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      I was the tallest player in the Football League and a star with Birmingham… now I fight crime & gangsters in Canada

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      THE ONCE former tallest player in the Football League now has a very different career fighting gangsters in Canada.The towering 6ft 7in striker became a firm favourite with the likes of Birmingham City and Stockport County back in his heyday.
      This 6ft 7in former Birmingham striker was the tallest player in the Football LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He is now fighting mobsters for the Calgary Police Force
      He is now loving life as part of the Calgary Police Force.
      The man we are talking about is, of course, the legendary Kevin Francis.
      The 55-year-old was plucked from non-league Mile Oak Rovers by Derby County in 1989 but after just 17 appearances he was off to begin his journey into football folklore when joining Stockport County two years later.
      Francis was spotted playing for the Rams’ reserve side by then County manager Danny Bergara, who claimed he instantly wanted to sign him.
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      The big man scored five to help them seal automatic promotion as runners-up in the old Division Four and then hit 26 the following season to help the club reach Wembley twice, although they lost both times.
      But his hot-streak continued the following year with 33 goals as another Wembley appearance came along – but once again it was disappointment in store in the final of the Autoglass Shield.
      Undeterred, he found the net another 30 times the next season, and there was another Wembley defeat, as the big clubs began circling.
      He still managed another 13 goals for Stockport in the 1994/95 season before his hometown team Birmingham City swooped to sign him in January for £800,000.
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      And he could not have gotten off to a better start for the Blues as this time he enjoyed Wembley glory in the Football League Trophy against Carlisle.
      And then he followed that up by helping them finish as champions of Division Two with eight goals.
      He stayed at Birmingham for two more seasons in what is now the Championship but began to struggle with injuries, although he did play a key role in their run to the League Cup semi-finals in 1996.
      Francis left Birmingham in 1998 to join Oxford United, scoring eight in 40 appearances, prior to a brief return to Stockport in 2000.
      But he suffered a broken leg on just his fourth appearance and was released at the end of the season.
      However, despite that sad end to his time with the club, he was still named “County Player of the Century” in 2002.
      Short spells with Exeter City and Hull City followed before he bowed out of the Football League to sign for Hednesford Town which was followed by stints with Redditch United and Studley prior to retirement in 2005.
      Francis also enjoyed a taste of the international scene, winning two caps for Saint Kitts & Nevis after qualifying through his parents.
      The giant Kevin Francis achieved legendary status at Stockport CountyCredit: Getty
      But any thoughts of coaching soon evaporated once he had retired as he embarked on a whole new journey in Canada.
      After briefly coaching Birmingham City Ladies on a part-time basis, he landed a truck-driving job across the pond for a company in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary.
      Francis, wife Sharon and one of his daughters Keisha went with him while his other girl, Stacey, stayed in the UK to focus on her netball career – a decision that paid off for the now 35-year-old England international star who helped Team GB secure bronze at 2010 Commonwealth Games.
      Eventually, with trips sometimes lasting up to ten days on Canada’s hazardous roads, in 2009 he joined the Calgary Police Force after looking for a another new venture.
      He currently serves on the Gang Suppression Team, which is devoted to monitoring and investigating local criminal groups, and it is as terrifying as it sounds – although he is still producing award-winning displays.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Francis said: “There was one incident at a club. 
      “We were about to do a walk-through and, in certain places, we all go in together. Strength in numbers.
      “It was a cold night but we had the windows down and were waiting for one of the other cars to turn up when we heard the gunshots and the range. It’s a very different sound in the night air.
      “We looked at each other and sprang into action. You don’t think about it. Guns out, we ran across the street just as our other unit was coming around the corner.
      “The shooter was outside and his gun must have jammed. One of the doormen grabbed him and wrestled him to the ground.
      “I got a hold of the guy and got the gun from him but there was pandemonium because people were saying another shooter was inside. And the hardest thing for me was staying there on my own and not being able to go in with the rest of the boys to clear the bar.
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      “Because we train as a team, we go in together. Obviously, the guy needed to be subdued and that was my job but it was still tough.
      “We apprehended an accomplice too, who was waiting in a car and ready to drive off. One guy — a completely innocent bystander — got hit inside the bar but survived and we ended up getting a police award for our efforts that night, which was pretty cool.”
      He initially moved to Canada to become a truck driver but joined the police in 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      His daughter Stacey is an England international Netball star who has represented Team GBCredit: Getty More

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      Bizarre optical illusion confuses fans as Colchester star ‘punches rival hard in ribs’ but some claim there’s no contact

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      COLCHESTER and Tranmere fans witnessed what seems to be an unbelievable optical illusion on Saturday’s League Two match at the Colchester Community Stadium.The hosts earned a penalty in the 65th minute and Connor Hall celebrated passionately with a usual fist bump.
      Colchester earned a penalty against Tranmere in League TwoCredit: Sky Sports News
      Colchester’s Connor Hall appeared to have punched Tranmere’s Tom DaviesCredit: Sky Sports News
      But he did it right next to Tranmere’s Tom Davies, who momentarily reacted with shock but stayed on his feet.
      Many argue that Hall actually punched Davies in the ribs during his celebration.
      Some fans took to Twitter to complain as they insist the striker should have been sent off with a straight red.
      They also praised Davies’ toughness as the defender didn’t go down or dive to simulate a red card.
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      One fan said: “Surely that is a straight RED for the Colchester lad…that did not seem like punching the air from the Tranmere players [sic] face…”
      Another posted: “Absolute disgraceful so unprofessional and this is unsportsmanship.
      “The FA needs to take a good hard look at this and for me a charge for the player is fully deserved it’s wrong and unacceptable it’s assault tbh.”
      A third commented: “This is actually proper bad, hope it does get looked into EFL. Fair play to the lad for not making a big deal out of it.”
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      This fan said: “Definitely malicious this, fair play to the Tranmere player staying on his feet, think he was too shocked to react.”
      And that one tweeted: “Three match ban for violent conduct.”
      However, there are also many fans who insist this is nothing but an optical illusion.
      They claim Hall was actually celebrating and there is no chance he could have punched Davies or else the Tranmere ace would have collapsed under excruciating pain.
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      But many claim that bizarre incident was nothing but an optical illusionCredit: Sky Sports News
      One fan tweeted: “He pulls his hand away at the last instant. Davies reacts with shock but not pain. Colchester lucky that didn’t make contact.”
      Another wrote: “Calm down, calm down, Never touched him.”
      A third posted: “I don’t think he touched him…”
      This supporter said: “Doesn’t touch him. Wants to, but pulls it back.”
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      And that one tweeted: “Look closely, he does not hit him, he in fact scares [Davies]. Its [sic] like an optical illusion.
      Noah Chilvers then scored from the spot to cancel out Tranmere ace Harvey Read Saunders’ opener and earn Colchester an important point from their 1-1 draw. More

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      I wrote off a £1.7million debt to save Portsmouth because I love football – people need to know I didn’t take a penny

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      SOL CAMPBELL wrote off a staggering £1.7million debt to save Portsmouth.But now he wants people to know he did not demand back a single penny of the money.
      Sol Campbell wrote off the £1.7m debt he was owed by PortsmouthCredit: Getty
      Campbell, 48, captained Harry Redknapp’s side when they won the FA Cup for the first time since World War Two at Wembley in 2008.
      But the club plunged into financial disarray soon afterwards as they tumbled towards administration.
      Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham defender Campbell was owed £1.67m by Pompey in bonuses and image rights – plus another £200,000 in interest.
      However, rather than demand the money back, the star agreed with administrator Andrew Andronikou to defer repayment until Portsmouth were in a better financial position.
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      In the end, though, Campbell selflessly decided to chalk the debt off completely in a classy gesture to keep the Fratton Park club afloat.
      He told the Portsmouth News: “People need to know this because time has passed, but I have been honourable in everything I’ve done.
      “I didn’t get my money, I had to let it go. It was more than £1.6m I was entitled to it but I didn’t want to hamper Pompey moving forward.
      “Another person could have said, ‘No, I want my money’, but I didn’t. No way. I was honourable and let it go. I didn’t take a penny.
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      “I’ve been very generous and perhaps people haven’t appreciated that.
      “It was actually more bonuses than image rights, but when they said I couldn’t get it, fine, I’ll walk away. That was out of respect for a fantastic club like Pompey, it should be common knowledge.
      “In the end, once I knew the dire situation, I wanted to let it go and take it on the chin.”
      Campbell, who was an Invincible at Arsenal and scored in the Champions League final, made 111 Portsmouth appearances between 2006 and 2009 before joining Notts County in a bumper five-year deal – but played just once.
      The 73-cap England international added: “I believe I did an amazing job at Pompey as a footballer, but the guys in the accounts department haven’t.
      “I stuck to my part of the agreement, I did everything I was entrusted to do and more. I’ve kept us in the Premier League, won the FA Cup, took us into Europe, I did everything right – but they didn’t.
      “Pompey and Notts County were two clubs where I lost my money for the love of football, people don’t talk about that enough.
      “It was an astronomical deal I signed at Notts County and I let it go. I could have bankrupted the whole club, but just left it.
      “People don’t know how honourable I’ve been with Pompey and Notts County. People think I got my money. Are you serious? I got nothing.” More

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      Scary moment goal frame falls on Charlton star and leaves him writhing in agony and needing emergency treatment

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      CHARLTON star Joe Wollacott suffered a terrifying injury that left him writhing in agony after a goal frame scarily COLLAPSED on his foot. And he required emergency treatment as he escaped without a career-ending problem on international duty.
      Joe Wollacott was in goal during Ghana trainingCredit: Twitter
      The goal suddenly toppled forwardCredit: Twitter
      The metal frame landed on his footCredit: Twitter
      Wollacott writhed around in agony on the pitchCredit: Twitter
      Medics and team-mates rushed to his aidCredit: Twitter
      The Ghana international goalkeeper was training for the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations clash with Angola.
      Footage of the practice match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi shows Wollacott launching the ball upfield.
      But the 26-year-old was left in agony as the metal goal frame suddenly and inexplicably toppled over and crashed on to his right foot.
      Bristol-born Wollacott rolled around the turf in agony as concerned team-mates and coaches raced to his aid.
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      He was tended to by medics before being cleared to play against Angola on Thursday.
      The game will be Ghana’s first with ex-Newcastle, Brighton and Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton in charge.
      The Ghana FA announced: “Goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott hobbled off during training on Tuesday evening after suffering a soft tissue contusion of the right big toe.
      “He was immediately assessed by the medical team and given emergency treatment.
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      “Wollacott was later reassessed in the medical room at the team hotel. 
      “There are no major medical worries since the player is almost pain-free.
      “The medical team would like to assure the football public that Wollacott will be available for selection.”
      Wollacott has made 16 Charlton appearances since joining the Addicks from Swindon last summer after being named in the EFL League Two team of the season.
      Capped 11 times, he came through at Bristol City but did not make a first-team appearance as he went on loan to Forest Green Rovers and a series of non-league sides.
      Wollacott joined Charlton from Swindon last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Justin Edinburgh’s family release statement after Colchester fans sing ‘vile and hurtful’ song about Leyton Orient icon

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      JUSTIN EDINBURGH’S family condemned Colchester fans for their “vile and hurtful” song about the late Leyton Orient manager.Edinburgh tragically died aged 49 in June 2019 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
      Justin Edinburgh passed away in 2019 after a cardiac arrestCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It came just weeks after the 1991 Tottenham FA Cup winner led the O’s to promotion from the National League.
      His passing sparked a huge outpouring of love and support from the football community.
      However, Saturday’s 2-2 draw was marred by the sickening chants by some of the away supporters at Brisbane Road.
      Edinburgh’s son Charlie took to social media in a classy message for the “small-minded individuals”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “To the select individuals who sung my father’s name in a vile and hurtful song at yesterday’s game, I hope you will learn that hurtful and abusive words can have a lasting effect on people.
      “Luckily, myself and my family are stronger and better than to let acts of this nature affect us.
      “Football is a wonderful game enjoyed by many, but unfortunately there will always be a small minority who will take the time out to give the beautiful game and their respective club a bad name and reputation.
      “I want to personally thank everyone who has sent wonderful messages of support to me and my family, and just to remember that these small-minded individuals will never win at anything in life.
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      “My dad’s legacy and reputation will never be forgotten and that alone outweighs any negativity or abuse.”
      Colchester, who scored in the 89th and 92nd minutes to rescue a point against the runaway League Two leaders, also released a statement to blast their own fans.
      The U’s said: “Not for the first time this season a very small minority of those in the away section have acted in a shameful manner.
      “This time making vile chants that no decent person would make and are in no way shared by Colchester United or the vast majority of Colchester United fans.
      “We will co-operate with Leyton Orient should there be any further investigations.”
      A Colchester fan group made a donation to the Justin Edinburgh Foundation, which was set up in his honour to empower people to react and equip them to step in when someone has a cardiac arrest.
      Blue White Army said: “We hope this makes a small amends for the deplorable chants by a section of our fanbase.” More

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      Watford chief Gino Pozzo must realise the SIXTEEN managers he has gone through are NOT the problem… HE IS

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      HAS it ever occurred to Gino Pozzo that the problem at Watford has not been the SIXTEEN managers he has gone through — but the man who keeps hiring and firing them?The Italian is a hands-on owner who cares passionately about the Hornets and desperate for them to be successful. That I don’t doubt.
      Chris Wilder is the latest manager to step into the Watford dug-outCredit: PA
      Gino Pozzo has gone through 16 managers at Watford
      But how on earth can you build a long-term stable club that anyone can take seriously by having a revolving door that rotates so fast you need a lay-down and some Paracetamol to stop your head spinning?
      I reckon when Pozzo re-hired Quique Sanchez Flores in 2019 it was only because he was so dizzy he forgot he had sacked him three years earlier. 
      It’s so difficult to keep up with what’s going on at Vicarage Road with the constant chopping and changing. I wonder if Pozzo can even name all 16 of them.
      For the second season in a row, they’re on to their third manager in Chris Wilder — and don’t rule out a fourth because there is still time.

      Wilder has signed a contract only until the end of the season — and I’m struggling to remember, Roy Hodgson aside, the last time a manager at that club successfully saw out at least his first contract term. That would be a good pub-quiz question.
      But If he can see out the season, Wilder could even put that on his CV: saw through a contract at Vicarage Road. That would be some achievement.
      The latest Watford boss has missed a trick by agreeing a short-term deal because the one thing all managers there can look forward to is a pay-off when they inevitably get sacked.
      Pozzo switches coaches because he believes in the so-called “new-manager bounce” which can get the team an upturn in results.
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      And he can point to the fact he successfully kept the Hornets in the Premier League for five years and that the club have been there for six out of the last seven.
      But you can only get away with that sort of model for so long, eventually it catches up with you. 
      And I fear if Watford do not win promotion this season and are not careful, they could end up going into decline. 
      It was refreshing when the Hornets appointed Rob Edwards at the start of the season, giving a bright young British manager a chance. Edwards is an extremely well-rated coach and excellent man-manager.
      But to sack him after 10 league games — of which he lost twice — was bonkers.
      He had just taken over a team that had been relegated, had a culture of losing and were in a period of transition. 
      Incidentally, in his brief time as boss, he beat all of the current top three clubs in Burnley, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.
      Had they given him time, they might be in a better position. But, even if they were not, you can let him build a team and culture at the club that will stand them in good stead for the long-term — rather than the constant quick-fixes that Pozzo seeks.
      Chris Wilder lost his first game in charge of Watford at QPR
      Rob Edwards was sacked after just 10 league games and is doing a grand job at Watford’s bitter rivals Luton
      And look at the job he is now doing at their bitter rivals Luton.
      While the Hornets are struggling to even stay in the hunt for the play-offs, the Hatters’ 1-0 win at Sheffield United consolidated their position in the top-six.
      How ironic would it be if Edwards ends up taking Luton up in the very season Watford axed him 
      Quite frankly, I don’t think the current Watford team are going to get promoted. I have not seen anything since Edwards was axed — apart from the 4-0 win against Luton in October perhaps — that suggests they are going to be a force to reckon with.
      Slaven Bilic’s stint in time was blighted by injuries. At one point he had FIFTEEN players out. I’m not quite sure what Pozzo expected the Croatian boss to achieve with that sort of casualty list? Did he think they would storm to the Championship title or something?
      On paper, there is no doubt they have the best technical group in the Championship.
      Players like Joao Pedro, Ismaila Sarr, Ken Sema and Hamza Choudhury can all be class acts.
      But for me the squad has been lacking the steel in the team that you need.
      In the Championship, you always have to win the physical battle first: win the headers and tackles, pick up those second balls, and do the dirty side of the game. You get that right and then you can let the quality attacking players do their work.
      Joao Pedro is one of the many great technical players at Watford
      Yet even their attacking prowess is under question now. Their 1-0 loss at struggling QPR on Saturday means they have not scored a goal for 282 minutes. That is a worrying stat at the best of times, never mind when you’re chasing promotion to the Premier League.
      Pozzo’s passion is his enemy. He needs to be calmer when the going gets tough and build a club that has a clear identity. When you go through so many managers, it is impossible to have that.
      The fans’ resentment towards Pozzo has grown deeper and deeper  — and once you lose the supporters you are on a hiding to nothing.
      Although he is the owner, ultimately the club belongs to the Watford fans.
      No team in the Premier League or EFL have gone through as many permanently-appointed managers than the Hornets in the past decade.
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      I was wondering the other day if any other professional football club in the world has?
      Now that sounds like another good pub-quiz question. More

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      Watch Cheltenham’s Alfie May score goal of the season contender with outrageous volley from halfway line

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      ALFIE MAY scored TWO goal of the season contenders in Cheltenham’s 3-0 thrashing of Peterborough.But one outrageous effort in particular will live long in the memory.
      Alfie May attempted an outrageous volley from miles out
      The ball looped over keeper Will Norris and into the back of the net
      May scored another superb goal after half-time in a 3-0 winCredit: Rex

      The result moved Cheltenham seven points clear of the relegation zone and dealt Darren Ferguson’s side another blow in their play-off ambitions.
      And it was May stole the show with a pair brilliant strikes.
      The best of them came completely out of the blue – a long throw down the line was flicked on to the striker, who took one touch before attempting an outrageous effort on goal.
      From just inside the Peterborough half – and all the way over on the touchline – May struck the ball perfectly on the volley.
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      His team-mates and whole crowd then watched in disbelief as it floated towards the net.
      The ball looped over Posh goalkeeper Will Norris – who had been on the edge of his box – before bouncing into the back of the net.
      Norris desperately tried to claw at it but couldn’t stop the ball crossing the line.
      And May wasn’t done there, despite scoring the goal of his life.
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      After half-time he scored another spectacular strike after smashing a loose ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
      Fans were stunned by May’s first effort and praised the hitman on social media.
      One supporter said: “That first goal is ridiculous.”
      Another added: “Take a bow son 👏🏻”
      And a third said: “It’s the best double you’ll ever see.”
      May himself was delighted with the effort, hailing it a “crazy” goal.
      He said post-match: “It’s probably a crazy goal to see — but what a feeling when it went in.
      “I didn’t really have any other options, so I thought, ‘I’m having a pop here’.
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      “I know everybody was thinking ‘what are you doing?’
      “But I got really good contact with it. That’s probably the best goal I’ll ever score.” More

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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.
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      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