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      BT Sport scrapping hugely popular show and top presenters could face axe as they join rivals Sky in cuts

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      BT SPORT is scrapping its popular Score football show on Saturday afternoons.From next season the channel will replace the seven-year-old programme, which is presented by Jules Breach and Darrell Currie, with new coverage as it rebrands as TNT after being taken over.
      Jules Breach presents the Score football showCredit: Rex
      Darrell Currie is Jules’ co-presenter on Score
      Regular pundit Chris Sutton has been informed of the decision to discontinue the showCredit: Getty
      Robbie Savage also features regularlyCredit: Getty
      The show can attract one million viewersCredit: BT Sport
      On-screen stars – including Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage – have been told of the shock move.
      But anger has brewed after production staff working behind the scenes have not been put on formal notice.
      SunSport understands a number of production crew could face the axe including on-screen talent as part of the new joint venture between BT and Warner Bros Discovery.
      A spokesperson for Warner Bros Discovery Sports said: “Editorial reviews are undertaken as a matter of course in preparation for every new season.

      “For next season, this includes considering the programming that will continue, as the channel becomes TNT Sports, and as part of the line-up supporting the same live sport fans enjoy on BT Sport today.
      “As part of this process, we have confirmed to staff that BT Sport Score will not be continuing next season.”
      A source told The Sun : “It was very awkward on set because the on-screen presenters were aware that Score has been kicked into touch next season.
      “Everyone is in shock because Score has held its own and established itself against rival Saturday afternoon broadcasts on Sky Sports and BBC One.”
      Most read in Football
      Prem clashes on Saturday lunchtime on BT Sport can attract around one million viewers – with the majority continuing to tune in for Score as goals go in around the country.
      The changes to programming come as the new joint venture is busy deciding on its content for next season and where best to invest.
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      The channel is also switching studios from its current base in Stratford, East London, to a new smaller hub in Stockley Park near Heathrow, west of the capital.
      A source said: “Fans next season enjoying live Premier League games on Saturday lunchtimes are not then going to stick around to watch something else.
      “It’s a strange move to say the least. There is bound to be a clamour for Score’s presenters and in-studio guests, with a lot of celebs on other channels now looking over their shoulder.”

      Presenting roles face a major shake-up as more than 200 employees who moved over to Warner Bros Discovery as part of BT Sports’ joint venture last year were told jobs will be dissolved.
      Gutted workers will have to apply for another job at Warner Bros Discovery if they wish to stay.
      Those who do not find a new role will be given redundancy, and the majority of those at risk are based at BT Sport’s base in Stratford, now that its lease has expired.
      Warner Bros Discovery has stated that new roles have been created by the joint venture, and that BT Sport employees will be given priority for these vacancies.
      Read More on The Sun
      The cancellation of the Score show comes just weeks after Sky Sports announced Soccer AM will be axed at the end of the season.
      The show has run for 30 years but will be cancelled and replaced by Saturday Social, which will focus more on the social media side of football. More

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      in Soccer

      Gabby Agbonlahor slams TV companies for amount of subscriptions needed to watch football after missing match

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      GABBY AGBONLAHOR has hit out at the number of subscriptions fans need to watch football.The former Aston Villa star ranted about TV companies after he was unable to watch Scotland’s 2-0 win over Spain.
      Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed TV companies for the amount of subscriptions needed to watch footballCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORT
      The rant came after he was not able to watch Scotland’s win over SpainCredit: AP
      Manchester United star Scott McTominay netted a brace against the Spanish to give his side a famous win.
      However many were unable to watch the game as it was broadcast on Viaplay, which costs £14.99 a month or £11.99 a month if paid for on a 12-month contract.
      And Agbonlahor was left fuming with this as he went on to moan about the number of subscriptions that are needed in order for fans to tune into games.
      He told talkSPORT: “It was a massive result.
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      “But I didn’t get to watch the game as there are so many channels now, that football is on.
      “You’ve got Viaplay £15, BT Sport £30, Sky Sports £24, Amazon £9.
      “I can’t keep up, I went to put it on and I am like ‘I am not signing up to this channel’.”
      And many fans agreed with the former England international as one commented: “Will only get worse at the end of the next TV rights contracts when the likes of Dazn and Disney and possibly Netflix get involved.”
      Most read in Football
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      A second wrote: “I’ve never agreed with Gabby more, never even bloody heard of Viaplay until last night.”
      A third said: “Finally, a pundit addressing what most of the football-loving public have a grievance about.”
      A fourth tweeted: “It’s ridiculous to need some sort of regulation on this over a £100 month to watch football.”
      While a fifth added: “Don’t always agree with Gabby but he’s spot on here, the good old days were when footy was on normal telly, and they wonder why people don’t pay.” More

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      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wins £4.9million tax battle with HMRC

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      MATCH of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle.HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has won a £4.9million tax battle with HMRCCredit: PA
      The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
      But Gary, 62, insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
      Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
      But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case.

      HMRC may appeal.
      It comes amid recent controversy surrounding a tweet from Lineker that the BBC originally deemed to be in breach of their guidelines.
      Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
      He tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      Most read in Football
      The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
      But bosses later apologised to Lineker and announced he would return to hosting duties. More

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      Sky Sports and BT Sport face LOSING Premier League TV rights as streaming giants consider bid

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      APPLE are ready to make a move for Premier League TV rights when bidding for the next packages begin, according to reports.Their interest could provide a huge threat to Sky Sports’ and BT Sport’s Prem deals.
      The next Prem TV deal will start in 2025Credit: Getty
      Apple TV have already dipped their toe into the football market.
      They produced a four-part original documentary about the Super League, which released earlier this year.
      While they have also begun a ten-year contract to broadcast MLS globally worth a staggering £200million-a-season.
      The current rights packages owned by Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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      SunSports understands the bidding process will begin towards the end of this year.
      And the new rights will take effect during the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
      Sky Sports show around 140 Prem matches per season, with BT Sport owning rights to 50 and Amazon Prime Video broadcasting two complete game weeks, including the Boxing Day fixtures.
      American owners of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, believe that the £5.1bn over three years earned for global TV rights is less than market value.
      Most read in Football
      Last year Boehly admitted that he hopes the Prem can “learn from US sports” when it comes to earning more revenue – even introducing the idea of an All-Star game, like those seen across the pond.
      He said: “Ultimately I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports.
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      “And really starts to figure out, why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four sports teams, why isn’t there an All-Star game?
      “People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB All-Star game this year we made $200m (£160m) from a Monday and a Tuesday.
      “So we’re thinking we could do a North versus South All-Star game for the Premier League, for whatever the pyramid needed quite easily.”
      Sky Sports have owned the bulk of Prem TV rights since the league’s launch in 1992 – but now find their dominance under severe threat.
      They have revolutionised coverage in the UK, becoming a huge part of households around the country.
      BT Sport, meanwhile, will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery [WBD].
      Read More on The Sun
      Managing director of WBD Sports Europe, Andrew Georgiou, said: “On the next rights auction this is a premium service and our intention is to remain a premium service.
      “Our approach to any rights auction is to make sure we maintain that position in the market.”
      Todd Boehly suggested a Prem All-Star gameCredit: Alamy More

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      in Boxing

      Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for big heavyweight fight

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      JOE JOYCE is back in heavyweight action as he faces Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang next. The Juggernaut hasn’t been in the ring since he dismantled Joseph Parker in 11 rounds back in their September slugfest.
      Joyce is undefeated but is still looking for his first world title shotCredit: Getty
      Zhang has only lost once as a professional against Filip HrgovicCredit: Getty
      Undefeated as a pro and with some beefy names on his resume, Joyce is still looking for his first world title shot.
      And he’s set to wait a little longer as he faces all-action fighter Zhang at the Copper Box in London.
      The winner, however, is expected to be ordered by the WBO to face the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.
      With Zhang standing in Joyce’s way, the Putney man will have to be switched on if he wants to compete for his first world honours as a pro.
      When is Joyce vs Zhang?
      Joyce’s clash with Zhang will take place on Saturday, April 15.
      The main card gets underway from 7pm, with ring-walks for the main event expected at around 10pm UK time.
      Joyce vs Zhang will be held at the Copper Box Arena in London.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Joyce vs Zhang will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Most read in Boxing
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Joyce vs Zhang full card

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      What has been said?
      “He bangs so I will have to watch out for it,” Joyce said. “As Hrgovic and I have a similar style, they had a great fight, so when we fight it should be entertaining.
      “It will be carnage in the centre of the ring! I have lost my temper a few times in sparring and once was against a come-forward southpaw who was trying to knock me out. It was an exciting spar.
      “I think with me and Zhang there will be real heavy punches exchanged and I am sure it will be a good fight.”
      “I am always up for the challenge and when the opportunity rings the bell,” Zhang said.
      “Joe Joyce and I share a lot in common – we both are Olympic silver medalists, both are big punchers, and are nearly the same size. This is going to be an explosive, epic and tremendous fight.” More

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      ‘They’ve done Michael Owen dirty’ – Fans loving BT Sport’s optical illusion as Peter Crouch towers over ex-Liverpool man

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      FANS were left feeling sorry for Michael Owen as he did punditry alongside Peter Crouch as their height difference came into sharp contrast. The pair were alongside Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport as they watched Liverpool’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to turn the tie around against Real Madrid.
      Fans were snapping pictures off their TV as they revelled in the apparent height distortion between Peter Crouch and Michael OwenCredit: Twitter
      With the three former players gathered around the interactive tactics board to preview the game, fans noticed the contrasting heights between the pundits.
      The clear difference was not helped by BT Sport’s camera angle, which made the difference appear ever more stark.
      Owen is 5ft 8in while the famously tall Crouch stands at 6ft 7in, and the former appeared to barely come to Crouch’s shoulder height in some shots.
      And with the camera angle exaggerating things, fans could barely contain their glee at what they were seeing.
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      One said: “They’ve done Owen dirty here and I love it.”
      Another ruthless fan asked: “How small is Michael Owen?”
      Sharing the picture on their Twitter account, one viewer added: “Who decided to put Michael Owen next to Crouch?”
      While another said pre-kick off: “The game is not going to be as good as Crouch standing next to Owen.”
      Most read in Football
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      It ended up being a decent second-leg at the Bernabeu as Liverpool tried in vain to reverse last month’s Anfield mauling.
      With Alisson making some outstanding saves, Real Madrid eventually won 1-0 thanks to Karim Benzema.
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      Sky ‘getting serious’ over EFL rights offer but could lose games to BT Sport

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      SKY is ‘getting serious’ about the size of its offer for EFL coverage with the TV contracts now up for grabs.The broadcaster does not want to lose out on the prize of Championship coverage as bids go in before Thursday’s meeting.
      TV contracts are now up for grabs for EFL coverageCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports are ‘getting serious’ with the size of their offerCredit: AFP
      But the streaming specialists Viaplay and BT Sport’s new partners want a slice of the action.
      Sky is anxious not to lose subscribers, with many in the EFL community.
      Suspended Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has already been offered a more conventional new role by BT Sport as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports.
      They want the ex-England star, 62, to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The popular presenter was suspended from presenting the Beeb’s flagship Premier League highlights show amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      Lineker previously worked for BT Sport between 2015-2021 and has presented Match of the Day since 1999.
      He decided to step down to watch his beloved Leicester on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      And Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea after becoming expectedly free.
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      It comes as the veteran broadcaster sparked a free speech row when he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down – meaning the show will go without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It means the show will be highlights only and will last just 20 minutes. More

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      Gary Lineker could triple £1.3m BBC pay as rival broadcasters queue up to sign him – as Match Of The Day future in doubt

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      GARY Lineker could TRIPLE his £1.3 million BBC pay packet as rival broadcasters queue up to poach the veteran presenter.The BBC icon, 62, was suspended from presenting Match Of The Day amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters
      Gary was all smiles at the King Power stadium on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      Match Of The Day will go ahead tonight but without commentators, presenters or pundits
      Football Focus was pulled off air today as wellCredit: BBC via Twitter
      BT Sport are interested in hiring Gary as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT SportsCredit: Reuters
      Gary joshed around in the stands with a palCredit: PA
      But following outpouring of support he appears to have received job offers from two broadcasting titans.
      BT Sport are interested in hiring the presenter as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports, according to the Daily Mail.
      The broadcaster has been bought by Warner Brothers Discovery and they are reportedly planning to expand their football coverage.
      They want the ex-England star to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      BT Sport have the rights for those competitions for two and four more years respectively and are believed to be in the market for EFL rights, currently held by Sky Sports.
      Lineker previously worked for BT Sport between 2015-2021 and has presented Match Of The Day since 1999.
      He decided to step down to watch his beloved Leicester City on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      ITV are also allegedly interested in Mr Lineker – having chased his signature for years.
      Most read in Football
      And sources speaking to The Mail on Sunday say he would “undoubtedly” be able to name his salary.
      A source adds: “He is the host of the most watched football programme in Match of the Day so would bring an audience with him, and he also has a brand to take with him.”
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      And Mr Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea following his Match of the Day axing.
      It comes as the veteran broadcaster sparked a free speech row when he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The show’s commentary team also stood down – meaning the show went ahead as a highlights reel without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It lasted just 20 minutes and didn’t even feature the iconic theme tune and opening credits.
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      The free speech row was triggered when Mr Lineker responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The statement added: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone…
      “Or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
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      But despite the chaos rocking the BBC to its core – it’s crisis-engulfed director general Tim Davie says he will “absolutely not” resign.
      He told the BBC on Saturday: “I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming.”
      And asked if he was sorry about the way he handled it, he said: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.
      “It’s this balance between free speech and impartiality.
      “I honestly do not believe, despite a lot of the commentary, that this is about left or right – it’s about our ability.”
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Mr Sunak said the free speech row was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.”
      TalkSport’s Alan Brazil should replace Gary Lineker – a billboard suggestsCredit: Sasha Kennedy-Carr
      One fan made their feelings known amid the rowCredit: AFP
      Mr Lineker has received an outpouring of support since and it appears he could be set for multiple job offers tooCredit: Alamy More