling than a job.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      “I’ve got all my badges and I’ve began on the road and I do feel like that role needs a younger coach who can get the best out of the players.
      “I did a year with the Chelsea academy and I learned so much.
      “When I started, they had me give a presentation to all the players and coaches on three managers that I had worked with before.
      “For a forty minute talk, I spent two weeks preparing everything.
      “I’ve loved being involved in that side of things, loved the year I did and I feel I learned so much that will help me in the future.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Spotify founder Daniel Ek preparing Arsenal takeover bid with KSE willing to sell for £2 Billion after fan protests More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports and BT Sport announce Premier League TV fixtures for April and May including Man Utd vs Liverpool showdown

      by

      SKY SPORTS and BT Sport have announced their televised fixtures for April and May with a few bumper fixtures.Manchester United’s showdown against rivals Liverpool is the pick of the bunch with both clubs looking to bounce back from drama off-the-pitch.
      Sky Sports will broadcast Manchester United’s clash against LiverpoolCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      The Premier League giants were among the six forced into embarrassing U-turns over their involvement in the European Super League.
      And now Champions League football is back on the table, Liverpool will need all the points they can get from now until the end of the season.
      Sky Sports will broadcast Jurgen Klopp’s side’s trip to Old Trafford to face United on Sunday, May 2 at 16:30 pm.
      BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS
      That is one 14 games Sky are set to air from Friday, April 30 when Southampton host Leicester until Monday, May 10 for Fulham vs Burnley.
      Other notable games include Newcastle against Arsenal on Sunday, May 2 as well as Manchester City taking on Chelsea on Saturday, May 8.
      Meanwhile, BT Sport have four games of their own starting with Pep Guardiola’s side facing Crystal Palace on the first day of next month.
      Everton entertaining Aston Villa will be the evening slot on Saturday, May 1 when that tie kicks off at 19:30 pm.
      BT Sport will also show Leeds against Tottenham on Saturday, May 8 as well the latter’s rivals Arsenal hosting West Brom the following day.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Elsewhere, The BBC and Amazon have each been given the rights to show one fixture in the next batch of Premier League fixtures picked for TV.
      Wolves’ home game against Brighton will be shown live on BBC One on Sunday, May 9 at 12pm.
      And Amazon will also cover the Seagulls for their home game against Leeds at the beginning of next month.
      Watch moment shocked Thomas Tuchel finds out Chelsea have withdrawn from European Super League live on Sky Sports More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘will be first PPV available on both Sky Sports AND BT Sport with rivals sharing spoils’

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury will be available on pay-per-view with Sky Sports AND BT Sport, according to Bob Arum.It would be the first time a PPV boxing fight can be watched on either channel in the UK.
      Fans will be able to watch Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury on Sky Sports or BT Sport in the UK this summerCredit: Mark Robinson
      Joshua has his own deal with Sky whereas WBC king Fury’s contract is with rivals BTCredit: PA:Press Association
      Fury’s American co-promoter Arum revealed the news – and added ESPN will get the rights in America, not DAZN who have aired Joshua’s last four fights.
      The Top Rank chief told Boxing Scene: “You will be able to buy it on BT or buy it on Sky, it can’t be exclusive to either.
      “Obviously, the big market is the UK, where everyone is talking it will do three million homes.”
      However, SunSport understands Arum’s comments regarding BT Sport’s guaranteed involvement are premature.
      No concrete decisions will be made on broadcast deals until the date and venue are confirmed.
      It is unclear how much fans will have to pay to get access for the fight with details yet to be finalised.
      Joshua has his own deal with Sky whereas WBC king Fury’s contract is with rivals BT.
      This broadcasting deadlock threatened to scupper the unification heavyweight bout.
      BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS

      But Arum’s comments suggest British boxing fans will now get their choice of presenters and pundits for the mammoth Battle of Britain.
      Eddie Hearn, promoter for the WBA, WBO and IBF champ AJ, revealed how the negotiations developed for both broadcasters to show the fight.
      He said: “It is quite easy because the worst case scenario is everyone shares it and everyone will do that anyway. But we need to maximise the revenue for the fighters. 
      “In the UK, AJ has an exclusive deal with Sky, Fury has matching price deal with BT, in America Fury has an exclusive deal with ESPN and AJ has a matching deal with DAZN. 
      “I can’t talk on behalf of Sky but Sky will feel probably quite comfortable that they will get the majority of buys in that instance. 
      “If it means them getting the fight, I can’t see any obstacles. There is no one saying no, everyone is saying we need to get this done.”
      Asked about his client’s contract ending with Sky Sports, Hearn added: “There are extensions on that, ongoing discussions as well, and there will be some interesting news on that soon about a new partnership with us but that has got a little bit longer. 
      “Obviously with the force majeure and the delay in fights it puts it back but he has one fight left with Sky. 

      “Hopefully his two fights with Fury which are due to take place this year, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t be on Sky regardless of what we are doing anyway.”
      The first part of AJ and Fury’s two-fight deal is expected to take place indoors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 24.
      A rematch is then expected to be staged in the UK later in 2021.
      Joshua’s Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said: “We all know now that both sides have signed the contract, they have both accepted one specific proposal and we are finalising that with contracts going backwards and forwards and tiny, tiny points getting ironed out.
      “We haven’t finalised an exact date, July 24 is the rough date but it may leak into early August but no later than that. The Olympics will be a different timezone so it’s not really in the mindset.
      “It will be peak time UK, middle of the night in Tokyo, there will not be a TV clash.
      “There is going to be a crowd, indoors obviously, so up to 20,000.”
      Joshua will put his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles on the line in the Battle of BritainCredit: PA
      Bob Arum, right, made the comments surrounding the broadcast deals in an interview with Boxing SceneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tyson Fury promises to show what a real man does to a fake one when he fights Anthony Joshua in unification clash More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      BT Sport condemns European Super League and fears for ‘damaging effect to long-term health of football’

      by

      BT SPORT have condemned the formation of a European Super League by insisting it could have a ‘damaging effect’ on football.The revelation was confirmed on Sunday as the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs announced they had signed up to be involved in the new 20-team format.
      BT Sport have opposed plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: Enterprise News and Pictures

      But with the proposal having already received criticism from fans, pundits, football’s governing bodies and the UK government, broadcasters BT Sport have now weighed in with a similar message.
      In a post on Twitter, they said: “BT recognises the concerns raised by many of football’s leading voices and fans, and believes the formation of a European Super League could have a damaging effect to the long term health of football in this country.
      “As a sport broadcaster showing Premier League, UEFA club football and National League football as well as being lead partner for all the Home Nations football teams, we strongly believe that football makes a significant positive contribution to people’s lives at every level, and this needs to be protected.”
      Among those who have already slammed the proposal is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who described it as ‘very damaging’.
      And a passionate Gary Neville went one step further on Sunday evening by labelling it a ‘criminal act against the fans’.
      What we know about the format so far is that England will have the largest contingent, with Liverpool and Man Utd joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs.
      Among the remaining 12 ‘founder members’, Spain would supply Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona as well as Juventus, Inter and AC Milan from Italy.
      It is expected Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will complete the 15-strong closed shop, but Borussia Dortmund have already ruled themselves out.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      ⚽ ⚽ EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE LATEST ⚽ ⚽

      It is then unclear how the five additional teams will be selected each year.
      The provisional start date for the inaugural European Super League is at the start of the 2022-23 season, although this is subject to change.
      For an extensive look at how the European Super League would work, check out SunSport’s guide to the radical new idea.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Gary Neville gives impassioned rant about greedy Big 6 and The European Super League More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Peter Crouch has BT Sport pundits in stitches as he forgets his own Champions League heroics

      by

      PETER CROUCH was stunned to learn that Phil Foden had matched his own Champions League feat – because he had forgotten doing it.The former England striker, 40, provided a hilarious moment on BT Sport’s coverage of Manchester City’s win on Wednesday night.
      Peter Crouch could only laugh after forgetting his scoring feat
      Foden’s winner against Borussia Dortmund meant he was the second-youngest player to score in both legs of a Champions League quarter-final tie, behind Kylian Mbappe.
      Four English players had managed to do so previously and Jake Humphreys asked pundits Crouch, Owen Hargreaves and Joleon Lescott who the others were.
      The trio correctly recalled Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard from the list, which also included Raheem Sterling.
      And Humphreys put the final answer to a confused Crouch, confirming that it was the man himself.
      He quickly asked ‘was it?’ before the studio erupted into laughter.
      The ex-forward remarked: “I was a good player, you know.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Crouch scored a trademark header in Liverpool’s win at PSV Eindhoven in 2007Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The striker followed it up with the only goal of the quarter-final return leg winCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “Good times.”
      Humphreys revealed that he presumed Crouch knew all along that he was on the list, setting him up for a triumphant confirmation to no avail.
      Indeed, he bagged in both legs of Liverpool’s quarter-final tie with PSV Eindhoven in 2007.
      The 4-0 aggregate win featured two of Crouch’s six goals in the competition that year as the Reds reached the final, but lost to AC Milan.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Phil Foden sprints to the touchline to celebrate with Pep Guardiola as Man City march on to Champions League semi-final More