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      Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with BBC or ITV set to lose coverage as fans rage about deal with new channel

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      FOOTBALL fans are going to be able to watch more FA Cup games than ever.But it won’t be entirely free with the FA agreeing a new four-year deal with paid broadcaster TNT Sports.
      TNT Sports will be the new home of the FA CupCredit: Reuters
      The new deal will begin from the 2025/26 season and will see every game from the third round onwards, outside of the 3pm kick offs, televised.
      TNT Sports, who currently show Champions League and Premier League coverage, charge a subscription fee to watch their coverage.
      But the FA have confirmed in a statement that the FA Cup will still be shown on free-to-air channels alongside TNT Sports.
      However it is not known what channel that will be with the statement adding that it will be “confirmed in due course”.
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      ITV and BBC currently share the rights to show the historic competition.
      Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “This new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, as well as free-to-air, from the first round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium.

      “TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world,
      “So we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming year.”
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      The deal will also see TNT televise the Community Shield, and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.
      Some fans have been left fuming by the news with frustration over having to pay to watch the 153-year-old competition.
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      One wrote on social media: “Grim. FA Cup behind a paywall. Totally grim.”
      While another added: “This is wrong. The world’s oldest and most prestigious national cup competition should always be free-to-air.”
      A third wrote: “Taking the FA Cup off terrestrial TV is absolutely sickening.” More

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      Sheffield Wednesday boss surprised he could field £40k-a-week Premier League star after snubbing him from squad

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      NEWCASTLE loanee Jeff Hendrick was left off Sheffield Wednesday’s 25-man EFL registered squad, but still played in an FA Cup game. Hendrick was back on the pitch in last week’s FA Cup match against Coventry, which Wednesday lost 4-1. 
      Danny Rohl left Newcastle loanee Jeff Hendrick off the registered squad listCredit: PA
      The former Newcastle star managed to actually get some minutesCredit: Getty
      Hendrick joined Wednesday at the start of the season after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
      In January he reportedly asked to terminate his loan spell at Hillsborough but the request was refused.
      Manager Danny Rohl explained Hendrick’s latest appearance on the pitch, saying he was surprised to discover that players left off the EFL squad registration list can still play in cup games. 
      Speaking to The Star, Rohl said: “He played some minutes in the cup which was good.
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      “There is a learning also from my side that you have an FA Cup list and a league list.” 
      He went on to explain why Hendrick had originally been left out of the squad, saying: “We have seven loans and so we have to make decisions, this is part of the reason why.”
      As the rules stand, a club can only register five loanee players and Hendrick did not make the cut. 
      Rohl then said it wasn’t all over for the player, adding: “He is still involved and I think maybe when I look to the next 15 games it could be that he is helpful. 
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      “He has trained, he is professional. 
      “All of my players have taken the situation how it is. 
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      “This is not normal, when I compare this to my stations before, you have players who are disappointed and they show this. 
      “But my group is fantastic, it is outstanding what they are doing. 
      “It’s great to see.”
      Wednesday will play Championship leaders Leicester tomorrow in their bid to move out of the relegation zone. More

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      Alex Scott nervously laughs and delivers ‘cutest commentary ever’ as BBC cameras spot girlfriend Jess Glynne at FA Cup

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      ALEX SCOTT produced the “cutest commentary ever” after BBC cameras spotted her girlfriend Jess Glynne in the crowd.The former England international presented coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
      Jess Glynne was spotted by the BBC cameras at Arsenal vs Manchester CityCredit: BBC Sport
      Alex Scott produced the ‘cutest commentary ever’ after her girlfriend was spottedCredit: BBC Sport
      City progressed 1-0 thanks to Laia Aleixandri’s goal but it was a celebrity fan who caught the eye during the match.
      Cameras picked out Scott’s girlfriend and singer Glynne in the stands at Meadow Park.
      As she was shown on screen, Scott could be heard laughing nervously as she explained the match could go to penalties if it remained level.
      She continued by referencing one of Glynne’s songs, saying: “Jess Glynne right there, there’s no place she’d rather be.”
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      The pun, which was a nod to Glynne and Clean Bandit’s 2013 single Rather Be, was met with more laughter from Scott and the pundits.
      Her commentary was later shared to Instagram by a fan, who wrote: “Cutest commentary ever.”
      Scott reposted the video, adding: “You lot are killing me with these, going to go crawl under a rock now.”
      She had earlier shared a snap of Glynne at the ground as she took her place in the presenting booth and holding a microphone.
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      Glynne showed her support for Scott as she presented the BBC’s coverage of the matchCredit: PA
      The pair were seen together before the match at Meadow ParkCredit: GettyInside Alex Scott and Jess Glynne’s RomanceBy Jon Boon

      Alex Scott and Jess Glynne reportedly began dating in the summer.
      Initially, they kept their romance private – enjoying secret dates, away from scrutiny.
      However, they have since confirmed their romance in public.
      It is understood they began a courtship before and after the Women’s World Cup which ran from July to August.
      Right before Scott took on her presenting duties at the Women’s World Cup, the pair enjoyed a pub lunch together in North West London.
      That same month, in August, the famous two both attended a Coco Der Mer party.
      Work commitments meant Alex and Jess were a ‘slow burn’. Their romance was formed organically over time.
      Just a month after they were pictured sitting next to each other at the 2023 Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden we had confirmation.
      Photographers pictured them walking arm-in-arm with each other in London.

      Alongside the snap, Scott joked: “A new presenter for today’s FA Cup game.”
      The couple, who enjoyed a loved-up holiday in Mexico last month, are understood to have been dating since last summer.
      Alex Scott braves wind and torrential rain as she stuns in tartan jacket on BBC
      Their relationship, which was described as a “slow-burn”, began around the time of the Women’s World Cup between July and August
      Scott and Glynne were later spotted at multiple events and parties, having previously sat side-by-side at Wimbledon.
      After keeping their relationship private and out of the public eye, their romance was confirmed in November after they were snapped walking arm-in-arm and sharing a kiss.
      Scott and Glynne are understood to have started dating last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner in hulking body transformation after piling on three STONE of muscle since retirement

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      ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner has undergone an incredible body transformation after he put on more than THREE stone of muscle.The striker scored 47 goals in 171 appearances for the Gunners, but retired from football in 2021.
      Nicklas Bendtner looked a lot more slender during his nine year spell at ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Bendtner showed off his hulking physique on his InstagramCredit: Instagram

      Bendtner, 36, featured 136 times in the Premier League and notched 32 top-flight goals.
      He won an FA Cup in 2014, and still clearly loves the Gunners, showing up for a clash against Brighton last season in a retro kit.
      The Dane explained in his book that he gained 10kg in muscle mass during his time at Juventus through explosive work outs.
      He unveiled his ripped body, showing off his six pack and huge biceps to his 434k followers.

      He looked almost unrecognisable with his lion chest tattoo and long locks.
      During his playing days, things were not always so straightforward.
      First, he admitted nearly becoming bankrupt after gambling away almost £5.4million in poker, including blowing £400,000 in 90 minutes at a London casino.
      Then, he was placed under house-arrest in 2020 and had to wear an electronic tag for assaulting a taxi driver.
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      Since he said farewell to the game though, ‘Lord Bendtner’ is enjoying a gym-packed lifestyle.
      During his up-and-down spell at Arsenal, he left on loan to Birmingham City, Sunderland and Juventus.
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      He eventually permanently joined Wolfsburg on a three-year deal in 2014.
      After having his contract terminated, he spent one year at Nottingham Forest in the Championship and Rosenborg.
      He then joined boyhood club Copenhagen in 2019, scoring his only goal in a cup game.
      Bendtner did bag the Premier League record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in 2006.
      He came off the bench to head in Cesc Fabregas’ corner six seconds later in a winter north London derby.  
      He now hosts Danish TV’s equivalent of the MTV classic Punk’D, playing pranks on celebrities and members of the public.
      His documentary ‘Nicklas Bendtner – The Portait’, will be released as a series in three episodes on Viaplay with a premiere on February 12. More

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      I played against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the FA Cup… what he asked from me after the game left me shocked

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      TOTTENHAM loanee Djed Spence has opened up about a shock interaction he had with Jose Mourinho while playing for Middlesbrough.The incident occurred when Mourinho’s Spurs played Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup in 2020.
      Djed Spence has spoken of an incredible interaction he had with Jose Mourinho while playing for MiddlesbroughCredit: EPA
      The former Spurs boss had a special request for the right-backCredit: PA
      Spence, currently on loan at Serie A side Genoa, was speaking to Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport about his interactions with ‘The Special One’, who was recently sacked by Roma.
      He said the gaffer had a surprise for him after Spurs beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in a third round replay, saying: “Mourinho came in [To the dressing room]. He came to me and asked for my shirt to take to his son, who was a fan of mine.
      “I was quite surprised, I’ll admit. I gave him my shirt. We’re talking about one of the greatest coaches in the world.”
      Spence was 20-years-old at the time and seen as one of English football’s most exciting full-back prospects.
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      After a successful loan at Nottingham Forest the following year, he was signed by Tottenham to play as a right wing back under Antonio Conte.
      But things turned sour for Spence virtually the day he signed for Spurs, with Conte dismissing the transfer as a “club signing” rather than one he had hand picked.
      He featured irregularly for Spurs under Conte before being loaned to Rennes in January 2023.
      Speaking on his difficult time at Tottenham, where he has made just six appearance, Spence said: “This is football, I can’t explain the reasons. What is certain is that when you don’t play, it’s difficult to demonstrate your value. There is no point in asking too many questions.
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      Jose was impressed with Spence’s performanceCredit: The Sun
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      “But I believe that even in difficulties there’s always something to learn. Whoever the coach, it makes you richer inside.”
      Conte’s successor, Ange Postecoglou similarly could not find a use for Spence and he was loaned to Championship side Leeds at the beginning of this season.
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      Despite starting regularly for Leeds after returning from injury in December, his loan there was cut short in January after Daniel Farke became unimpressed with the player’s attitude.
      The player spoke of how he hopes his loan to Genoa will revitalise career and might even lead to an England call-up, saying: “I knew Genoa had already been looking for me in the summer, now there were evidently the right conditions to close the deal. I’m satisfied, it’s an important opportunity.
      “I hope that this can be the beginning of a long journey at a club that are growing. I found a nice company and a pleasant city. I settled in quickly, they supported me in everything.
      “Of course, it’s a dream and an ambition for anyone [To get an England call-up], I hope that Genoa will give me a hand.” More

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      FA Cup TV fixtures confirmed with Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool to be split between BBC and ITV

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      ITV are set to air Chelsea and Liverpool’s FA Cup clashes – but have missed out on Manchester United.The Red Devils will face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scraped past Bristol City on penalties.
      Chelsea reached the fifth round after beating Aston Villa in a replayCredit: Alamy
      Manchester United face Nottingham Forest for a place in the quarter-finalCredit: PA
      That clash will be broadcast on BBC One on Wednesday February 28 at 7.45pm.
      Liverpool and Chelsea are set to play on the same night with the Reds facing Southampton on ITV at 8pm.
      The Blues will have to settle for ITV4 when they play Leeds, with kick-off at 7:30pm.
      ITV4 will also host non-league minnows Maidstone for their trip to Coventry on Monday February 26.
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      While the all-Premier League clash between Luton and Manchester City takes place on February 27 on ITV One.
      The final tie to be aired on a linear channel is Blackburn v Newcastle, which also takes place on February 27 on BBC One.
      The 12 clubs that are involved in live broadcast ties on the BBC and ITV’s linear channels will receive a £125,000 fee, and the four clubs that are participating in live broadcast ties on BBC iPlayer will receive a £55,000 fee.
      The iPlayer clashes include Bournemouth vs Leicester and Wolves vs Brighton.
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      Chelsea reached the fifth round after pulling off a surprise 3-1 win over Aston Villa in a replay this week.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have proved handy in the cup competitions after reaching the Carabao Cup final, and the clash with Leeds should prove to be a feisty affair.
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      Fernandez and Caicedo branded ‘absolutely outstanding’ by Keane as stats show how Chelsea’s £222m pair bossed Villa

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      ROY KEANE branded Chelsea midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo “absolutely outstanding” after the pair pulled the strings against Aston Villa.And looking at their stats from last night’s FA Cup win, it’s easy to see why the hard-to-please Irishman was full of praise for the £222million superstars.
      Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were hailed as ‘absolutely outstanding’ against Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Roy Keane was full of praise for the Chelsea midfielders… and the stats prove he was rightCredit: Getty
      Caicedo and Fernandez were on fire as a resurgent Chelsea battered Villa 3-1 to book their spot in the fifth round.
      Caicedo finally stepped into the boots of predecessor N’Golo Kante as he held the line between midfield and defence.
      While Fernandez’s non-stop passing and movement split Villa apart on multiple occasions and eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
      The Argentina World Cup winner even got on the score sheet with a world-class free-kick, which was pinged into the top corner of Emi Martinez’s net.
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      And legendary former Manchester United midfielder Keane produced a rare piece of praise for the duo.
      He said: “Absolutely outstanding, the two of them dominated that midfield.
      “They looked strong, they looked aggressive. Their passing was short, decision making was excellent.
      “They looked strong, physical. Outstanding.”
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      Looking at Fernandez and Caicedo’s stats, it becomes clear as to why Keane was singing their praises.
      Both men’s heat maps make for impressive reading, with the duo clearly unafraid to huff and puff their way around the pitch.
      Chelsea fans turn on each other as Mauricio Pochettino is booed while arriving at Villa Park

      They have equally fine passing maps too, with Caicedo’s deep presence helping Chelsea build from the back and Fernandez being more influential in the final third.
      Caicedo certainly put in the ground work as he formed a triangle with centre-backs Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
      The Ecuador star made three tackles and recovered the ball twice while also drawing four fouls from frustrated opponents.
      But Caicedo also showed off his technical side, making 58 passes and touching the ball 76 times while even having two shots on goal.

      As for Fernandez, he enjoyed more freedom going forward despite also doing the dirty work.

      He won the ball back four times while getting involved with two tackles.
      Fernandez got on the ball 62 times and fired off 47 passes.
      And one of his two shots did register as a goal, with Fernandez ripping off his shirt in delight as he celebrated with jubilant Chelsea fans.
      Supporters were also full of praise for the duo on social media.
      One said: “Finally Caicedo and Enzo PR. I used to pray for times like this.”
      Another declared: “Outstanding performance from Caicedo and Enzo today.”
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      One noted: “They dropped a masterclass. More to come.”
      Another added: “Enzo and Caicedo cooked.” More

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      Chelsea fans spot Conor Gallagher’s ‘priceless’ reaction to Enzo Fernandez’s stunning free-kick goal against Aston Villa

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      CHELSEA fans loved Conor Gallagher’s “priceless” reaction to Enzo Fernandez’s stunning free-kick against Aston Villa.The Blues produced a much-improved display to beat Unai Emery’s side 3-1 away from home.
      Conor Gallagher watched Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick fly in
      The midfielder turned in complete amazement
      Gallagher’s mouth was wide open with shock
      Mauricio Pochettino’s men booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round courtesy of goals by Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson and Fernandez.
      The Blues’ third strike came via a sumptuous free-kick.
      Villa stars contested the awarding of the set piece, believing that little contact had actually been made on Fernandez.
      Nevertheless, the Argentine dusted himself down and produced a moment of stunning quality.
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      The 23-year-old curled the ball right into the top corner, wheeling away with his shirt off in a flash to celebrate.
      From the reverse replay of the free-kick, fans spotted Gallagher’s stunned response.
      The midfielder, 24, had been stood by the Aston Villa wall, making a nuisance of himself.
      When the ball hit the back of the net he turned towards Fernandez with his mouth agape in complete wonder.
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      Spotting his response, one fan wrote on social media: “Conor Gallagher’s reaction to Enzo’s freekick is priceless!”
      While a second gushed: “Absolutely love this!!!”
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      A third swooned: “Man was in awe.”
      And a fourth admitted: “That’s my reaction too.”
      Another added: “Gallagher was class today as well.”
      Under-fire Pochettino was thrilled with his side’s display.
      Asked by ITV if it that was his side’s best performance of the season, the 51-year-old said: “‘I think so.
      “We were talking in the dressing room about the feelings with the players. One of the best, maybe the best performance of the season.
      “it has arrived in a very good moment for us and I’m so happy with the performance.
      “The way we played pleased me the most. We are a young team and you know always it’s about being solid and consistent and that is the most difficult thing in a young team.”
      Pochettino then urged his side to emulate pundit Roy Keane, who was at the game for ITV.
      He added: “We are a young team and Roy, you know very well that it’s about being solid and consistent and that’s the most difficult thing in a young team.
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      “We need a bigger mentality, sometimes the mentality of this guy [points at Keane], but it’s about finding a balance.
      “For me I am so optimistic, I know at a club like Chelsea people aren’t patient and they don’t want to know about the circumstances but the reality is another thing, we’re not the Chelsea that was competing in a different time.” More