More stories

  • in

    Gary Neville blasted as staff at his luxury hotel are paid minimum wage after he slammed government over nurse pay

    GARY Neville has been blasted after it was revealed staff at his luxury hotel are on minimum wage.The football pundit’s Stock Exchange Hotel is recruiting full-time waiters and waitresses for £9.50 an hour and bartenders for £9.50-11.
    Gary Neville was slammed for launching into political rant during coverage of the World Cup finalCredit: ITV
    He has previously admitted to being a ‘champagne socialist’
    It comes after Neville, 47, used ITV’s World Cup broadcast on Sunday to accuse the Government of paying nurses “an absolute pittance”.
    The minimum wage waiters and waitresses at his restaurant would be earning £19,600 a year for a 40-hour week. Nurses typically earn around £34,000 on average.
    The waiter/waitress ad at his luxury hotel in Manchester reads: “We are looking for talented Waiters who have a passion for delivering an exceptional guest experience and a desire to learn and grow within our team.”
    It demands previous relevant experience and says experience at a luxury five-star hotel would be a distinct advantage to candidates. 
    READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE
    They are also expected to have “exceptional service standards and attention to detail” and to “provide the highest level of service to guests at all times”.
    Conservative MP Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “It would appear staff within his hotel are working for a lot less than the public sector workers he claims are struggling to make ends meet. 
    “This multi-millionaire needs to shut up. 
    “When we want to watch the football World Cup, guess what we want to do, we want to watch football and chat about football. 
    Most read in Football
    “So please keep your opinions off the football channels when you’re talking and commentating.”
    Last week it emerged that former staff felt “overworked and underappreciated” at a separate hotel.
    In a scathing review on job site Indeed, one worker said: “If you love being overworked and underappreciated then you’ve found you calling.
    “Typically understaffed and overworked. Training is non existent.
    “Always work over my contracted hours and never get overtime pay, I was told to take time in lieu but that’s impossible when they are no staff to cover that.
    “Management only interested in turning a profit and don’t really care how they achieve this.
    “I wouldn’t recommend working here right now as I know for a fact that most of the key staff are looking to move on due to the conditions.”
    Another ex-waitress gave the hotel just two stars as she vented on the employee forum Glassdoor.
    She branded the working situation as “unfair” and said there were “no pros from my personal experience.”
    “I didn’t feel welcome in the team and management was not treating everybody equally,” she added.
    And despite Neville hijacking ITV’s coverage to attack poor working conditions, one former hotel staffer blasted his business as “greedy”.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Senior management is more concerned about cutting costs rather than generating money, providing a good service and good working conditions,” they added.
    Neville’s World Cup rant has since caused hundreds of complaints and Harry Radknapp called it “completely ridiculous”. More

  • in

    ‘Hypocrite’ Gary Neville’s ‘political’ rant over strikes at World Cup sparks hundreds of complaints to watchdog

    GARY Neville’s World Cup rant sparked more than 440 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom.The pundit has come under fire after hijacking ITV’s coverage to compare the working conditions of strikers in the UK to migrant workers in scandal-hit Qatar.
    Gary Neville has come under fire for his political tirade in the lead up to Sunday’s World Cup finalCredit: ITV
    Harry Redknapp told Jeremy Kyle the rant was ‘ridiculous’Credit: TalkTV
    Ofcom has reportedly put ITV under pressure to explain the ex-England ace’s political tirade in the run-up to Sunday’s World Cup final.
    The regulator has said it is assessing Neville’s on-air statements “as a priority” as he potentially faces an investigation over whether he breached the broadcasting code.
    And ITV sources have warned bosses will be “reminding our sports presenters” to avoid politicising its coverage, reports DailyMail.
    Since the extraordinary rant, several other footballing pundits have hit out after feeling he crossed a line.
    READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE
    Harry Redknapp dubbed the ex-Manchester United star a “hypocrite” and said his speech was “completely ridiculous”.
    He told TalkTV: “How can you compare what’s going on out there with what’s going on with train drivers and nurses.
    “We want to see nurses get more money, of course we do, they’re fantastic.
    “But you can’t compare the two situations. It’s completely ridiculous.”
    Most read in Football
    And former-Three Lions player Danny Mills also slated the rant.
    Asked on GB News if Neville should have made the speech, he said: “I don’t think so.
    “You have a platform as a pundit, as a person on telly, you clearly have opinions, but there are people better read, better versed to understand all the situations in this.
    “We saw it at the start of the World Cup with the BBC not putting not showing the opening ceremony on the main channel. And then a bit of a monologue from Gary Lineker.
    “It’s OK to have opinions, but if you want to do that, do it on your own social media channels because I think you have more influence.
    “When you start getting into mixing politics right across the board, I think it’s very, very dangerous.”
    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also waded into the debate as he told the pundit to stick to football.
    He told the Mail: “I think when most people are tuning in to watch Gary Neville they want to hear about the football and watch the football. They don’t want to discuss politics.”
    His official spokesman added that Neville’s comments were “clearly not legitimate or appropriate”.
    ‘ABSOLUTE PITTANCE’
    Neville has refused to apologise for the rant, where he attacked the UK government for “demonising” striking nurses.
    He slammed the World Cup host nation for its “abhorrent” treatment of workers, and said people should “detest poor accommodation and working conditions.”
    He continued: “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.
    “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.
    “That shouldn’t happen here with the wealth that exists. 
    “But it shouldn’t happen with the nurses in our country either where our nurses are having to fight for an extra pound or two pounds.”
    Despite his lecture over workers rights, several former employees have hit out at working conditions in his hotel.
    Ex-staff at his Hotel Football in Manchester say they were “overworked and underappreciated”.
    In a scathing review on job site Indeed, one worker said: “If you love being overworked and underappreciated then you’ve found you calling.
    “Typically understaffed and overworked. Training is non existent.
    “Always work over my contracted hours and never get overtime pay, I was told to take time in lieu but that’s impossible when they are no staff to cover that.
    “Management only interested in turning a profit and don’t really care how they achieve this.
    “I wouldn’t recommend working here right now as I know for a fact that most of the key staff are looking to move on due to the conditions.”
    And while Neville hijacked ITV’s coverage to attack poor working conditions, another former hotel staffer blasted his business as “greedy”.
    “Senior management is more concerned about cutting costs rather than generating money, providing a good service and good working conditions,” they added.
    Read More on The Sun
    Following the backlash to his speech, an Ofcom spokesman said: “We are assessing this content as a priority and have asked ITV provide us with details about the broadcast to inform that work.”
    An ITV spokesman said: “Gary Neville was expressing his own personal views in the context of a discussion about the treatment of workers in Qatar within a live broadcast. His views are his own and were not endorsed by ITV.”
    Gary Neville has been slated as a ‘hypocrite’ for his World Cup political rant More

  • in

    BBC beat ITV in World Cup ratings war as almost 20MILLION UK viewers tune in to watch final

    BBC thrashed ITV with their World Cup final ratings as 20MILLION Brits tuned in across both channels to watch Argentina beat France.Viewers were treated to one of the all-time great spectacles as Lionel Messi inspired his country to a penalty shootout victory after a remarkable 120-minute match ended 3-3.
    Most UK viewers chose to watch BBC’s coverage of Argentina’s win over FranceCredit: Getty
    ITV only managed to attract an audience of around four million for the finalCredit: Rex
    Both BBC and ITV broadcasted the final simultaneously, but it was very one-sided with regards to the share of the audience.
    BBC managed to attract 14.9m people for their coverage spearheaded by former England striker turned presenter Gary Lineker.
    Meanwhile, ITV, boasting pundits such as Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright, could only muster a viewership of 4.3m.
    But the overall total number of people tuning in was significantly up on the 2018 final between France and Croatia.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Just 11.4m Brits watched Didier Deschamps’ men lift the trophy in Russia, compared with 19.2m this time around.
    The figures for 2022’s final do not yet account for those who streamed it on services such as iPlayer and ITVX.
    It also does not include those watching in pubs.
    A number of factors can explain this huge rise in ratings – most notably the blockbuster duel between Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    It’s safe to say the pair delivered as they registered five goals between them to captivate football fans around the world.
    Then there is also the fact that the tournament was played in winter, so the general public are more likely to be indoors compared with the summertime.
    Speaking after the ratings were announced, Barbara Slater, the director of BBC Sport, said: “One of the greatest World Cup Finals of all time, Argentina and Messi’s victory last night closed off a thrilling four weeks of football.
    “A first ever winter World Cup was a new experience for fans and the BBC has once again demonstrated the value of sport when made freely available to all, breaking new streaming records and providing the highest quality coverage, analysis and entertainment across TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online and BBC Sounds.”
    The most watched BBC match of the 2022 World Cup was Wales vs England – which peaked at an audience of 17.6 million – followed by the final, Holland vs Argentina, France vs Morocco and Spain vs Germany. More

  • in

    ‘THAT’S when you dance’ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes final dig at Brazil after Argentina’s World Cup win

    ROY KEANE aimed one final dig at Brazil following Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France.The ITV pundit was left fuming earlier in the tournament when Brazil’s stars danced after all four goals in their 4-1 win over South Korea.
    Roy Keane took a final dig at Brazil as he praised ArgentinaCredit: Twitter / @itvfootball
    Keane was not fussed at all by Argentina’s wild celebrationsCredit: Getty
    The ITV pundit originally slammed Brazil for their dancing during the last-16Credit: AP
    Neymar and Co were then knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia.
    Argentina meanwhile won the tournament with a penalty shootout win over France after an incredible final finished 3-3.
    The players celebrated wildly on the pitch, before continuing the celebrations in the dressing room.
    Manchester United icon Keane didn’t mind this time, pointing out “that’s when you dance” in a cheeky dig at Brazil.
    Read More In Football
    He said on ITV after the final: “Look what brilliant scenes, it is just brilliant, dance all you want.
    “They’ll be dancing at the hotel tonight, good luck to them, they’ll be dancing for the next 10 years.
    “That’s when you dance, when you win it.”
    Argentina captain Lionel Messi danced with a $10million cheque in the dressing room after the game, while another person celebrated by diving head first into a wheelie bin.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
    Keane had originally slammed Brazil for “disrespecting” their opponents by dancing during the last-16.
    He famously blasted at the time: “It’s like watching Strictly. I can’t believe what I’m watching.
    “I don’t like this. I think it’s disrespecting the opposition. It’s four [goals] and they’re doing it every time.
    “I don’t mind the first kind of little jig – whatever they’re doing – but they’re still doing it after that and then the manager getting involved with it.
    “I’m not happy with it, I don’t think it’s very good at all.”
    Keane was criticised by members of the Brazil camp for his words, before the five-time champions and pre-tournament favourites crashed out of the tournament in the last-eight.
    And the 51-year-old, who showed off a new look ahead of the final, ended up having the last laugh. More

  • in

    ‘Decided to show four men talking’ – Fans fume at BBC World Cup coverage as they avoid showing closing ceremony

    FANS watching on BBC One were left fuming after they did not show the closing ceremony of the World Cup.Before the final between France and Argentina, fans tuned in expecting to watch the performances from singers and dancers marking the end of the tournament.
    BBC pundits talked through the opening ceremonyCredit: BBC
    Fans on the BBC could not see the action from the Lusail StadiumCredit: Reuters
    Fireworks were let off on the pitchCredit: Getty
    The ceremony was full of colourCredit: AFP
    There were performances from a number of famous pop starsCredit: Alamy
    However, those watching on the BBC were instead left with analysis from pundits Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta.
    Supporters could view the ceremony on ITV or on a separate feed on the BBC iPlayer.
    Many were left underwhelmed by the BBC’s decision not to broadcast it on their main channel, one said online: “BBC are a joke as usual. How are they not showing the closing ceremony?”
    Another reacted: “ITV decided to show the whole ceremony with brilliant performers, colours, actors, singers, dancers and more. BBC decided to show four men talking.”
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    A third commented: “Respect to ITV for actually showing the closing ceremony. Crazy how BBC won’t even show it on their main channel.”
    One even went as far as breaking their traditional channel choice, they angrily Tweeted: “Well done to ITV for showing the closing ceremony. Shame on you BBC.
    “I always watch the World Cup final on BBC because of no adverts, not this year.”
    Another suggested similar: “I might stick with ITV for watching World Cup final. I cannot believe the BBC didn’t show the closing ceremony.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    This is not the first time the BBC have snubbed a ceremony in Qatar.
    They refused to broadcast the opening ceremony too.
    The closing show was a lively display of Qatari culture.
    Pop star Davido performed and actress Nora Fatehi took to the stage to headline the celebrations. More

  • in

    Fans all say the same thing about Roy Keane’s moustache and soul patch as he returns to ITV coverage for World Cup final

    FANS are saying the same thing after Roy Keane appeared with a moustache and soul patch at the World Cup final.The football pundit appeared on ITV’s coverage of the match with the new look, and it caused a stir online among football fans.
    Roy Keane had a full beard earlier in the tournament tournamentCredit: Twitter @itvfootball
    But he changed to a moustache and soul patch for the World Cup finalCredit: Twitter / @itvfootball
    Keane was on the panel alongside Gary Neville and Ian Wright ahead of Argentina’s history-making final against France.
    But despite this, fans were putting their attention on Keane’s newly trimmed facial hair on social media.
    One tweeted: “Roy Keane going for the Captain Hook look here”.
    A second wrote: “I’m here for nothing more than Roy Keane’s 80’s pornstar tache.”
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    A third added: “Roy Keane looks great as a musketeer”.
    A fourth said: “F****** serious tache and soul patch combo on Roy Keane that. Renaissance man”.
    A fifth chimed in with: “Roy Keane rocking the Frank Zappa ‘tache and beard combo. I’m here for it”.
    A sixth wrote: “Roy Keane looks absolutely mental with this new facial trim, like an Evil Villain”.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
    Former Man Utd and Ireland legend Keane, 51, has been has been one of the stars the tournament.
    He became embroiled in a bitter row over DANCING with Brazil’s manager Tite.

    And he showed that he still possessed some of the magic that made him one of the greatest midfielders of his generation by scoring the winner in an ITV vs BBC pundits match.
    Keane’s celebration was a work of art too – racing off with his top off before leaping over a wheelie bin. More

  • in

    Roy Keane shocks fans with new moustache look after SHAVING OFF bushy beard for ITV vs talkSPORT match

    ROY KEANE has shocked everyone by shaving off his infamous bushy beard – and now he’s sporting just a moustache.The Manchester United legend is currently out in Qatar covering the World Cup as a pundit for ITV.
    Roy Keane has ditched his bushy grey beard while out in QatarCredit: ITV
    The Irishman revealed his incredible new moustache during a photo with talkSPORT’s Sam EllardCredit: Instagram @samellard
    As always, the fork-tongued and hard-to-please Irishman has been in the headlines throughout the tournament.
    He became embroiled in a bitter row over DANCING with Brazil’s manager Tite.
    And he showed that he still possessed some of the magic that made him one of the greatest midfielders of his generation by scoring the winner in an ITV vs BBC pundits match.
    Keane’s celebration was a work of art too – racing off with his top off before leaping over a wheelie bin.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    Perhaps buoyed on by that heroic moment, the 51-year-old was back out on the pitch earlier to take part in another kickabout.
    This time he was lining-up alongside his fellow ITV pundits to take on their talkSPORT counterparts.
    Keane and his pals tasted victory once again out in the Middle East as they ran out 10-6 victors.
    But it will be his new-look that has most people talking this time rather than his robust views or antics on the field.
    Most read in Football
    TalkSPORT’s Sam Ellard was in the opposition but afterwards he managed to nab himself a snap with the fiery Keano.
    Judging by the early comments on the post, the icon’s new appearance appears to have slipped the radar.
    However, upon closer inspection, you can see that the photo actually revealed that the ex-Nottingham Forest and Celtic ace has ditched his bushy grey beard with just two days to go before the World Cup final.
    And instead he now dons a magnificent grey moustache, accompanied by a ‘soul patch’ – a small patch of hair below his lower lip.
    Ellard captioned his snap with: “Today was the @itvfootball vs @talksport rematch. ITV winning 10-6.
    “Ally McCoist scored SIX goals. Keane and Neville oozing class…
    “Bring on the rematch in Germany.” More

  • in

    ITV stars Laura Woods and Eni Aluko enjoy night out with BBC rivals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer before World Cup final

    GARY LINEKER and Alan Shearer enjoyed a night out in Doha with ITV rivals Laura Woods and Eni Aluko.The presenters were enjoying an end-of-World Cup party ahead of the final between France and Argentina on Sunday.
    Laura Woods branded Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer “legends”Credit: Instagram / @LauraWoodsy
    Woods and Eni Aluko enjoyed a night out with the BBC gangCredit: Instagram / @LauraWoodsy
    Lineker and Shearer have appeared on the BBC while Woods presented on ITV with Aluko one of several analysts.
    But they all came together to enjoy each other’s company and a meal at Japanese restaurant Zuma Doha on Al Maha Island.
    Woods posed for a photo in between Lineker and Shearer which she captioned: “A coupla legends 🙌🏻.”
    The 25-year-old also took a selfie alongside Aluko, while she took a video of her meal which appeared to include the BBC’s Danny Murphy in the background.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    Earlier in the day Shearer had his fellow BBC pundits in hysterics as he sang into a breadstick during their Qatar-based Christmas party.
    Shearer didn’t hold back when it came to the karaoke.
    In a video posted by Lineker, the Newcastle legend could be seen using a breadstick as a microphone – giving it some welly as he sang You Can’t Hurry Love by The Supremes.
    The 52-year-old attacked each note like he used to throw himself at crosses, not shying away from growling into his impromptu mic.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    And his enthusiasm was infectious, with Richards also getting in on the performance and making it a duet.
    Even Murphy could be seen bobbing along in the background, with those off camera laughing at the brilliant exchange. More