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      ITV commentator Sam Matterface forced to apologise twice live on air during Portsmouth vs Leeds

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      SAM MATTERFACE had to apologise to viewers TWICE during ITV’s live coverage of Portsmouth against Leeds.Tensions were high as Colby Bishop sunk the Championship leaders.Sam Matterface said sorry to viewers of the Championship gameCredit: GettyColby Bishop celebrates a winner that put Portsmouth 17thCredit: RexThe striker’s neat finish ended Leeds’ 17-game unbeaten run.And defeat left Daniel Farke’s men above Sheffield United only on goal difference.Burnley are just another two points adrift in a tight battle for the two automatic promotion spots.But on a couple of occasions commentator Matterface had to say sorry to armchair observers amid a frenetic clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth times it was due to swearing from the Fratton Park crowd.TV viewers could clearly make out the foul language.And despite Portsmouth’s joy over their match-winner, the words were certainly unsuitable for a family audience.Having already apologised once, Matterface did it again in stoppage time.Most read in FootballLeeds were gutted as defeat means it’s tighter than ever at the topCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe intervened after Portsmouth midfielder Freddie Potts was booked.The unflattering, X-rated verdict of fans following that decision boomed out from the stands.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!Matterface responded by handing out some ref justice of his own.He said: “It’s a yellow card for him (Potts) and we are going to have to give a yellow card to the crowd that keep swearing, I am afraid.”Because once again it seems the industrial language has crept out onto our broadcast and again we apologise if any offence has been taken.”It is one of those games, though, where it is getting the better of you.”Pompey keeper Nicolas Schmid produced vital saves to thwart Leeds – either side of Bishop lifting the only goal on 61 minutes.Beaten Whites’ boss Farke said: “I was fully aware this would be one of the toughest if not the toughest game in our run-in.”They are in red hot form at home and we expected how they played – physical, direct and aggressive.”We coped with many situations really well but we have created so many good chances in this game and you just have to put them to bed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd with his team rising to 17th, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho said: “We were superb, for the goal, the performance, it was all excellent.”I’m thrilled we got the three points because that will give us so much confidence going forward.” More

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      ITV legend, 73, reveals how he went from being a hospital porter to presenting greatest title clash in history

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      ELTON WELSBY was the face of football on TV in the 1980s, long before the days of satellite TV and the Premier League rebrand.He was the presenter of arguably the greatest top-flight game of them all — when Liverpool met Arsenal in the final game of the season on Friday, May 26, 1989.Elton Welsby is one of football’s most iconic broadcastersCredit: PAUL COOPERWelsby was the face of football on TV in the 1980sCredit: Rex FeaturesThe Gunners needed to win at least 2-0 at Anfield to beat Liverpool to the title.Welsby handed over to Brian Moore for his famous Michael Thomas “it’s up for grabs now” as the Gunners dramatically won 2-0 to snatch top spot from under the noses of their great rivals.Elton, 73, is now happily retired but has been persuaded by good friend Gary Cook to write his autobiography, Game For A Laugh.He said: “Gary invited me on to his retro podcast a couple of years ago and we just seemed to hit it off straight away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“For over an hour-and-a-half I told him a load of my stories and by the end of it Gary told me I had to write a book so that others could share these great old tales.”It is easy to understand how a meeting between the two ended in this autobiography.Welsby is captivating company, with so many memories of a golden age of the game before wall-to-wall football became the diet of the TV fan.So often we are reminded of iconic players and games via internet clips — most of which we have seen a hundred times.Most read in FootballWelbsy was the presenter for Arsenal’s iconic win over Liverpool in 1989Credit: GettyThe straight shootout at Anfield saw Arsenal win the leagueCredit: GettyWelsby worked in a hospital before starting his career in sportCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe magic of Game For A Laugh is these are FRESH stories on giants of football — including some of Elton’s genuine friends such as Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, George Best, Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson.Welsby reflected on how he arrived in the football media,He said: “When I left school I went to work for Royal Insurance in Liverpool but hated every minute of it.One of football’s greatest commentators – Barry Davies – set to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame“I had to get out so I went and worked at Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool as a porter. I’d been there about 12 months and really loved it.“But one day I was wheeling a patient past the hospital shop and saw the Liverpool Weekly News.“I’d never heard of it. So I bought it, went into the porters’ room, had a cup of tea and noticed there was something like eight pages of sport.“I needed a vocation and I saw this as a perfect step. So I wrote off to the managing editor, a guy called Ron Carrington, and the reply back was almost immediate.“I went for an interview and was amazed to get a response within 48 hours, saying, ‘Come and join us’. That was my start in journalism, which was in 1970.“I did four years at the Liverpool Weekly News but then Radio City was starting up in 1974 and I applied there.“Ultimately, moving to Radio City caught the attention of Paul Doherty at Granada TV, and I joined Granada in January 1978.”Welsby accepts that journalists’ access to top bosses and players in the 70s and 80s was hugely different to today. But having their trust was paramount.He added: “There were no mobiles but if I needed a line for Radio City, I’d simply ring one of the Liverpool players at home. “Bob Paisley became a close friend. If Liverpool were playing away, he’d ask how I was getting to the game and tell me to jump on the bus with them.“And because Liverpool were more successful during that period than my beloved Everton, I was with them virtually 24-7.“Bob would tell me stuff that he shouldn’t have told me. I could have sold so many of Bob’s stories to the nationals and earned quite a bit of money.“But that was never my way. I was on the coach because Bob trusted me. He was a dear, dear friend.“We were on our way back from a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough in 1977 and I was sat in my usual place at the front of the bus.“Bob would often wear his slippers and at some stage during the journey he’d plonk himself next to me.“I said to him, ‘The Boro lad Souness looked good’ and without flinching he replied, ‘Yes, we are going to sign him’. Bang! Just like that.“That story would have been a major exclusive on Radio City but I just had to sit on it. That’s how it was then — I never betrayed a confidence.”Welsby was good friends with Liverpool manager Bob PaisleyCredit: GettyPaisley had told Welsby he was going to sign Graeme Souness for The RedsCredit: Rex FeaturesWhen ITV got exclusive rights to top-flight football from 1988 to 1992, Elton never missed a game presenting The Match.It started in October 1988 with Everton against Manchester United and Welsby was there right through until the last game ITV showed, a 2-0 win for Liverpool over Manchester United, which confirmed Leeds as champions.And then there was the greatest finish ever to a top-flight season — until Aguero, anyway — as Arsenal’s win at Liverpool clinched the title on a famous Friday night, with Welsby presenting alongside his studio guest, Bobby Robson.In the mid-1980s, after World of Sport had disappeared from our screens, ITV retained a results service programme and Elton anchored the show.He added: “When I got back from the 1992 Euros, I got a call from my Granada boss, Doherty, telling me ITV had lost exclusivity to what was then First Division football. “But he wanted me to carry on at Granada so all I really lost was the Sunday afternoons doing The Match.”Welsby talks fondly about the icons he worked with.He said: “I go back to my radio days with Bill Shankly — they broke the mould with Bill — nor will there ever be another Brian Clough, who I worked with on numerous occasions.“The fact I came through unscathed is a great tribute to my relationship with Cloughie. He never ever had a go at me.“But the guy I enjoyed working with the most would be Jack Charlton.“People would often ask how Jack and I got on so well because we’re chalk and cheese. It didn’t matter, we just hit it off.”As far as his first love Everton are concerned, Elton was sitting on the bench next to manager Howard Kendall when they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985 — providing the interview on the final whistle with Toffees’ jubilant boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was the best night of my life. Nothing could ever eclipse that as an Evertonian, or as a professional.” GAME FOR A LAUGH, Elton Welsby’s autobiography by Elton Welsby & Gary Cook, is available from eltonwelsby.comWelsby said he enjoyed working Jack Charlton more than anyone elseCredit: SportsfileElton Welsby’s Game For A Laugh is out now More

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      KSI’s sparring partner says he snubbed Love Island return to focus on Misfits Boxing and reveals how hard YouTuber hits

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      IDRIS VIRGO turned down a return to Love Island to focus on Misfits Boxing and continue training with KSI. Virgo entered the ITV villa in 2018 as an undefeated boxer and now has a professional record of 12 wins with one draw. Idris Virgo turned down a return to Love IslandCredit: Rex FeaturesVirgo is focusing on Misfits Boxing fightsCredit: GettyBut more recently, he has focused on the celebrity-style crossover bouts with Misfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. Virgo’s next fight is against Ty Mitchell – Tyson Fury’s former sparring partner – on April 12 in Leeds. And he had to reject a return to Love Island on this year’s All Stars show to commit himself to the bout. Virgo, 31, told SunSport: “I could have taken the chance to risk going on the show and come out for this fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”But it’s too much, so I thought I’d kick it to the can. Oh, it is 100 per cent a tough decision because Love Island’s my root, that’s the reason why I’m standing here today.”I got what I have because of Love Island, so it would have been good to go back on there, build my career, X, Y, Z, but sometimes you gotta take sacrifices and that’s one of my sacrifices.”I had to kick the can and train hard ready for this fight.”Virgo has relocated from Birmingham to the capital to train at London Shootfighters alongside KSI.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe two are regular training partners and Virgo said: “KSI is really good. People don’t understand how good he is. “I believe KSI is on, say British come European kind of level if you wanna talk about pro ranks.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “Some people are thinking, well, this guy’s chatting rubbish, but he’s really good, honestly. “He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.”KSI, 31, has not returned since defeat to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023 which was his first loss in the ring. Virgo was KSI’s main sparring partner for the camp and was left with a sore head after their final session. He revealed: “The guy hit so hard when he was training for the Tommy Fury fight, I was his last spar.”I got into that ring, sparred him, he hit me so hard I went home and I put a bet on for a knockout.”That’s how hard he hits. He hits like a truck. Leaves me headaches 100 per cent.””He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.Idris Virgo on KSI KSI faces 2-0 MMA star Dillon Danis, 29, in his comeback bout on March 29 in Manchester. And Virgo predicted: “He’s gonna show people his boxing IQ in this fight.”I do believe he’ll probably knock Dillon Danis out in either the third or fourth round. “It’s just gonna show people what he’s learnt from Shootfighters.”KSI was recently pictured with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and Virgo believes he is the man to finally make the Jake Paul grudge match.He said: “JJ wants that fight, it’s Jake Paul being a coward, being a duck who’s ducking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If they can have the fight in the car park, they have the fight in the car park, you know what I mean? “Hopefully Turki can make it happen, you never know.”KSI and Virgo are training partnersCredit: @idrisvirgo More

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      FA Cup TV fixtures confirmed with Nottingham Forest and Man City fans facing nightmare trips

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      THE FA Cup quarter-final schedule has been confirmed – and some fans are not happy.Fixtures will take place on the 29th and 30th March, with Fulham vs Crystal Palace opening the weekend.Fulham host Crystal Palace in the first match of the weekendCredit: GettyBrighton host Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyMan City face a tough trip to BournemouthCredit: GettyThe all-London fixture is set for 12:15pm on the Saturday and it will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX.That will be followed by Brighton vs Nottingham Forest at 5:15pm.However, some travelling fans could face travel chaos after the match.As things stand, the final train from London to Nottingham is 10:32pm which could give fans a tight turnaround getting from Brighton to the capital at full-time.Read More in FootballThere are also maintenance works currently planned between Brighton and London, which could double the time it usually takes to travel between the two cities.Should the match go to extra-time, it could leave fans at risk of missing the return train to Nottingham entirely.Some fans have already raised travel concerns, with one person taking to social media to write: “Train back on Saturday night looks a major problem!”Another commented: “At least it’s the Saturday for #NFFC, but planning a trip home will be fun considering potential extra time, penalties and the joys of Falmer station…”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a third said: “Brilliant, except for the rail replacement bus service on the Brighton line.”The quarter-final clash between Brighton and Forest is set to be shown live on BBC One and BBC IPlayer.Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’Aston Villa then travel to Preston North End for the first game on Sunday, which is penned in for 1:30pm live on BBC One.And to end the weekend, Bournemouth host Manchester City at 4:30pm live on ITV1 and ITVX.Like Nottingham Forest supporters, City fans also face a long journey back to Manchester on Sunday evening after the game.The winners of each match will progress to the semi-finals which will be played at Wembley.FA Cup quarter-finalsFulham vs Crystal Palace (29/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 12:15pm)Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (29/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 5:15pm)Preston vs Aston Villa (30/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 1:30pm)Bournemouth vs Man City (30/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 4:30pm) More

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      Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard ready to follow Tommy Fury into boxing ring and says he could train with a British legend

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      CURTIS PRITCHARD is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ring. The likes of Fury and Idris Virgo have both featured on the hit ITV show before and after making waves in the sport. Curtis Pritchard is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ringCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd more recently, the unbeaten pair signed to Misfits – the home of celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. And now professional dancer Pritchard – who was once trained by Fury – fancies his chances in the ring. He told SunSport: “I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid. “But dancing was my main career at the time and you couldn’t balance when you’re doing it at a very high level.READ MORE IN boxing “So I feel like now I’m at a different place in my life and I thought, let’s do some boxing. Let’s do something I’ve always wanted to do and get in the ring.”Pritchard, 29, has laced up the gloves before with the help of Fury, 25 for a series called The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer. Fury was taught how to dance for a live performance and Pritchard was coached for a white collar bout – which he won on points. And Pritchard said: “The boxer and ballroom dancer! Trained him up to a dancing competition, they trained me up to do a boxing match, loved it, sick little thing that was.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The only downside was it was a white collar fight, so we had all the headgear on and stuff, and I just feel like it distracts you slightly.”You have to move more with that on, so I would have preferred to have done it without it, but I would say it’s easier with the head guard on, so it’d be nice to try it without it on.”Love Island’s Curtis takes savage swipe at Ekin-Su’s ex Davide and offers him boxing match for ‘not treating her well’Pritchard’s friendship with Fury strained over the years but he still keeps in contact with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton after their sessions for the series. He said: “I’ve done some boxing with him before many years ago, so I can always turn to them and ask them for advice.”Lovely people up in Manchester because that’s my hometown area of Cheshire.”Pritchard has teased a bout against Davide Sanclimenti, 30, the ex of his current girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu.But pressed on opponents, Pritchard said: “All things to be thinking about and in the pipeline at the minute. “But I actually did my first little session earlier today.”Pritchard met Ekin-Su on the latest series of Love Island All Stars. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Fury last year split up with Molly-Mae Hague despite rumours of a recent rekindling. The 10-0 boxer last fought in October 2023, beating KSI via controversial decision but he pulled out of facing Darren Till, 31, in January. Pritchard won his first boxing march for an ITV showCredit: ITV/YouTube More

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      Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

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      ITV ‘made £0 bid to broadcast major football tournament’ but was beaten by £800million offer

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      ITV made a stunning £0 bid to try and land the broadcast rights for the Club World Cup, it’s been claimed.The rights for the revamped tournament – which was first contested in 2000 – were recently acquired by streaming powerhouse DAZN.The 2025 Club World Cup takes place in the summerCredit: GETTYITV reportedly tabled a £0 bid to acquire the broadcast rights for the competitionCredit: AFPFIFA snubbed the proposal and accepted an £800million offer from DAZNCredit: GETTYBut The Telegraph claim that ITV tried to get their hands on them for absolutely zilch in an audacious bid.The British broadcaster is said to have been confident of landing the rights due to its ability to reach a wide audience.They were hoping to reach that wide audience by putting the games on its main terrestrial channels.FIFA, however, weren’t sold on the idea and opted to accept DAZN’s lucrative offer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV spokesperson said: “We would never comment on speculative contractual matters.”DAZN ended up paying a whopping £800million ($1billion) to acquire the rights for the 32-team tournament.ITV could, however, still end up broadcasting some Club World Cup games if DAZN sublicenses them the rights.DAZN, however, are said to be “undecided” about doing so as they hope airing the games free of charge will get footie fans to subscribe to its service.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Club World Cup gets underway in mid-June and will culminate on July 13.The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the home NFL teams the New York Jets and the New York Giants, will host the final.Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawThe 2025 Club World Cup will be a showcase of some of the finest teams across the globe.Chelsea and Manchester City will be the Premier League’s representatives, while Atletico and Real Madrid will represent LaLiga. More

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      Are there FA Cup replays in the fifth round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

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      THE FA Cup fifth round is underway with some huge ties taking place.And Football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the fifth round beginsLast term, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.However, in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup fifth round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup fifth round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.What are the FA Cup fifth round ties?Friday, February 28Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff CitySaturday, March 112.15pm – Crystal Palace v Millwall12:15pm – Preston North End v Burnley3pm – Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers5.45pm – Manchester City v Plymouth ArgyleSunday, March 21.45pm – Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion4.30pm – Manchester United v FulhamMonday, March 37.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town More