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      Why is there no commentary on Match of the Day tonight?

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      MATCH of the Day will go ahead tonight without Gary Lineker, pundits or the show’s own commentators. And according to reports, tonight’s games could be shown in complete SILENCE.
      Gary Lineker is in a stand-off with the BBC over his social media usageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Last night, Match of the Day commentators released a statement saying they would be standing down from duty this weekend in support of Gary Lineker after the BBC yanked him off air over a Nazi tweet row.
      Lineker compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of language used in 1930s Germany.
      The Beeb and Lineker are in a stand-off over the former Tottenham man’s social media usage.
      Why is there no commentary on Match of the Day?
      BBC commentators are boycotting tonight’s show.
      “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast,” a joint statement read.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      There was a belief that the BBC could use world feed Premier League commentary.
      But according to The Athletic, Match of the Day does not have the remit to use that commentary either.
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      It leaves the show without Lineker, pundits, its own commentators and no commentary at all.
      It has also been reported that Match of the Day may only last 20 minutes tonight, due to the absence of analysis or previewing of any games. More

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      What time is Match of the Day on TV tonight and why are there no BBC presenters?

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      MATCH of the Day is set to go ahead as planned despite having no presenter, pundits or commentary team following Gary Lineker’s suspension from the BBC.It comes after the former England star’s controversial tweet surrounding the government’s new immigration legislation.
      Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker for Match of the DayCredit: PA
      The BBC said it 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.”
      What time is Match of the Day and what channel is it on?

      Match of the Day is on TONIGHT at 10:20pm UK time.
      Match of the Day will be shown live on BBC 1.
      You can stream it free via BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.

      Why are there no presenters on Match of the Day?
      There will be no presenters, pundits or BBC commentary during tonight’s screening of Match of the Day.
      High-profile names within the BBC, such as Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Alex Scott, Micah Richards, Mark Chapman and Jermain Jenas, have all pulled out as a sign of solidarity to colleague Gary Lineker following his suspension from the BBC.
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      Meaning there will be nobody in the studio to take us through all of Saturday’s Premier League action.
      A statement from a BBC spokesperson read “Some of our pundits have said they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      In addition to a vacant studio, regular Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson has revealed that neither he nor any of his colleagues will commentate on any games for tonight’s program.
      Credit: @Wilsonfooty via Twitter
      Meanwhile, all clubs participating in Saturday’s Premier League fixtures will not be asked any questions by the BBC.
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      What did Gary Lineker tweet?

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      GARY LINEKER has been told to step back from presenting Match of The Day, the BBC has said.In a major U-turn, the broadcaster announced Lineker would be suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      Gary Lineker has been pulled from Match Of The DayCredit: Alamy
      In a statement, the BBC said it 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.”
      They added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use.
      What did Gary Lineker tweet?
      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?”
      What have Ian Wright and Alan Shearer said?
      Lineker’s co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have also stepped back from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.
      Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Ian Wright will not be appearing on the show in a sign of solidarityCredit: PA
      This was shortly followed by co-star Alan Shearer who said: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman have also all shown support for Lineker so Match Of The Day will go ahead, but without any hosts or pundits on the broadcast.
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      in Motorsport

      Why do F1 cars spark?

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      FORMULA ONE cars have an impressive list of parts to make them go as fast as possible around tracks.But fans noticed a particularly striking feature that stands out during night races such as the recent Bahrain Grand Prix – showers of sparks following the cars as they race across the tarmac.
      Sparks fly from Leclerc’s Ferrari during a race in BahrainCredit: AFP
      Why do F1 cars spark?
      Formula One cars have titanium skid blocks underneath which produce the spectacular sparks seen at tracks like Spa.
      These skid blocks protect the wooden planks which make up part of the floor of the car. When the car is at high speeds, it gets pressed down onto the track from aerodynamic forces.
      The floor then scrapes along the track, producing a light show behind the car as it drives.
      Sparks from the back of a Red Bull as its floor hits the groundCredit: AP
      Sparks have been a part of the sport since the late Eighties, with teams running their cars as low to the ground as possible to create more downforce.
      Especially when full of fuel, the material underneath the cars would scrape along the tarmac, making the infamous sparks we see so often during races.
      However, the FIA introduced titanium blocks back in 2015 under then race director Charlie Whiting. Whilst the material was brought in as a safety feature, another impact was making the sport more exciting to watch on screen.
      Do the sparks impact driving?
      The sparks are great to watch on television but can be distracting for the drivers.
      After a race in Bahrain a few years ago, Carlos Sainz said “It looks great on TV, but for the drivers it is not pleasant at all”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Sparks can be distracting for drivers behindCredit: Getty
      Former race car driver Nigel Mansell would even seek out bumps in the track to create sparks in order to distract drivers close behind.
      Why are there more sparks at certain circuits?
      Some tracks are more susceptible to producing sparks. Circuits like Spa-Francorchamps that have hills cause many blinding displays as the cars skid along the track.
      Night races such as Jeddah and Abu Dhabi also give impressive displays with the sparks standing out against the night sky. More

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      What happened to Kim Källström after his Arsenal loan and where is he now?

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      KIM Källström is best remembered by Premier League fans after his ill-fated spell at Arsenal in 2014.The Swede only played four times, but he still claims to have enjoyed his time at the North London club. This is what he has be doing since leaving.
      Källström only appeared four times in his short spell at Arsenal in 2014
      Who is Kim Källström and who did he play for?
      Kim Källström is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
      He made his name in Ligue 1, playing firstly with Rennes, before joining Lyon in 2006.
      He won two league titles and two Coupe de France’s during his stay, and helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2010, knocking out Real Madrid in the process.
      Källström joined Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow in 2012, but his first two seasons at the club were hampered by injury.
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      He joined Arsenal on loan in January 2014, in the hope that who could help the team in their fight for silverware.
      He was ruled out with a back injury a day after signing, which ruled him out for The Gunners following six matches.
      He eventually made his debut on March 25, 2014 against Swansea City in a 2-2 draw.
      His next game came in the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley.
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      He was brought on for the second half of extra time with the teams locked together at 1-1.
      Källström stepped up to take Arsenal’s second penalty in the shootout that followed after the teams couldn’t be separated, sending his penalty past Scott Carson, as Arsenal reached the final for the first time since 2005.
      Despite this, Källström only played two more games for the club, and was not selected for their 3-2 victory against Hull City in the FA Cup final, despite receiving a medal.
      He returned to Spartak Moscow at the end of the season following the end of his loan spell.
      Källström had a successful international career with Sweden, appearing in four major tournaments across his 131 appearances for the national side.
      What happened to Kim Källström after his Arsenal loan?
      Källström returned to the Russian side, where he played fairly regularly, playing 28 league games, but couldn’t help them to European qualification.
      He then joined Swiss side Grasshopper, where he made 56 appearances across two seasons.
      Where is Kim Källström now?
      After a second spell with Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish top flight, Källström retired in December 2017.
      He has since completed the UEFA Executive Masters course for International Players, which helps former players prepare for a second career off the pitch. More

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      in Boxing

      Why do referees wear gloves in boxing?

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      BOXING referees are often spotted wearing gloves when in the ring.The rubber gloves are different to those players wear, so why do do the referees wear them?
      Referees are often spotted wearing gloves during fights.
      Why do referees wear gloves in Boxing?
      Referees wear gloves to prevent the transmission of contagious diseases. The rule was brought in during 1987, eight years after the discovery of AIDS.
      The disease can be caught from blood and other bodily fluids, which referees can be covered in after brutal fights.
      Referees are often spotted wearing rubber gloves during fights.Credit: AP
      However, the referees faces are often seen covered in blood, so the gloves don’t go far in protecting them.
      Has a referee ever been hurt in the ring?
      A boxing referee has previously been KO’d with a punch to the chest by a fighter.
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      Mexican Jesus Granados was hurt after fighter Irvin Turrubiartes missed his opponent and landed a right hook on the referee’s solar plexus.
      Ref Jesus Granados took a punch to the chest from fighter Irvin Turrubiartes.
      Granados initially stayed on his feet but had to be stretchered out after doctors took a look at him.
      What is the risk of a referee contracting a disease in the ring?
      The risk of a ref catching a disease from a fighter today is almost impossible. Athletes must pass several medical tests to be able to fight, including HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C and Fungus tests.
      These make it incredibly hard for a referee or opponent to catch a disease from the fight.
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      Fulham vs Arsenal: Gunners aim to take huge step to first Premier League title since 2003-04 at high-flyers – TV, stream

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      ONE swing of Reiss Nelson’s boot left 60,000 Gooners bouncing around the Emirates, dreaming of a first title since 2003-04.Not since Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles have Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy.
      Arsenal kept their Premier League dream alive with a last-gasp win over Bournemouth last weekendCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta will be itching to keep up his side’s momentum at FulhamCredit: Getty
      In that time, Gunners fans have watched Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Leicester and Liverpool claim top honours.
      For a team that dominated in the 1990s and early 2000s, it’s barely-believable to think the red-half of North London have had to endure a near 20-year title drought.
      Arsenal have often been accused of being mentally weak, with a threadbare squad starved of world-class talent.
      But after staging an outrageous comeback in their last Premier League game, fans are ready to believe again.
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      On Saturday at the Emirates, Arsenal were a goal down within 10 seconds and, when they found themselves trailing 2-0, doubts began to creep into Gooners’ minds.
      To become champions, you have to win like champions – and sometimes that means doing things the hard way.
      It’s not always pretty. Thomas Partey and Ben White scrambled home a goal each to draw level against the Cherries.
      But the Arsenal side continually called mentally fragile in years gone by kept scrapping until the bitter end.
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      Fulham vs Arsenal betting preview – tips, odds and price boosts
      And it was super-sub Nelson, with the sweetest swing of his left boot, who secured a vital three points in their last Premier League run-out.
      It speaks volumes that it wasn’t Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka who played the role of hero on the day.
      For while they are quickly developing into world-class talents, it was a fringe player out of contract this summer who saved the day.
      With a great blend of top young talent and experienced veterans, all under the leadership of a Pep Guardiola graduate, it’s looking more and more like being Arsenal’s year.
      There are just 12 games left to go and while Arsenal lead Man City by just five points, they keep finding the strength to keep them at arm’s length.
      Pep’s squad are seasoned veterans of the title-winning game and have a knack for a dramatic title win.
      Of course, there was Sergio Aguero’s iconic last-gasp strike against QPR to snatch the 2011-12 crown – the club’s first.
      But there was also last season, when an Ilkay Gundogan-inspired XI came from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on the final day to break Liverpool fans’ hearts.
      Mikel Arteta knows the title race isn’t over as he guides his side to West London to take on high-flying Fulham.
      From here on in, every match is must-win. Every match is a cup final. Every match is a potential banana skin.
      But if any Arsenal side can sneak over the line, maybe it’s this one.

      What is their form like?
      Fulham: Very strong.
      The Cottagers are surpassing all expectations by pushing an unlikely European place for next season.
      So often caught yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and Championship, Marco Silva has his side looking genuinely threatening.
      Fulham were seven matches unbeaten in all competitions – including reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals – before their heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Brentford last time out.
      Arsenal: Also very strong.
      The Gunners have now won their last four Premier League matches since the 3-1 top-of-the-table six-pointer defeat at the hands of Man City last month.
      And on the back of their last-gasp win over Bournemouth, they’ll be full of confidence at Craven Cottage.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Fulham: Layvin Kurzawa is the latest home star to pick up an injury, with a knee issue.
      He joins Tom Cairney (shin) and Neeskans Kebano (Achilles) in missing the match.
      Elsewhere, Palhinha will serve the first of his two-match suspension against the Gunners.
      Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus has rejoined the squad and is training after three months out with a knee injury, although this match may come too soon.
      Eddie Nketiah is still out and is joined by Leanardo Trossard on the physio’s table after the latter picked up a knock against the Cherries.
      Mohamed Elneny is a long-term absentee for Mikel Arteta.
      Who will be the star men?
      Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Back from injury, the Serbian star will look to use his physicality to wreak havoc on the Gunners back-four.

      Arsenal: Martin Odegaard.
      Read More on The Sun
      Against a strong Fulham side, Arteta will look to his captain to pull the strings in midfield and open doors for Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Co in attack – or even add to his tally of nine Premier League goals himself.
      SunSport prediction
      Arsenal 2 Fulham 1 More

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      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal will both be hoping to make it through to the Europa League quarter-finals.The two Premier League giants both get their Round of 16 ties underway on March 9.
      Europa League ambassador Hungarian former footballer Zoltan Gera and UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti attend the draw for the round of 16 of the 2022-2023 UEFA Europa LeagueCredit: GETTY
      16 clubs remain in the 2022/23 Europa League, and all sides will be hoping that they are in the mix for the quarter-finals.
      This year’s final will take place at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on 31 May 2023.
      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

      The draw for the Europa League quarter-final will take place on Friday, March 17.
      It is scheduled to start at 1pm UK time.
      The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

      What TV channel is the Europa League quarter-final draw on and can I live stream it free?

      The draw will be shown live on BT Sport on Friday, March 17.
      UEFA will be providing a FREE stream of the draw on their official website and YouTube channel.
      For BT Sport customers, it can also be streamed live through the BT Sport app, which is free to download to your mobile or tablet device.

      READ MORE IN EUROPA LEAGUE
      Which teams are in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      One team will progress from each of the Round of 16 ties, and the remaining teams are:
      Union Berlin / Union Saint-GilloiseLeverkusen / FerencvárosSporting CP / ArsenalRoma / Real SociedadSevilla / FenerbahçeJuventus / FreiburgMan United / Betis Shakhtar / Feyenoord
      Who can play each other in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      From the quarter-finals and onwards, teams from the same country can face each other, as there are no longer any seeds.
      Teams that competed in the same group stage earlier on in the competition can also be drawn against each other.
      Most read in Football
      When is the Europa League semi-final draw?
      The draw for the Europa League semi-final will be completed on the same night as the quarter-final draw.
      This means teams will know which side they could potentially face if they progress to the semi-finals. More