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      BBC speaks out after Gary Lineker QUITS Match of the Day & leaves for good after fronting 2026 World Cup coverage

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      THE BBC have confirmed that Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day and leave for good after fronting coverage for the 2026 World Cup.It comes after The Sun revealed the former England striker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.The BBC have now confirmed Gary Lineker will quit Match of the DayCredit: AlamyThe star has presented the flagship footie show since 1999Credit: BBCBut a new deal with the BBC will keep him on our screensCredit: GettyNow, the BBC have officially confirmed that “world-class presenter” Lineker will quit the hit show.Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. “He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”Read More on Gary LinekerIt comes as…Lineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down.But – as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage before bowing out on the biggest stage at the next World Cup.Most read in FootballBreaking his silence today, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Anchoring the World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, will mean Lineker ends his time covering the most prestigious tournament in football.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsThe BBC statement added: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup. “Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.”Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.”The BBC confirmed that Lineker will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The ex-Three Lions bagsman is understood to be on new terms which which will see his salary reduced significantly.He currently receives £1.35million, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.Over the past two months there has been frenzied speculation that the star was leaving the BBC’s flagship football programme. Last night a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. “The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.”The source paid a touching tribute to Lineker, adding: “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shock-waves around the Corporation. “In other words, no-one is immune from change.”They added: “Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger. and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside. “BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Lineker’s pay cut, in part, is because he will no longer be fronting MOTD – and stand alone payments for the World Cup and FA Cups won’t compensate for this financially.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Last month a reported leaked email suggested he could be quitting the long-running series mid-season – promoting Gary to joke on air it was his “last game”- before clarifying he meant before the international break. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the ex-Spurs star was asked if he would be stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. “Whether that will be the case I don’t know.”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”The Sun previously revealed Lineker – who took over from Des Lynam in 1999 – was keen to stay on MOTD and had offered to take a pay cut.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun understands that the BBC is now planning a number of shake-ups to revive the format once Lineker leaves.One proposed change includes a series of presenters with Mark Chapman, currently host of MOTD2, one of the anchors likely to be rotated. Gary Lineker was spotted in public today after it was revealed he is leaving Match of the DayCredit: SelwynPics More

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      Controversial podcast host jokes he could replace Gary Lineker in Match of the Day hotseat after quitting iconic show

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      AN UNLIKELY figure is open to replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – and is even willing to strip to his Y-fronts live on air. The England legend will leave the iconic BBC show in the summer after 25 years at the helm.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PALineker took over hosting Match of the Day from Des Lynam way back in 1999. The 63-year-old announced on Monday he will step aside following six weeks of talks.BBC bosses are now looking to fill Lineker’s considerable boots, with MOTD2 host Mark Chapman in the running. But an unlikely name has jokingly put his hat into the ring – after an endorsement from Lineker’s podcast boss.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell declared he was ready to take up the job.And he claimed he’d even do it “in his underpants”, a reference to Lineker’s famous on-air strip following Leicester City’s title win in 2016.Campbell appears on the Rest Is Politics podcast, which shares the same production company as Lineker’s popular pod the Rest Is Football.He told co-star Sophie Ridge: “People are obviously taking me presenting Match of the Day more seriously than you are.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCampbell, who was a strategist and spokesman for Tony Blair’s Labour government, received a text live on air. He continued: “Tony Pastor, who is the boss at Goalhanger, which is Gary’s podcast firm [has text me].Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day moments”He says: ‘You could present Match of the Day in your underpants when Burnley win the league’. “A delighted Campbell, 67, joked: “I will happily do that!”Lineker is stepping aside from Match of the Day, but will still be on our screens for at least another two years.Alastair Campbell has jokingly offered to replace Gary LinekerCredit: AlamyHe has signed an 18-month extension with the BBC, which will see him anchor live FA Cup matches in 2025-26.Lineker is scheduled to leave the BBC for good after presenting coverage of the 2026 World Cup.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.A BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years. “He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.” More

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      Gary Lineker breaks cover as it’s revealed he’ll QUIT Match Of The Day & leave BBC after fronting 2026 World Cup

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      GARY Lineker has been spotted in public for the first time since he broke his silence over leaving Match of the Day.The former England striker spoke out to confirm he will stop presenting the hit show before quitting the BBC after the 2026 World Cup.The former England striker went out for a stroll with his dogCredit: SelwynPicsGary Lineker was spotted out in public after it was revealed he is leaving Match of the DayCredit: SelwynPicsThe star has presented the hit BBC show since 1999Credit: BBCLineker was seen going for a walk with his beloved dog on a chilly Tuesday morning.The ex-Three Lions bagsman donned a thick scarf as he went out for a stroll.Breaking his silence today, the star said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Lineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down from the show.Read More in FootballBut – as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.It comes as…Anchoring the World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and USA, will mean he bows out on the biggest stage as he covers the most prestigious tournament in football.Most read in FootballAlex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. “He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”Last night a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day moments“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.“BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”The former England striker is understood to be on new terms, which will see his salary reduced significantly. He currently receives £1.35m, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.The pay cut, in part, is because he will no longer be fronting MOTD – and stand alone payments for the World Cup and FA Cups won’t compensate for this financially.Over the past two months there has been frenzied speculation that the star was leaving the BBC’s flagship football programme. Last month a reported leaked email suggested he could be quitting the long-running series mid-season – promoting Gary to joke on air it was his “last game”- before clarifying he meant before the international break. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the ex Spurs star was asked if was stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. Whether that will be the case I don’t know.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”The Sun previously revealed Lineker – who took over from Des Lynam in 1999 – was keen to stay on MOTD and had offered to take a pay cut.Gary has now confirmed he will quit Match of the DayCredit: AlamyThanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary.  More

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      Appeal launched for former Chelsea star’s daughter who has had leg amputated while pregnant after cancer diagnosis

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      AN APPEAL has been launched for the daughter of former Chelsea star Dave Mitchell after she lost her leg to cancer.Glasgow-born Mitchell, 62, played for the Blues between 1988 and 1990, making seven appearances.An appeal has been launched to help the daughter of former Chelsea star Dave MitchellCredit: GettyJess Cook was 25 weeks pregnant when she lost her leg to cancerCredit: gofundmeThe public have shown their support for Mitchell’s daughterCredit: GettyThe 27-time Australia international also enjoyed spells in England with Newcastle, Swindon Town and Millwall.And after retiring in 1999, Mitchell entered the world of management with several sides Down Under.But the former striker was hit by tragedy when his daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer.Jess Cook was 25 weeks pregnant when doctors confirmed she had a rare soft tissue cancer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMitchell’s daughter then required urgent surgery to amputate her left leg.And now, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched by Jess’ sister Kristy to raise money and support her recovery.Looking to raise over £76,000, the funds will be used to assist Jess through her extremely difficult moment.And as of Tuesday morning, an incredible £75k has already been raised by kind-hearted donors.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe swift acts of generosity are sure to delight Mitchell in the hour of his daughter’s need.A former striker, he enjoyed a varied career that took him to numerous countries.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Mitchell is a former Australia star who also played for Newcastle and MillwallCredit: GettyHe enjoyed some managerial spells Down Under after retiringCredit: GettyMitchell started in Australia with Adelaide City before securing a move to Scotland with Rangers.He then followed that with a spell in Hong Kong with Seiko before joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt.Mitchell’s next move saw him play in Holland for Feyenoord.And it was then that Chelsea came calling.But Mitchell struggled for minutes and returned to Holland with NEC before giving English football another crack with Newcastle and Swindon.Mitchell next went to Turkey with Altay Izmir and was soon back in the UK with Millwall.Mitchell’s later playing days saw him go to Malaysia with Selangor.But he then closed out his career by returning to Australia, first with Sydney Olympic and then with Sydney United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis managerial career started while he was still starring at Olympic, becoming player-gaffer there while also taking the same role with United.He also managed Parramatta Power and Perth Glory in his homeland, while also enjoying spells at Malaysian duo Sarawak and Kedah FA.Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though. More

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      Tragedy as footballer Marco Angulo, 22, dies of injuries from devastating car crash

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      INTERNATIONAL footballer Marco Angulo has tragically died at the age of 22.Angulo was involved in a traffic incident in Ecuador’s capital of Quito on October 7, before he was rushed to hospital.Marco Angulo of LDU Quito has died 35 days after he was involved in a fatal car crashCredit: GettyThe car crash had occurred on the Rumiñahui highway in the southeast of Quito at 4.30am.While in hospital he underwent a “decompressive craniectomy” operation that extracted 300 cubic centimetres of blood to release pressure inside his head caused by the trauma suffered.Angulo had also suffered a lung contusion that required the placement of a chest tube, though no active bleeding was found.However, 35 days after the crash on November 11, Angulo was confirmed to have passed away from his injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was travelling in a Ford Explorer registered in his sister’s name with four other people when the crash happened.Angulo’s death means three people have been killed in the crash, including Independiente Juniors star Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Víctor Charcopa Nazareno, the cousin of Cuniburo Fútbol Club player Diogo Nazareno.The car is reported to have crashed into a metal structure weighing 50 tons after failing to follow the road signs, with the impact moving the structure by 5 metres.Angulo starred for Ecuadorian club LDU Quito on loan from Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati.Most read in FootballThe midfielder, who only made his professional debut in 2020, had been capped twice by the Ecuador national team.His latest appearance had come in a 2-1 win over Australia in March 2023.Paying tribute following his death, his club said in a statement: “With profound pain and sadness, we regret to inform the passing of our beloved player Marco Angulo.”His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.Club captain Ezequiel Piovi said on Instagram: “May you rest in peace.”The Ecuador international was on loan from MLS side FC CincinnatiCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star quizzed by cops after allegedly ‘raping two women and committing sexual offence against a third’

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      A PREMIER League star was reportedly questioned by police following multiple allegations of sex offences.The man, in his 30s, is under investigation for alleged rapes of two women and a sexual offence relating to a third woman, reports MailOnline.A Premier League star was reportedly quizzed again by police over alleged sex offencesCredit: GettyCops first arrested him at an address in London in July 2022 on suspicion of rape and he has continued to play for his club since. The Mail said the football star attended a station last Thursday and was interviewed under caution.A Met Police spokesperson told the outlet: “Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.”A man in his 30s was arrested in July 2022. “He has since been interviewed by police on two further occasions while under caution.”The investigation remains ongoing and detectives are continuing with in-depth and detailed enquiries. “Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.”The man was arrested after a report of an alleged rape in June 2022 and, while in custody, further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape in April and June 2021.Most read in FootballNo further action is being taken regarding the incident in June 2021 given relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is alleged to have occurred.Police arrested the player again in February last year on suspicion of a sexual offence having taken place in London in February 2022. More

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      David Coote’s moment of madness will be a hole in the head for Howard Webb and music to the ears of footie conspiracists

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      IT IS a crisis that Howard Webb needed like a hole in the head.Ample evidence that some of his referees DO harbour grudges against certain teams.David Coote’s moment of madness appears to have sealed his fateCredit: GettyIt was a problem PGMOL chief Howard Webb needed like a hole in the headCredit: GettyThe sort of nasty video that will only ramp up the conspiracists even further.And while David Coote appears to have sealed his own fate with words he spoke more than four years ago, it is Webb who has to deal with the repercussions now.Putting out a fire that nobody should have started — and just as refs’ chief Webb and PGMOL appeared to be getting things back in the right direction.That Webb acted as swiftly as possible cannot be doubted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBarely two hours had lapsed after Coote’s bizarre comments about Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and even James Milner had emerged before PGMOL announced the referee’s  suspension “with immediate effect”.The outcome of the investigation is inevitable, especially with Coote conceding it really is him captured burning his reputation and career in front of a camera.Yet the issue for Webb is that it will bring back up the sort of  accusations which, until last season, had been consigned to the wilder fringes of pub corners and social media.Nottingham Forest’s decision to “out” VAR Stuart Attwell as a Luton fan after controversial calls went against them in a relegation crunch with Everton cost the City Ground club £750,000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was the FA sending out a message: Our refs are honest and straight. They have integrity. And you will be punished if you try to stoke up your fanbase.It was a message that had appeared to be sinking in, at least with the clubs.Ex-Prem ref fears for David Coote’s career after his x-rated Klopp video suspensionWhat was noticeable from Arsenal earlier this season — despite complaints over red cards for Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba — was a seeming determination NOT to play the blame game.Some fans might want to think the entire fabric of the game is designed to undermine their chances, that refs are biased in favour of one team or another. But fans have always done that.It is just that the team who were protected and helped out changed from decade to decade, depending on who was top of the pile.Plenty of Liverpool and Arsenal fans, in particular, have convinced themselves Michael Oliver — universally rated by the FA, Uefa and Fifa as one of the top refs in the world — is Manchester City’s 12th man. But PGMOL boss Webb believes the first three months of the season have seen Prem refs’ reputations turning a corner.Mistakes are down, with fans seeing more accurate and quicker decisions.And that is even before the delayed introduction of semi- automated offside tech — due after Christmas if everything goes well — to speed up flag calls even further.But Webb will know the few  seconds of stupidity that will see Coote becoming part of football history will only bring fresh focus on his recruitment policies and the integrity of top-flight whistlers.And not just from the loons and oddballs that refuse to ever believe the evidence of their own eyes.Webb was already expected to be discussing at least one of Coote’s decisions in tonight’s instalment of the Match Officials Mic’d Up monthly review show. Coote actually made the correct call when Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt slightly caught West Ham’s Danny Ings inside his own box in added time at the London Stadium last month, before accepting Oliver’s recommendation to award a penalty instead.That finished off Erik ten Hag’s United reign, with Webb conceding it was an error.The former World Cup final ref might also have been ready to look at the decisions made by Coote at Anfield, of all places, on Saturday night.Half a pitch behind the action, he appeared to wave play on — rather than applying the advantage rule — when Leon Bailey wiped out Mo Salah.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Jamaican avoided punishment by the VAR because Darwin Nunez went on to make it 1-0, therefore Bailey could not have denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity.But due process means Webb cannot say anything about the suspended ref at this stage, even though ignoring the Coote-sized elephant in the room will be a difficult sell.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

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      Ex Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals which job he would return to football for as he plans to start new life

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      FORMER Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the job he wants next as he plans for a new start.The gaffer, 51, is yet to take a new role since leaving Old Trafford three years ago.Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the job he would like nextCredit: GettySolskjaer won 91 of his 168 games in charge of United before being sacked.And he has since been living in his native Norway after being linked with jobs including promoted Leicester and Turkish giants Besiktas.But Solskjaer has now revealed that he would favour a job in international football.That’s despite reports last month claiming he had turned down an offer from Denmark’s national side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “It must be something exciting enough, together with the right people.“But I feel so well now that there must be something that triggers me enough for me to choose to travel from Nordmore.“I think that a national team could suit me, but then it can’t be on the other side of the globe.“I had tow options but it would have taken half a day to travel, and there is a time difference in the picture, so I opted out. Even if I could then take part in the championship.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Solskjaer does admit he would jump at the chance to manage Norway amid reports Stale Solbakken will quit after the 2026 World Cup.He added: “I am a proud Norwegian. If the question comes up, when Stale finds out that he doesn’t want it anymore, I’m happy to enter into a conversation.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureSolskjaer is building a new house on the Norwegian island of KristiansundCredit: Ian Whittaker – The SunHe was born in the western municipality in 1973Credit: Ian Whittaker – The SunSolskjaer hopes to move into his new pad shortlyCredit: Ian Whittaker – The Sun“I would say yes any day of the week. It feels wrong to sit and talk about jobs that other people have, but of course I’d say yes.”Instead of an imminent return to management, Solskjaer is now planning for a new start after revealing he’s building a house on an island in Norway.The ace was born on the western municipality of Kristiansund in 1973.And Solskjaer will soon be living there in a luxurious new house there as he grows ever closer to his roots.Solskjaer said: “Now I do exactly what I want and enjoy myself. I’m moving in a couple of weeks.“I have reached a position where I can pick and choose, and I am lucky there. Financially I don’t need anything.”Solskjaer first enjoyed a stellar playing career that saw him net 126 goals in 366 games during 11 years for United.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1996 and 2007.And the striker was also part of the famous 1999 Treble-winning squad, scoring United’s famous late comeback winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.After moving into management with Molde and Cardiff, Solskjaer then returned to United as interim gaffer in December 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESA flying start saw him become permanent boss soon after.But Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021 after a dismal run and was replaced by interim Ralf Rangnick.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More