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    Footballer says four-game ban for horror tackle on Love Island star was ‘so worth it’

    A FOOTBALLER has claimed his four-match ban for a horror tackle on Love Island star Tyrique Hyde “was so worth it”.The 24-year-old Hyde, whose dad Micah played for Watford in the Premier League, will be hoping to score with the villa beauties when he graces its hallowed turf on the hit ITV show.
    A footy ace says his four-match ban for a horror tackle on a new Love Island star ‘was so worth it’
    Tyrique Hyde is swapping his footy boots for flip-flops in the villaCredit: Rex

    Hyde, from Essex, is the latest semi-professional footballer to swap non-league action for Love Island.
    He follows in the footsteps of 2020 Love Island winner Finn Tapp, who played for Oxford City, and Hashtag United ace Toby Aromolaran, who was runner-up during season seven.
    Hyde is currently playing for seventh-tier side Lewes, who just missed out on the play-offs via goal difference, after previously lining-up for National League South outfit Welling United earlier in the campaign.
    Now a tackle that the ex-Dagenham & Redbridge ace was on the receiving end of while in action for the Isthmian Premier League side has now resurfaced.
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    The incident occurred during Lewes’ clash with Cray Wanderers at the Dripping Pan stadium.
    And it was so bad that the aggressor, Mitchell Chapman, received a whopping four-game suspension.
    However, after news of the former Dagenham & Redbridge ace’s upcoming stint on Love Island emerged, Chapman showed little remorse as he took to Twitter to boast about his wild two-footed lunge that left Hyde lying in a heap.
    Chapman responded to a tweet announcing Hyde joining the smash show with: “Four game ban was so worth it now.”
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    While a decent player in his own right, Tyrique is yet to experience the heights his dad reached in the early noughties.
    Micah, 48, played 253 times for Watford before making 102 appearances for Burnley in the Championship and 64 for Peterborough United.
    He also earned 17 international caps for Jamaica. More

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    Love Island footballer leaves Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield to focus on new opportunities in London

    TOM CLARE has quit Macclesfield Town after starring on ITV dating show, Love Island.The striker’s contract at the club was due to run until 2024 but he has decided not to see it out.
    Love Island star Tom Clare has quit MacclesfieldCredit: Alamy
    His contract was due to expire in 2024Credit: Alamy
    Director of Football Robbie Savage has supported his decisionCredit: Getty
    Clare went on Love Island earlier this year after being allowed the opportunity by the Northern Premier League outfit.
    He formed a couple with stunner Samie Elishi but their relationship did not last.
    Clare has now announced his departure from Macclesfield as he seeks new opportunities by moving to London.
    In his message, he thanked director of football and former Premier League star Robbie Savage and the fans for all their support.
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    He wrote on Twitter: “Where do I start… this club has been right behind me throughout everything, the most I’ve ever enjoyed my football has been at this special club, the good times are unmatched and we’ve created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
    “The decision for me to leave has been my decision and has been so tough, but now in my life, there’s just too many opportunities that I just cannot turn down and moving down to London plays a huge part in that.
    “To @robbiesavage8 and @smethurst1 I thank you both for being there for me no matter what and for doing things off your own backs to help me is something I will never forget, two of the most passionate, genuine guys I’ve ever met, you guys deserve the best.
    “To the fans, I thank you for shouting my name week in, week out, and getting the stadium bouncing every single game, you fans have been through a lot but the only way is up!
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    “Keep supporting the lads and I will come to as many games as I can.
    “Football is my passion and has been in me since I could walk, I don’t see it as a job.
    “For the time being, I’m taking a step back to focus on other things, but I will never quit football and will keep myself in the best possible shape throughout all of this, @thesilkmen Thank you.
    “To the lads, I will miss the banter on and off the pitch you’re a top set of lads and it’s been one of the best changing rooms I’ve ever been in, I wish you all the best in your careers!”
    Savage admitted that this was always going to be a possibility once Clare went on Love Island.
    He said: “How am I qualified to stop a young man taking on a potentially life-changing experience?
    “Tom is a fit lad and it could be his gateway into modelling, gym equipment, TV appearances… anything.
    “If he does well on Love Island, he could earn 20 times his current annual income in a single year. Who am I to deny him the opportunity to make life-changing sums of money?” More

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    Huge sporting tournament at risk of TV BLACKOUT unless broadcasters stump up more cash

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has threatened Lionesses fans face a BLACKOUT of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.But BBC and ITV are understood to remain confident they will agree a deal to ensure Sarina Wiegman’s side are on our screens when they play in Australia.
    Gianni Infantino has warned there could be a UK blackout if broadcasters fail to agree a dealCredit: AFP
    Infantino made his warning as it emerged that Fifa has still to agree broadcast deals with ANY of the Big Five countries – England, France, Spain, Germany or Italy.
    That is despite the tournament kicking off Down Under in just 11 weeks’ time.
    The Fifa President said: “To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
    “Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair, we will be forced not to broadcast the Fifa Women’s World Cup into the ‘big five’ European countries.
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    “Broadcasters, especially public broadcasters funded by taxpayers’ money, should put their action behind their words.
    “They rightfully criticised football organisations for not paying equally women and men or not having the same prize money.

    “We need to generate these revenues and they should help us because otherwise we will simply not sell these rights to them at these undervalued prices.
    “Then the European public will not be able to watch the women’s World Cup which after the success of the last tournament and the Euros will be really a pity, a slap in the face for the women’s game.”
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    England go into their opening game against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22 as European champions and the inaugural holders of the “finalissima” trophy after beating South American title-holders Brazil at Wembley.
    But while the broadcast deal for the UK has yet to be confirmed, it is understood that negotiations for split coverage by the BBC and ITV are advanced and are expected to be of sufficient value to ensure there is no blackout of the tournament.
    There is big interest in the World Cup and ticket sales broke the 500,000 mark in January. More

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    BBC and ITV pundits including Roy Keane and Ian Wright warned they will NOT be getting pay rise next season

    FOOTBALL pundits across BBC Sport and ITV Sport have been warned they will not be getting a pay rise next season.Manchester United icon Roy Keane works for ITV across domestic and international football.
    Roy Keane works for both Sky Sports and ITVCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright works for both BBC and ITV across various competitionsCredit: BBC
    And Arsenal legend Ian Wright spreads himself across more than one outlet, turning up on BBC’s Match of the Day and ITV’s coverage of England games and cup competitions.
    But no pay increases will be handed out across both terrestrial channels next season.
    The cap comes after reports of Sky Sports axing broadcasters from their coverage.
    Soccer AM’s 30-year stint was brought to an end last month… and they may not stop there.
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    There have been reports of long-time reporter Geoff Shreeves getting the boot.
    A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
    “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.”
    Long-serving studio analysts Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were axed in 2020 as Sky looked to go in a new direction.
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    This led to presenter Jeff Stelling announcing his intention to leave at the end of the 2022 season, before reversing the decision later on.
    Meanwhile, BT Sport will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery.
    WBD also own Eurosport, and under the merger both BT Sport and Eurosport are set to disappear from TV screens.
    BT is scrapping its popular Score football show on Saturday afternoons, which is presented by Jules Breach and Darrell Currie.
    TNT Sports will incorporate the live offerings from both BT Sport and Eurosport.
    WBD acquired BT Sport last year in a deal reportedly worth £633million.
    That means Premier League games will be shown under a new channel from next season, as BT Sport’s deal to show games runs until 2025. More

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    FA Cup final plunged into TV chaos with new kick-off time expected, forcing another major ITV event to be moved as well

    THE FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concerns and could clash with the Epsom Derby.Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are set to collide in the final at Wembley on June 3.
    The FA Cup Final’s kick-off time may have to be moved due to police concernsCredit: Rex
    The FA Cup Final may clash with the Epsom Derby on ITV next monthCredit: Getty
    And the FA are facing a logistical nightmare over scheduling the game with the Metropolitan Police refusing to sanction their preferred 5:30pm kick-off time due to safety reasons.
    According to The Mail, the authorities have deemed the first ever all-Manchester final a high-risk fixture for fan trouble.
    That is why they will demand an earlier kick-off time when they meet the FA for talks later this week.
    But the football governing body will also have to consider a potential clash with the Derby at Epsom.
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    The Jockey Club have listed it as being run at 4:30pm, but may now be brought forward.
    But the major problem is that both events are scheduled to air on ITV.
    The channel would ideally schedule both during late afternoon with a significant gap between them to increase the audience size and satisfy both sets of fans.
    But the FA may have no option but to follow police advice, with late kick-off times being avoided at Wembley following the violent scenes back in the final of Euro 2020 between England and Italy.
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    The authorities have made it clear that 4:45pm is the latest time they will tolerate for the FA Cup Final.
    The most likely solution would be if ITV tried to bring forward the running of the Derby until earlier in the card at Epsom.
    This way both events can be shown on ITV1, but that would still require the Jockey Club’s approval. More

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    Major change to ITV coverage before FA Cup final as TV bosses look to give fans blockbuster day of sport

    ITV are planning to move the Epsom Derby to an earlier slot in order to broadcast it immediately before the FA Cup final, according to reports.The terrestrial broadcaster is the home of UK racing, with the Derby one of its biggest events.
    The Epsom Derby could be given a new start timeCredit: AFP
    Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4:45pmCredit: Getty
    Since 2015 it has been shown at 4:30pm in order to try and gather as big an audience as possible.
    This year it is set to take place on Saturday, June 3 – the same day as the FA Cup final.
    With ITV going up against the BBC, who also hold rights to the FA Cup final, they reckon that showing the Derby immediately beforehand could help retain viewers for the football.
    The Cup final kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by football chiefs.
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    Manchester City play Sheffield United in the first semi-final this Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Brighton in the second on Sunday.
    The final kick-off time will depend on who wins – with factors such as travel being taken into account.
    Last year’s final kicked off at 4:45pm, and according to the Mirror, the Epsom Derby could be moved to an earlier 4pm slot in order to get straight to the football afterwards.
    Along with Cheltenham and the Grand National, the Derby is one of the biggest events on ITV’s extensive racing schedule.
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    The terrestrial channel recently confirmed that they have secured exclusive rights to UK racing through to the end of 2026.
    This year will mark the first time that the FA Cup final has ever been played in June.

    The mid-season World Cup pushed the usual schedule back by a number of weeks, with the Champions League final not taking place until June 10.
    While the 2020 FA Cup final was also pushed back, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not played until August 1. More

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    Love Island star Tom Clare praises Robbie Savage after Macclesfield owner allowed ‘chance of a lifetime’ TV appearance

    LOVE ISLAND star Tom Clare has praised Macclesfield owner Robbie Savage for allowing him to go on the reality TV show.Non-league footballer Clare, 23, took time out from playing for the Northern Premier League West side to go on the hit-ITV dating programme.
    Footballer Tom Clare came third on Love Island alongside Samie ElishiCredit: Rex
    Robbie Savage allowed Clare to appear on the reality showCredit: Getty
    He came in as the show’s first bombshell arrival and made it all the way to the final.
    Clare finished the programme alongside partner Samie Elishi, 22, placing third behind winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan and runners-up Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins.
    The Macclesfield striker was given the all-clear to go on Love Island by Savage and the rest of the club chiefs.
    And he is now hoping he can repay them by bringing more attention to their games.
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    Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s good for Macclesfield, they are a huge club anyway, but if I can bring them more into the public eye, bring more fans through the game – it’s more revenue for the club.
    “Rob [Smethurst] and Robbie [Savage] and everyone behind the scenes work so hard.
    “I don’t know if people have seen the documentary, but if you look from the start to where we are now, the work that has gone into it, people do not see.
    “If I can bring more fans through the gate, I would be so happy. Maybe a few shirts of Samie No9 on the back.
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    “I have got so much love for the club.”
    Clare returned to watch Macclesfield beat Runcorn Linnets 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
    But he is not planning to get back onto the pitch until next season.
    Macclesfield sit top of the Northern Premier League West, nine points clear of second-place AFC Sudbury.
    Clare is not expected to return to the pitch until next seasonCredit: Twitter/Macclesfield FC More

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    How MOTD-style show could look on ITV with Man Utd legend Roy Keane No1 pundit and popular TV host the new Gary Lineker

    WITH iconic BBC football highlights show Match of the Day under threat, a Premier League highlights show at another broadcaster could look VERY different. Following controversy surrounding the impartiality of host Gary Lineker, MOTD now faces being taken off air with a bidding war for the Premier League highlights package set to take place.
    The BBC face a battle to keep hold of viewing rights to keep Match of the Day on airCredit: Alamy
    The BBC currently pay £211million for the package, but bidding for Prem TV rights for homeland broadcasters is set to begin anew this year.
    It could see the iconic programme lose its spot on the BBC, with ITV a potential new home, though they have not held the rights since 2004.
    But what might this new programme look like?
    HOST – LAURA WOODS
    Laura Woods could be the new host of ITV’s version of MOTDCredit: Getty
    Laura Woods is perhaps the most obvious choice to take over from Lineker as host of a new highlights show.
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    She is already a host on the broadcaster for some FA Cup games and is the main presenter for it’s NFL coverage.
    Woods also has experience presenting on Sky Sports, while her witty banter has also seen her become a popular radio host on talkSPORT.
    Other candidates for the role include Mark Pougatch, who has led ITV football coverage since 2015, and Jules Breach, who is regularly seen presenting BT Sport Score.
    PUNDIT – ROY KEANE
    Roy Keane has won many fans with his punditry styleCredit: ITV
    Roy Keane is regular viewing for watchers of ITV and Sky Sports, with his blunt punditry style winning many fans.
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    The Manchester United legend worked with ITV on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and is regularly seen on Sky Sports during their Super Sunday shows.
    PUNDIT – JILL SCOTT
    Jill Scott would be a popular choice among fansCredit: Reuters
    Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott – who will also appear at Soccer Aid – is a popular choice among those who could be brought into the fold for ITV’s new programme.
    The former Women’s Super League star and England Women’s International has previously done punditry work on Sky Sports and for ITV during the World Cup.
    PUNDIT – ALLY MCCOIST
    Ally McCoist picked up the ‘pundit of the year’ award earlier this monthCredit: PA
    It’s safe to say Ally McCoist is one of the most popular pundits in the country.
    His passion for the beautiful game saw him land the “pundit of the year” award at the Sports Journalist Association awards.
    His punditry work list includes the likes of BT Sport and ITV, while he has already struck up an iconic partnership alongside Woods on talkSPORT.
    PUNDIT – ENI ALUKO
    Eni Aluko was the first female pundit to work on Match of the Day in 2014Credit: PA
    Eni Aluko is another pundit with a strong CV and experience on ITV, bringing a good level of analysis in each appearance.
    She became the first female pundit on MOTD back in 2014 before joining ITV in 2016 to work on the European Championships. She has since worked on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with the broadcaster.
    PUNDIT – IAN WRIGHT
    Ian Wright could be drafted over from BBC’s showCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright is a mainstay on the current MOTD, and with him currently working on ITV for the FA Cup and for England games, Wright’s inclusion would be a no-brainer for ITV chiefs.
    However, having already shown solidarity with Lineker (albeit for a very different reason), Wright may choose not to return in a similar capacity and instead stay as a match day pundit.
    Other options ITV could opt for include Karen Carney, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole and Lee Dixon.
    COMMENTATOR – SAM MATTERFACE
    Sam Matterface is currently the lead commentator for ITV football coverage, so there seems little sense in changing this.
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    Similarly to MOTD, there would likely be a high number of commentators working during a match day.
    This could see the likes of Clive Tyldesley given more work while MOTD commentators such as Guy Mowbry could also be drafted over. More