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      in Boxing

      Jermaine Franklin spent weeks with Tyson Fury to prepare for major Anthony Joshua clash and sends him harsh message

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      JERMAINE Franklin says he’s confident he’ll shock the world in his next big fight – thanks to a little help from Tyson Fury.The dangerous underdog takes on former heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua next weekend in a crunch clash for both fighters.
      Jermaine Franklin is pictured at Square Off Gym in Miramar, Florida, earlier this month where he sat down with The U.S. SunCredit: Romain Maurice for The US Sun
      Franklin is preparing for his biggest fight to dateCredit: Romain Maurice for The US Sun
      While superstar AJ is looking to rebuild his career following two successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, Franklin traveled to London last week ahead of their showdown at the 02 Arena with nothing to lose.
      The 29-year-old returns to the English capital after being ‘robbed’ in his previous fight against experienced bruiser Dillian Whyte in November.
      Franklin came out on the wrong end of a very tight points decision which could have gone either way but the experience of fighting in front of a packed crowd with the spotlight shining suited the man from Saginaw, Michigan.
      He put on a performance full of heart, guts and strength and will need to produce more of the same to send Joshua toppling to another damaging defeat.

      But after warming up for the Whyte fight by training with king of the division Fury at his base in northern England, Franklin is ready for anything.
      His camp know Sugar Hill, Fury’s current trainer, so a hook-up was easy to arrange.
      “It was a great experience,” a relaxed Franklin, who invited The U.S. Sun down to his training camp in Hollywood, Florida, said about the time spent in the ring with the self-styled Gypsy King.
      “I got to learn from a world champion, and I just loved the atmosphere. I love to do anything I can learn from. It doesn’t matter if I’m whooping ass or I’m getting my ass whooped.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Fury treated Franklin like royalty – and the American got a glimpse of what it’s like to be king…of Morecambe!
      Fury is based in the small seaside town of Morecambe, 60 miles north of Manchester.
      It’s a long way from Michigan but Franklin felt right at home.
      “We walked around, had some fish and chips and everyone knew him,” he recalled with a smile.
      “But he’s a people person and that’s what I like. I always tell people don’t treat me like I am famous. I’m not arrogant, just a regular guy.
      “Just come and talk to me.”
      While Fury’s size and style makes him arguably the most awkward – and dangerous – fighter in the game, trading sparring blows in the ring was a massive help.
      Joshua is a different kind of prospect but Franklin is ready.
      “Tyson helped me add something to my skills,” he said.
      “Anything that helps me add to my game is great.”
      All eyes will naturally be on Joshua and if the former Olympic champ can rescue his career and – potentially – set up a mouthwatering tussle with Fury.
      Yet Franklin hasn’t just hopped over the pond to make up the numbers. For someone who was left stagnant for two years as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world, there was a time when landing massive fights like this were nothing but a pipedream.
      Franklin was forced to get a job to provide for his young family and knows if he can follow the lead of Mexican-American Andy Ruiz and stun Joshua once again, massive paydays will surely follow.
      Ruiz was overlooked by AJ in June 2019 – a fatal move that resulted in the Brit losing all his belts in one of the biggest shocks of recent years.
      “I always been looked at as an underdog,” he admitted.
      “So I’m comfortable there. I love to prove people wrong. I have always believed that anything can happen. As an amateur, I was always being told I’m the fat kid. I’ll never make it as a pro.
      “Well, look at me now. Anything is always possible.”
      That said, watching the footage of AJ being battered by unlikely hero Ruiz at Madison Square Garden has been scrutinized by Franklin’s team who are leaving no stone unturned.
      “I’ve seen some mistakes,” concluded the pride of Saginaw who admits he’s a student of the game who’s been watching Joshua go about his business long before this clash was agreed.
      Tyson Fury has helped Franklin prepare for the big showdownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We watched a lot of stuff to know how can we capitalize on certain things that he does. I’ll go in there and try to dominate and destroy – that’s always my mindset
      “I am ready.”
      Read More on The Sun More

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      World Champion boxer Tyson Fury reveals surprising career switch

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      TYSON Fury is hoping to become a knock-out as a property tycoon — by starting a firm to buy, sell and lease real estate.The world heavyweight champion boxer, 34, is ­taking a leaf out the book of his aunt Maureen who owns travellers’ caravan sites across the country.
      Our mock up of property magnate Tyson
      World Champion boxer Tyson Fury is making a surprising career moveCredit: Getty
      Dad-of-six Tyson, known as The Gypsy King, will run Greenway Balmoral Ltd from his £500,000, six-bedroom former home in seaside town Morecambe, Lancs — the HQ for all his businesses.
      He and wife Paris, 33, live in a £1.7million mansion nearby — but Tyson launched his new career by buying a house close to that of brother, Tommy, 23, and the fellow boxer’s girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague, also 23.
      His plan to flatten the Cheshire home and build a six-bed with a pool were thwarted by roosting bats.
      Tyson now plans to extend the original building. It is not clear if he aims to make it his main home or sell it.
      Read More on Tyson Fury
      It is believed patriotic Tyson may have named his new firm in tribute to the Queen, who died at her Balmoral estate in September.
      He and Paris laid flowers at Buckingham Palace with a card reading: “Great may your bed be in Heaven”.
      His auntie Maureen, who won permission for a 100-mobile home site in 2018, runs her property empire through Fury Developments Ltd. More

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      in Motorsport

      I’m Michael Schumacher’s pal – His wife banned me from visiting him but now I understand why she’s protecting him

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s pal says his wife banned him from visiting the Formula 1 star – but now understands why she’s protecting him.Schumacher’s wife Corinna – dubbed Michael’s “guardian angel” – has overseen the effort to ensure his wish for privacy is respected as he continues to recover from his horrific ski crash ten years ago.
      Michael Schumacher with his wife Corinna after winning the Japanese Grand Prix in 2000Credit: Getty
      Pal Eddie Jordan he knows and understands why he has been prevented from visiting MichaelCredit: Getty
      Michael and Corinna seen together in 2003Credit: EPA
      That has meant even close family friends, such as Eddie Jordan, who gave Schumacher his big break in F1 with Jordan Grand Prix back in 1991, has been prevented from seeing him.
      Eddie has revealed in a heartfelt interview said the constant battle and pressure has left Corinna almost like a “prisoner” and he understood her situation amid the intense interest surrounding the stricken ace.
      Speaking to The Sun Online via his involvement in betting firm OLGB, Eddie said: “Privacy is such a vital aspect to sport, business and your personal life.
      “[Corinna] has set out some rules, I know her very well and a long time before Michael Schumacher.
      Read More on Michael Schumacher
      “She’s a lovely girl and I knew her when she married Michael so there is a long history of good relations.”
      Eddie continued: “I made an effort to go see Michael in the early days and Corinna refused, and rightfully so because too many people wanted to go see him.
      “Jean Todt was given the privilege to go see him because of how close they were from their time together at Ferrari which is completely understandable.
      “I was not able to go see Michael and they said ‘We love you Eddie and we’ve been involved with you for a very long time, but we do need privacy and safeguard of Michael’.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Corinna is understood to have imposed a “family only” rule on visits with Michael.
      And one of the only people outside their immediate circle who is allowed to visit him is F1 chief and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt.
      Eddie added: “This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna.
      “It’s been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that, she’s like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn’t need reminding of it every minute.”
      Eddie managed the Jordan F1 team from 1991 to 2005 – with the bright yellow team known for fostering young talent, including Schumacher and his brother Ralf.
      Schumacher was given his big chance by Eddie aged 22 at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991.
      It was an extraordinary set of circumstances in which Jordan driver Bertrand Gachot couldn’t make the race as he was jailed for 18 months after spraying a taxi driver with CS gas.
      The team entered 250 races, won four Grand Prix, and mounted a world championship challenge in 1999.
      Even after the selling the team – which eventually morphed into what now known as Aston Martin F1 – he remained involved in F1 as a regular fixture in the paddock and as a pundit in the media.
      Jordan has often spoken of his “love” for his friend Michael – including earlier this year describing the 91-time winner as “there but not there”.
      Corinna rarely speaks about Michael – but did reveal snippets in a touching, tearful interview for Netflix documentary Schumacher.
      “I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him,” she said.
      “It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him.
      “I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. Different, but he’s here and that gives us strength, I find.”
      She went on: “We try to carry on a family as Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
      “’Private is private’, as he always said. It is very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible.
      “Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
      And Eddie told The Sun Online about how he has spoken to the legend’s son Mick.
      MICHAEL’S ‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’CORINNA is at the centre of the tightly knit inner circle and slick PR operation that works to keep Michael’s life private.
      She has reportedly slimmed down his £500m business empire and sold prized assets such as his private jet and house in Norway as the family retreated to their secluded home on the shore of Lake Geneva.
      And there were reports last year that she was preparing to set up the family with a “new life” in Majorca.
      Schumacher spoke of his love for his wife just days before his crash, telling German TV: “During all the time I was racing she was my guardian angel.”
      And she has continued to watch over him ever since, reportedly being by his side from the moment he was rushed to hospital in Grenoble.
      Corinna is said to have converted part of their £50million lakeside mansion in Gland into a state-of-the-art hospital, with a team of 15 medics providing 24-hour care at a cost of £115,000 a week.
      Meanwhile the thick surrounding forest and security fences kept him away from any possible intrusion.
      And its reported Corinna has been kitted out their £27million Majorca home with a mini hospital to help make the German racer comfortable.
      he family even waged a legal battle in 2016 after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.
      The court case actually led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk two years on from the crash.
      Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend”.
      It is alleged to have been offered to European news outlets for a staggering £1million.
      German prosecutors in Offenburg later confirmed that “an unknown person” had taken “secret” snaps and were offering them for “high amounts of money”.
      They called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.
      Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.
      And in a rare interview with Germany’s She magazine in 2019, Corinna revealed it is her notoriously private husband who has dictated the news blackout.
      She said: “He is in the best of hands right now and we are doing everything we can to help him.
      “Try to understand that we follow Michael’s desire to keep his health a secret.”

      Mick followed in his dad’s footsteps into F1 – but the young driver, 23, struggled and lost his race seat at the end of 2022 after a series of crashes for the Haas team.
      Eddie told The Sun Online: “It’s also difficult for Mick, he is trying to make a career for himself in motor racing.
      “If Mick did not have this pressure of his father looming over him, he would probably be a much better driver than what we think. 
      “However, it is his father and he has to understand and cope with that, but my thoughts are with him.
      “I don’t reach out to Mick often, but I loved what he said about driving the Jordan car that his father had driven, it was a nostalgic and a very nice touch.
      “Nevertheless, Mick needs his own free space and time like everyone in that family needs.”
      She has reportedly slimmed down his £500m business empire and sold prized assets such as his private jet and house in Norway as the family retreated to their secluded home on the shore of Lake Geneva.
      Mick – who was dropped by Haas in favour of veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 – is now a reserve driver at Mercedes.
      He will be backing up Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, potentially stepping in for them if they have to miss a race.
      In a touching link to his dad, Mercedes is the team that Michael ended his career with – having a brief three-season comeback from 2010 to 2012 after his initial retirement in 2006.
      Schuey is credited with helping to lay the foundations of the Silver Arrows as they went on to dominate the sport – winning eight constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles – between 2014 and 2021.
      Michael was left in a medically induced coma after his accident while skiing off piste on December 29, 2013 – spending three months in hospital before being released home.
      He is reported to have suffered a traumatic injury to his brain – but little other info has been released on his health.
      The lack of official updates has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
      Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
      The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
      Read More on The Sun
      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
      Some pals have criticised the family for not being more open – including Schumacher’s manager of 20 years, Willi Weber, and Schumacher’s boss at Mercedes, Nick Fry.
      Corinna Schumacher once tearfully admitted Michael was ‘different’ now
      Jordan said his ‘love’ for Michael ‘still lasts’ after he gave him his break in F1Credit: Corbis – Getty
      Eddie Jordan with Michael Schumacher in 1991Credit: Sutton Motor Sport Images More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd outcast Mason Greenwood to tie knot with pregnant partner as they’re spotted on London city break

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      MASON Greenwood is spotted out with his pregnant partner — and plans to marry her.The £75,000-a-week Manchester United striker is expecting his first child with the university student this summer.
      Mason Greenwood was spotted out with his pregnant partnerCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      The couple were pictured at the five-star Langham Hotel, central LondonCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      Greenwood’s career hit the skids in January 2022 when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against himCredit: PA
      The couple were pictured at the five-star Langham Hotel, central London, where rooms cost £600 a night.
      The Sun understands that 21-year-old Greenwood, capped once by England, has told his family about his marriage plans.
      His career hit the skids in January 2022 when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him.
      He was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
      Read More on Mason Greenwood
      He appeared before magistrates and was told he would face trial later this year.
      But in February the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges after several alleged witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United, who had suspended him on full pay, announced they would hold an internal investigation into the circumstances around his arrest.
      The Sun revealed he has spoken to manager Erik ten Hag and met with club officials — but his future at the club remains unclear.
      Most read in Football
      Before his arrest, Greenwood was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
      But Nike ended his multi- million-pound boot deal, while EA Sports removed him from its iconic FIFA 22 video game. More

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      in Soccer

      BBC bosses accused of ‘pathetic capitulation’ after letting Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker back on air without apology

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      BBC bosses were accused of “pathetic capitulation” last night after letting Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishment over his migrant tweet.In an astonishing surrender, Director-general Tim Davie said the star will return to Match of the Day this Saturday.
      BBC bosses have let Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishmentCredit: Reuters
      Lineker with footie ace Ian Wright and Alan Shearer on the set of MOTDCredit: BBC
      Director-general Tim Davie said the TV pundit will return to Match of the Day this SaturdayCredit: Ruckas
      And, while Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi Germany, Mr Davie announced that he personally was sorry for the resulting chaos.
      In a new series of tweets, former Spurs and England striker Lineker seemed unrepentant and thanked his supporters.
      Meanwhile No10 refused to say it has confidence in Mr Davie — and Tory MPs called for the licence fee to now be axed.
      Backbencher Philip Davies piled in: “This pathetic capitulation by the BBC is the start of the end for the licence fee.”
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      Tom Hunt, deputy chair of the Conservative Common Sense Group, told The Sun: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.”
      And ex-Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “The issue is that the BBC is the state broadcaster and that it’s funded by a tax. If it weren’t, then we wouldn’t need to worry about its impartiality.”
      Mr Davie sought to package the agreement with Lineker as a compromise, which would bring an end to days of disrupted coverage on BBC sport.
      A new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media was announced.
      Most read in Football
      But it remains unclear how strict any new regulations imposed by the review will be — or even how long that process will take.
      A BBC source said: “This is a short term solution to dampen the flames. Both sides agreed things were getting out of hand.
      “But the problem hasn’t gone away by any means. It’s just been kicked into longer grass
      “Clearly the rules need addressing, tightening and perhaps more strictly enforcing — but that’s all for the independent panel to decide.
      “Whether presenters like Gary choose to agree to the new rules is a different matter.”
      Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter on £1.35million a year, has agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed the review.
      He said: “I am glad we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
      After the statement was released, Lineker tweeted his thanks to colleagues after a “surreal few days”.
      Pundits, led by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, refused to appear on Match of the Day while Lineker was suspended.
      Commentators joined in, plunging BBC Sport’s coverage into chaos.
      Lineker added that “however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away”.
      Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance is recognised.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The BBC has a commitment to impartiality and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.”
      PM Rishi Sunak was “glad” the issue had been resolved and “looked forward to watching Match Of The Day back on our TV screens”.
      Gary Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lineker continues to have his say on Twitter after the BBC announced his return More

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      Gary Lineker and Marcus Rashford show footballers are a better opposition to the government than the actual Opposition

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      FOOTBALLERS, eh? What a bunch of loony-left woke snowflakes.Well, not really, no.
      Gary Lineker has been a vocal critic of the governmentCredit: EPA
      During Gary Lineker’s playing days, the overwhelming majority of professional footballers voted Conservative.
      And even now, here are a group of self-made men, many of them who grew up in deprived areas, who have fought their way up in a cut-throat industry, an absolute meritocracy, and become multi-millionaires through their own talent and willpower.
      What could be more Thatcherite than that?
      And in an export market damaged by Brexit, the Premier League — “the greed is good” league — is perhaps Britain’s most successful global business model.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      It’s hardly a breeding ground for dangerous leftist militants.
      But as the Gary Lineker affair has underlined, footballers past and present are increasingly able to oppose Government policy more stridently and successfully than the actual Opposition in Westminster.
      Before Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day and the remarkable near-blackout of BBC Sport, we had Marcus Rashford campaigning against child poverty and the determination of footballers to “take the knee” in support of racial equality.
      These are extraordinary times because, until recently, the stereotype of footballers as monosyllabic morons was a staple of comedy sketch shows. They were widely portrayed, unfairly, as a bunch of thickos.
      Most read in Football
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      But in the social media age, footballers have found their voices — and many are intelligent, socially conscious, opinionated and extremely good at delivering messages.
      Premier League dressing rooms are some of the most racially diverse and cosmopolitan workplaces in the country.
      And the league itself is a success story for multiculturalism and internationalism, in an age when England has become insular and isolationist after Brexit.
      When footballers feel strongly about uniting to oppose, for example, racism, they do so from a position of knowledge.
      Likewise, Rashford experienced child poverty first-hand.
      Tory MPs enjoy kicking footballers and ex-pros in the media but it is not a popular strategy.
      After Rashford’s miss in the Euros final penalty shoot-out against Italy in 2021, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke claimed the Manchester United forward “should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics”.
      During that same tournament, several Tory MPs criticised the England team for taking the knee.
      And the opposition to that gesture centred around the Black Lives Matter organisation being “Marxist”
      Again, the idea of Premier League footballers, some of the nation’s highest earners, following the Communist Manifesto is laughable.
      You’d do well to find any coming out for post-match interviews and declaring: “At the end of the day, the proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains, Clive.”
      And Lineker himself is fighting the HMRC over a £4.9million tax demand — as part of a wrangle over his employment status.
      Marcus Rashford forced a government U-turn regarding child povertyCredit: Getty
      That debate over whether Lineker should be regarded as a BBC employee or a freelancer came up again after his “Nazi” tweet last week.
      Did he have to abide by the BBC’s vague impartiality guidelines, or was he free to speak his mind?
      When peace broke out, and Lineker’s return to Match of the Day was confirmed for next weekend, the unapologetic former England striker repeated his support for refugees.
      The whole fiasco has been a PR disaster for the BBC hierarchy.
      Thankfully it is now over and the public will be able to watch a proper BBC Match of the Day next weekend, including live coverage of two FA Cup quarter-finals.
      There are many football fans who cannot afford subscription TV and they have been let down badly by the Beeb’s ham-fisted approach to Lineker.
      But with the solidarity of his colleagues, Lineker has “won” his argument with the BBC.
      Just as Rashford forced government U-turns on child hunger and ended up being awarded an MBE.
      Neither Lineker or Rashford has ever come out as Labour Party supporters and it’s very possible they might vote for somebody else.
      But while Keir Starmer is too scared to speak freely about immigration or Brexit for the fear of losing votes, footballers have become the outspoken voices of reason in a fractured and angry nation.
      Maybe they should form a party of their own and stand at the next election. They’d probably win it.
      BOYLE IN THE BAG
      AFTER Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund, I sat next to an elderly Scottish gentleman on the District Line, who was chatting to a couple of match-going tourists from America.
      They asked the man sitting next to me whether he’d been to the States and he certainly had.
      His name was John Boyle who, as well as winning a European trophy with Chelsea, had captained and then managed Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 1970s in the North American Soccer League.
      I asked him whether he’d played against Pele and it turns out Boyle had marked the great man, who was “still a fit lad in his mid-30s” when playing for New York Cosmos.
      Boyle sounded totally enthused by Chelsea’s performance against Dortmund.
      And coming from a man who marked Pele, that’s probably a more ringing endorsement than Blues boss Graham Potter might have imagined receiving a week or two ago.
      SOUL FAR AWAY
      ENGLAND’S record 53-10 defeat by France at Twickenham — after head coach Steve Borthwick had benched skipper Owen Farrell — was the equivalent of England’s footballers losing 7-1  to Germany in a  competitive match at Wembley after Gareth Southgate had dropped Harry Kane.
      But while there was isolating booing at the final whistle, the response of the 81,000 crowd was generally one of mild indifference.
      The Twickenham crowd, dominated by corporate day-trippers, will get behind England if they’re winning but it doesn’t actually seem to matter to them if their team loses.
      And that makes the whole experience feel pretty soulless.
      HORSING AROUND
      ANYONE keen on cutting public expenditure might ask why so many mounted police were deployed to the “posh derby” between Fulham and Arsenal.
      It is the least menacing fixture in the Premier League.
      And the Met’s horses were getting so much friendly attention, Craven Cottage felt like a petting zoo.
      BRAIN GAME
      ANTONIO CONTE claimed Spurs were “too soft” in their Champions League exit against AC Milan.
      Read More on The Sun
      But wasn’t his defensive general Cristian Romero sent off for two reckless challenges — the second of which scuppered an attempted late rally?
      Tottenham were too soft? Too brainless, more like. More

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      Defiant Gary Lineker refuses to back down in migrant Twitter row with BBC after day of chaos for its football coverage

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      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverage.Davie insisted he would not quit while Lineker refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverageCredit: Getty
      Bosses have demanded that the Match of the Day host agree a deal to stop posting political messages
      The saga saw Match of the Day cut from 80 minutes to just 20 and several other football shows axed as other stars walked out in support.
      BBC bosses have demanded Lineker agree to stop posting political messages online after he commented on the Government’s small boats policies.
      But a source close to the £1.35million-a-year England legend insisted he would carry on.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” — but said of quitting: “My job is to serve licence fee- ­payers and I look forward to resolving this situation.”
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends “in a timely manner”.
      Lineker is set for crisis talks but former BBC Director General Greg Dyke feared the fallout could spell the end of his career at the Beeb.
      In a dramatic 24 hours:

      FOOTBALL Focus and Final Score were cancelled after Alex Scott, Kelly Somers and Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera;
      FIGHTING Talk and the 606 show on Radio 5 Live were pulled;
      BBC Director General Tim Davie apologised but insisted he would not resign;
      PAL and follow presenter Ian Wright threatened to quit if the BBC got rid of Lineker;
      IT emerged Lineker confided in TV pal Andrew Castle that he had gone “too far” in his tweets.

      Most read in Football
      Fury erupted among fellow BBC stars when Lineker, 62, was kicked off air on Friday after comparing the Government’s migrants crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Sources say Lineker was left stunned by the BBC’s move but has been thrilled with the show of support from stars and the public.
      He is now set for crisis talks with Mr Davie, who admitted last night in Washington that it had been “a difficult day”.
      But he insisted he was keen for the broadcaster to return. He said: “Success for me is Gary getting back on air. We’ve got the best sports broadcaster in the world. We want to make sure that he can come back.”
      He said he planned to “calmly resolve the situation”.
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends ‘in a timely manner’Credit: PA
      For the first time Football Focus was not broadcast
      Asked in a BBC News interview if he should resign, he replied: “Absolutely not.”
      He also declined to say if he had spoken to Lineker in the last 24 hours. It was reported last night that ITV and BT were looking to poach the veteran presenter.
      Ex-Arsenal striker and Match of the Day co-host Wright — who with fellow pundit Alan Shearer was among the first to pull out in support — yesterday launched a scathing attack on the BBC.
      He said: “I’ll tell you something. If they do – the BBC get rid of Gary Lineker – I’m out, I’m gone. I’m not staying there. On his own platform he should be able to say what he wants to say.”
      The BBC’s decision caused outrage on social media – where #IStandWithGaryLineker trended with celebs showing their support.
      Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings, 29, was understood to be the first current Premier League star to speak out on the issue. He tweeted: “Big up Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.”
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast
      Colin Murray pulled out of Fighting Talk
      A day of scheduling chaos saw Football Focus replaced with an old episode of Bargain Hunt while The Repair Shop was shown instead of Final Score.
      Radio 5 Live’s traditional Saturday football coverage was also ripped to shreds, with Colin Murray pulling out of Fighting Talk and Mark Chapman standing down from presenting duties.
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast.
      Pundit Dion Dublin tweeted: “In solidarity with my BBC Sport colleagues NO 5live for me today!”
      Ex-footballer Glenn Murray also pulled out of Football Focus and Final Score duties.
      He tweeted: “I was meant to be up in Media City today but reflecting last night I felt it was the right thing to do to step away from Focus and Score today. Hoping normal service resumes next week.”
      The BBC yesterday apologised and said it was “working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon”.
      The scheduling mayhem is also set to continue into today, as former Spurs star Jermain Defoe pulled out of punditry duties on Match of the Day 2 tonight.
      Meanwhile, it emerged that Lineker confided to a friend that his controversial tweets about migrants were a “step too far”.
      Former tennis star Andrew Castle said on his LBC show yesterday: “I was with Gary Lineker for half a day, plus, on Thursday, I was working with him. His phone was going absolutely mad.
      Final Score was cancelled as Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera
      Meanwhile Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman stood down from presenting duties
      “I said to him, that I thought to draw the parallels between, you know, the rise of Nazisim in the 30s and early 30s government and the immigration policy of a serving Conservative Party was a step too far and he agreed. And he said so.
      “He’s alluded to that. If he was to apologise, then fine I suspect he could go back on air but it’s gone a little bit too far for that.”
      Lineker has been told by the BBC to re-think his social media use — but ex-BBC boss Mr Dyke said yesterday he was entitled to express controversial views.
      He told Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a long-established precedent in the BBC that is that if you’re an entertainment presenter or you’re a football presenter, then you are not bound by those same rules.”
      However he added it was “quite clear” he did not intend to give the BBC any assurances about his future conduct and that “therefore I suspect this is the end of Gary Lineker as a BBC presenter as we’ve known him”.
      PM Sunak also waded into the row last night – insisting he is right to take “tough decisions” to fix the migration crisis. He added: “It is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand.”
      He and son Angus saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from LondonCredit: Reuters
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was “caving in” to Tory MPs by telling Lineker to step back from Match of the Day.
      He accused the government of blaming “anybody else” rather than “accepting that they’ve broken the asylum system”.
      Some BBC commentators did take to the airwaves yesterday, though they admitted it was a tough decision.
      Ian Dennis worked on the Leeds v Brighton game for Radio 5 Live at 3pm, while Alistair Bruce-Ball was set to follow suit for the late game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
      Ex-footballer Chris Sutton also decided he was going to work on 606 before BBC bosses scrapped the show anyway.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was ‘caving in’ to Tory MPsCredit: Getty
      A source said a number of staff see a distinction between BBC radio and television. They added: “Some feel they have been backed into a corner by the raft of withdrawals and have been placed into a very difficult position.”
      The situation has also affected freelancers, who rely on BBC contracts. Lineker posted his tweet criticising the Home Office last Tuesday, and the BBC finally caved into pressure on Friday evening.
      It said in a statement: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”
      Pic-me-ups with fans
      Lineker brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club LeicesterCredit: Rex
      A Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, ‘Gary Lineker for Prime Minister’Credit: Reuters
      LINEKER brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club Leicester.
      He and son Angus, 25, saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from London.
      Back in the capital, a Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, “Gary Lineker for Prime Minister”.
      TV rivals moving in
      LINEKER could triple his £1.35million earnings by jumping ship to ITV. 
      Insiders say the station have long been keen to poach the star who, if he went, would be free to share his political views.
      BT Sport, which is to rebrand as TNT Sports, are also said to be interested in Lineker. A source said: “He’s in demand.”

      Slim love for Gary
      FATBOY Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his support.
      Fatboy Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his supportCredit: Twitter / @FatboySlim
      The DJ, real name Norman Cook, later tweeted: “I’m with Gary”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, social media jokers put up brutal memes to mock the BBC row.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day More

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      in Soccer

      Match of the Day plunged into meltdown as hosts stage mutiny after BBC pull Gary Lineker off air over Nazi tweet row

      by

      MATCH of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight after the BBC yanked Gary Lineker off air over the Nazi tweet row — plunging the flagship show into chaos.Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Pals said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his willCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
      The walkout has left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as the favourite to step inCredit: BBC
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
      READ MORE ON MOTD MUTINY
      It left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as favourite to step in.
      The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return.
      Tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Jermaine Jenas confirmed he would not stand inCredit: PA
      Micah Richards has also ruled himself out of stepping in to cover LinekerCredit: Getty
      Alex Scott is another high-profile presenter showing solidarity with LinekerCredit: Getty
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “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 political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      Linker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the show
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.”  More