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    Arsenal legend Keown had to ask how to pronounce Premier League manager’s name on MOTD leaving studio in disbelief

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    MARTIN KEOWN left Gary Lineker and Micah Richards “corpsing” after asking how to pronounce a manager’s name on Match of the Day.Arsenal icon Keown, 57, joined Lineker and Richards in the BBC studio for Saturday’s edition of Match of the Day.Martin Keown had the Match of the Day Studio in stitches with a question he asked Micah RichardsCredit: GettyGary Lineker explained how Keown asking Richards how to say ‘Nuno’ had them ‘corpsing’Credit: BBC However, a funny behind-the-scenes tale was revealed by Lineker and Richards on the Rest is Football podcast.Lineker, 63, explained how Keown had turned to Richards, 35, to check the pronunciation of Nuno Espirito Santo before analysing the 2-2 draw between Nottingham Forest and Wolves.The former Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona ace said: “I was trying to help Martin Keown because you know what Martin is like. We had a giggle. Martin’s wonderful, I love him to bits. “But he does get a little nervous when it comes to his pronunciation of various names and he does tend to ask you quite a lot of times how you say everybody’s name. Including Nuno.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked Alan Shearer – who was also appearing with Lineker and Richards on the fan favourite podcast – into laughter.He continued: “Just before his analysis he’s turned to Micah and he went, ‘It’s Nu-no isn’t it, Nu-no?’ And Micah’s gone, ‘Yes course it is’.”And then Micah and myself were corpsing and Martin was doing his analysis over the pictures but Micah and myself could not look at each other because we were both gone.”Nobody would have known at home because we were out of vision but Micah had to look completely the other way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He was looking one way and I had to look completely the other way and funnily enough it was towards the monitor that had The Masters golf on… “But we were both absolutely in hysterics and thankfully it was a long piece of analysis so by the end of it we had managed to get a grip of each other.”Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer windowA perplexed Shearer asked: “What else could it f***ing be other than Nu-no?”With Lineker replying through laughter: “That’s exactly the point. I don’t know. Could it have been Nun-o. It was so funny. I was just wondering whether you were going yo come back from it Micah.”Richards added: “Honestly I was gone… There’s obviously various cameras in the studio. “But luckily when we came out it was to a back shot and then a single of Martin. If it had come to a three-shot there I would’ve been in big trouble.”Because if people see me laughing we’d have to address it. It was madness.”Keown will not have been much happier on Sunday after seeing Arsenal lose 2-0 to Aston Villa at home and squander their chance to go back to the top of the Premier League table. More

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      Wayne Rooney pulls out of Match of the Day debut as Man Utd legend picks up ‘painful back injury on holiday’

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      WAYNE ROONEY was forced to pull out of his Match of the Day debut after picking up a ‘painful back injury on holiday.The Man Utd legend, 38, was set to appear on the iconic BBC show as a pundit on Saturday night.Wayne Rooney had to pull out of an appearance on Match of the Day because of injuryCredit: GettyHowever, he was forced to cancel after the misfortune.He revealed the ailment in an apologetic message on X.Rooney wrote: “Gutted not to be making my debut on the iconic @BBCMOTD show tonight, it’s something I have wanted to do since I was little.”Unfortunately I have sustained a painful back injury during a holiday with my family but I look forward to being part of the team in the near future. Good luck to @GaryLineker and the guys for tonights show and see you soon.”Read more Man Utd newsRegular host Lineker was instead joined by Martin Keown and Micah Richards in the studio.Meanwhile, Rooney has questioned Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford.Rashford, 26, has endured a difficult season with the Red DevilsRooney believes Rashford may need to leave the Red Devils in order to return to his best.Most read in FootballThe ex-United striker told Premier League productions: “He has had a very difficult season. We all know he has got the ability and got all the attributes to be a top world-class player.”That’s the frustrating thing. Last season, he went and scored a lot of goals. But this season, he hasn’t kicked on.Watch Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag storm out of press conference after Bournemouth drawCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He doesn’t look happy when he is playing.”You wonder, is his best option to move away from the club and have a fresh start? But he is a Manchester lad.”I would love to see him get his career back on track at the club, go on to score goals and try to help the club win trophies. But he certainly has had a difficult season.”However, Rashford currently looks nailed on to stay at Old Trafford after a PSG insider told SunSport that the French club have no interest in luring the England star. More

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      BBC commentator takes dig at Arsenal star Ben White during Match of the Day coverage

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      A BBC commentator took a cheeky dig at Arsenal star Ben White for his antics against Brighton.The Gunners have snatched the top spot of the Premier League table again after their 3-0 victory against the Seagulls.A BBC commentator fired aim at Ben White after he clashed with Brighton’s Pervis EstupinanCredit: @eplbibleThe Arsenal defender went down holding his chin after the Seagulls defenders bumped into himCredit: @eplbibleThe commentator said ‘Ben White must have when boxers parlance, a glass chin’Credit: @eplbibleDuring Mikel Arteta’s side’s win at the Amex Stadium early in the second half shot-stopper David Raya was preparing to take a goal kick.Just as the Spaniard was about to make the shot his team-mate White dropped to the floor holding his chin after an apparent clashed with Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan.But on Match of the Day, BBC commentator Steve Wilson was having none of it.Wilson said: “And now off the ball Estupinan and Ben White. Ben White is furious here.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Let’s go back and see what happened. I think you would say Ben White must have when boxers parlance, a glass chin.”A “glass chin” is a term used in boxing to describe an opponent who is knocked out easily.And opposition fans joined the commentator to scrutinise White.One said: “Was ridiculous play acting! No need for that kind of b******s and the ref who was shocking the whole game just let them carry on with it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “I have only just seen this, this should be a red card imo, too much cheating going on in football, needs to be dealt with.”White has been key in Arteta’s fight for the title this term making 30 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and providing four assists. Mikel Arteta hopes Ben White ends England boycott as Arsenal manager opens up on defender’s protest But it is safe to say he has not had the same glory with England.As the 26-year-old turned down the chance to play in Gareth Southgate’s squad’s during the recent international break.Ben White’s England team drama
      Ben White asked not to be called up for England’s international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium last month.
      The Arsenal defender was named in England’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup.
      However, he left the tournament due to personal reasons, with reports claiming he had a bust-up with assistant coach Steve Holland.
      But Southgate denied a clash between White and Holland – and said the “door was wide open” for him to return to the squad.
      He said: “For me that is a great shame. He is a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup and I spoke to him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him.
      “He is not available to us and there is no issue between us at all and I also should say there is never any issue with (coach) Steve Holland because that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.”
      Amid his refusal to play for England, White made the most of his international break enjoying a holiday in Dubai with his partner.  More

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      Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winners

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      GARY LINEKER believes “it’s written in the stars” Arsenal will win the Premier League this season.The Gunners returned to the top of the table by winning away at Brighton on Saturday.Gary Lineker has revealed his Premier League title race predictionCredit: BBCThe Match of the Day host believes Arsenal are destined to win the title on the final dayCredit: GettyLineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ for the Gunners to clinch the title on Ian Wright’s final appearance on the showCredit: BBCGoals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory.Mikel Arteta’s side now sit a point ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool ahead of the Reds’ trip to Manchester United on Sunday.Arsenal are chasing their first league title since going unbeaten during the 2003/04 season.Match of the Day presenter Lineker believes the Gunners are destined to lift the trophy on the final day of the season.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe former England striker has predicted a title triumph to coincide with Ian Wright’s final Match of the Day appearance.Speaking on Saturday night’s show, Lineker said: “Picture the scene, last day of the season.”Arsenal need a win to win the title on the very last ever Match of the Day that Ian Wright is on. It’s written in the stars bro.”Wright announced in December that he will step down as a pundit on the BBC show at the end of the season after 27 years in the role.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs a player, the ex-striker scored 179 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal.Lineker’s latest prediction comes after he tipped Arsenal for the title back in August.Jeff Stelling calls out Sky Sports for coverage of Arsenal’s win over Brighton and says solution ‘is not brain surgery’He told SunSport: “I’m tipping Arsenal to win the title this season — maybe just to avoid being predictable but I do think they have had an impressive summer in the transfer market.”Rather than demoralising them, going close and missing out last season will benefit Mikel Arteta’s side.”Being in the title race has given them an experience that they didn’t previously have.”Arsenal had looked on course for the title last season before being pipped by City during the closing weeks of the season.Title race remaining fixtures
      Arsenal
      April 14 – Aston Villa (H)
      April 20 – Wolves (A)
      April 23 – Chelsea (H)
      April 28 – Tottenham (A)
      May 4 – Bournemouth (H)
      May 11 – Man Utd (A)
      May 19 – Everton (H)
      Liverpool
      Today – Man Utd (A)
      April 14 – Crystal Palace (H)
      April 21 – Fulham (A)
      April 24 – Everton (A)
      April 27 – West Ham (A)
      May 5 – Tottenham (H)
      May 11 – Aston Villa (A)
      May 19 – Wolves (H)
      Man City
      April 13 – Luton (H)
      April 25 – Brighton (A)
      April 28 – Nottingham Forest (A)
      May 4 – Wolves (H)
      May 11 – Fulham (A)
      May 19 – West Ham (H)
      TBD – Tottenham (A)

      Their second place finish under Arteta was their best performance since 2017 but the Spaniard will be hoping his side can go one better this term.The Gunners end the season at home to Everton on May 19, but must face Tottenham, Chelsea and United in their final five matches.Elsewhere on the final day, Liverpool host Wolves and City welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium.Arsenal won 3-0 at Brighton on Saturday to go top of the Premier LeagueCredit: AP More

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      I’m a former Chelsea star who became a Match of the Day pundit – but I quit it all to become a pastor

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      FORMER Premier League star and pundit Gavin Peacock now works as a pastor.The 56-year-old played for the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea.Gavin Peacock used to play for Chelsea and NewcastleCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesHe is now a pastor in CanadaCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesPeacock hung up his boots at the end of his third spell at QPR in 2002 and landed a job as a pundit for the BBC.He appeared on Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live, presented a Football Focus feature on religion in the game and even hosted an episode of Songs of Praise.But after Euro 2008 punditry duties, he quit it all to follow his dream of becoming a pastor.Peacock was a devout Christian during his playing days and was interested in leading a church after studying theology on the side of his media work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTherefore, the ex-midfielder packed his bags and moved to Canada to undergo a masters course in divinity at Ambrose Seminary.He now lives in Calgary and is a pastor in the area.Peacock said in an interview with QPR: “I have always spoken about my faith in Jesus Christ but never sensed a call to full-time ministry until six years ago.”This call was affirmed by the church and I began to preach. It was then that I felt compelled to pursue vocational ministry. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I had been working for the BBC on Match of the Day and Football Focus as well as being sent to World Cups.”It was all going very well. So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas refers to himself in third-person 6 times and says ‘my name is great’ in weird speech”It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity. “Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.”Peacock played 105 times for Newcastle, scoring 16 goals in the 1991/92 season and winning their Player of the Year award.He was then signed by Chelsea for £1.5m and was the Blues’ top scorer in the 1993/94 campaign as they made the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester United.Gavin Peacock was Chelsea’s top scorer in the 1993/94 seasonCredit: Richard Pelham More

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      ‘What?’ gasps stunned Gary Lineker as Micah Richards shockingly reveals how far he could SEE during matches

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      GARY LINEKER and Alan Shearer were left gobsmacked after Micah Richards revealed he could barely see during matches.Richards enjoyed an impressive 14-year career playing for the likes of Fiorentina, Aston Villa and most notably Manchester City where he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League in 2012.Micah Richards revealed he could barely see during matchesGary Lineker was left stunned as he wondered why Richards never used contactsAnd what makes this more astonishing was the fact the footballer-turned-pundit played with a major impairment.The former defender admitted he could only see the ball when it was “about five or 10 yards” away from him due to his poor eyesight.The former England international was well aware of his issue but wouldn’t wear contacts as his eyes would hurt.The 35-year-old joined Lineker and Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast and took a question from a fan asking about visual impairment which led to a hilarious discussion.Read More on FootballThe Match of the Day presenters were so shocked they even claimed the former centre-back could have become one of the all-time greats if he only wore contact lenses.Richards said: “No, I didn’t wear contacts [but] I needed to wear contacts.”I’m not exaggerating, I swear I could only see the ball when it was about five or 10 yards in front of me…”Lineker gasped as Shearer started laughing his socks off: “You’re joking!”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Richards continued: “I just had to sort of guess…”Shearer then quipped: “That’s why you made so many f*****g mistakes!”Kate Abdo reveals that Micah Richards flew in a day early for ‘special treatment’ ahead of Arsenal vs Porto clashAnd Lineker commented: “Crickey, you could have been the greatest defender of all time if you could see.”Richards responded: “I know! One of the physios said to me, ‘F*****g hell, if you could actually see you’d be the next f*****g [Franz] Beckenbauer!’Lineker asked: “Why didn’t you get contacts?”Richards explained: “I couldn’t wear them, they used to hurt my eyes.” More

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      ‘What is it with Sky?’ asks Gary Lineker as he reveals he ‘doesn’t really understand’ new broadcast feature

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      GARY LINEKER put Micah Richards on the spot as he questioned a new feature on Sky Sports’ football coverage.The England legend and former Manchester City star are now regular faces on our TV screens for BBC show Match of the Day.Mike Dean is part of a new referee commentary feature on Sky SportsCredit: twitter @SkySportsNewsGary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer discussed it on The Rest is FootballCredit: The Rest is FootballRichards, who also works for Sky Sports, and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer have also recently become part of the new hit podcast The Rest Is Football, which is hosted by MOTD pal Lineker.The three former footy stars have provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, with Shearer even revealing how he once caught an unknown couple getting kinky on a piano in his hotel room.However, during the latest episode discussing Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, Richards was awkwardly put on the spot after covering the game with Sky.The broadcaster has introduced a new feature that includes a referee, in this case Mike Dean, joining the commentary to discuss decisions during the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while chatting about Ederson’s challenge on Darwin Nunez that led to Liverpool’s penalty, it triggered something in Lineker to go in two-footed.He said: “What is it with Sky and this co-commentary with a referee thing? It’s kind of drifted in, I think BT did it a little bit…“During the game, I don’t really understand it. It’s almost like saying that you pundits don’t understand the laws of the game.”Richards replied: “Yeah but we don’t know all of the laws of the game do we Gaz?”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “Speak for yourself, Micah,” responded Lineker as Richards continued: “Come on. Pundits don’t know the laws…”Lineker hit back with: “Well they should do as it’s very much part of the job now.”11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryRichards said: “Yeah, but I mean… How many times have you heard pundits get it so wrong.“They are just giving their opinion and not matter of fact.”Lineker then put Richards on the spot and asked him to name names, which led to an awkward laughter from all three as SHearer attempted to break the ice with: “He’s gone all quiet!”Lineker then continued his argument by stating: “You can see if it’s a foul or not. It’s blindingly obvious things – it’s just something with me…“Obviously, broadcasters are looking to try and change things and do something a little bit different and all that, but I do find that one a tad odd.“Have one if there’s something actually contentious at some point, maybe, but we know a foul, we know the laws of the game.”“Do we though,” interrupted Richards before Lineker replied, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, with: “Yes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read all the laws of the game.”Then it was Richards that refused to back down as he asked Lineker: “OK, how many times on Match of the Day have you had to read something new out when they’ve changed a law.”But Lineker said: “I think that’s a thing where you tell the audience about a change, that you read out the law of the game for them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t think that we are reading out for ourselves. We shouldn’t be, I don’t think.”Shearer then attempted to put an end to the debate by saying: “I know what you’re saying Micah but we should know them, shouldn’t we. Well, some of us do.” More

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      Major hint over next Match of the Day host as pundit reveals they have been practising Gary Lineker’s job

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      JERMAINE JENAS has revealed he has been practising Gary Lineker’s job as Match of the Day host.The pundit often appears alongside Lineker on the weekly highlights show.Jermaine Jenas has hinted he could one day host Match of the DayCredit: GettyThe pundit revealed he has been practising Gary Lineker’s jobCredit: EPAHowever, he has now hinted he could one day replace him in the presenter’s chair.Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Jenas explained: “When I do Match of the Day, there used to be a woman called Michelle who used to do Gary’s autocue.”So when Gary was in makeup I used to go run and jump in the seat and be like ‘look Michelle let’s do the autocue’.”She was like ‘go on quick do it’ and we’d just run through the whole show.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker has been the lead presenter for Match of the Day since 1999 after turning to presenting after retirement.Meanwhile, Jenas has also tried his hand since becoming a pundit, having presented the draw for the 2022 World Cup.He has gone on to host The One Show on BBC One as well as TNT Sports’ coverage of Formula E.The 41-year-old continued: “I was just practicing and that wasn’t me going ‘oh I want to do Gary’s job’.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “It was me just thinking ‘right, what’s it like in this seat, for him, to present’, because I wanted to know what it felt like.”She’d kind of go ‘ah yeah you’ve messed up there’, we’d have a laugh with it. Then he’d come and go ‘get out the seat’.Peter Crouch in stitches over what Rio Ferdinand was given on return to Man Utd before being ‘pumped 5-0′”I think it was more, I knew I didn’t just want to be a pundit my whole life, as much as I love it.”Jenas scored once in 21 caps for England before retiring aged 31 in 2014.He also made 280 Premier League appearances for Tottenham, Newcastle, QPR and Aston Villa, scoring 32 goals. More

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      MOTD2 host Mark Chapman finds love again with glam estate agent after death of wife Sara from cancer

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      MATCH of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman has found romance again after his wife’s death.Chappers, 50, has been dating estate agent Clere Collier for months.
      Widower Mark Chapman has found love againCredit: PA
      Chappers is dating Dubai estate agent Clere Collier
      It is his first relationship since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.
      Mum-of-two Clere, 43, was once linked with pop singer Dane Bowers and is based in Dubai.
      She uses her contacts there to invest in London’s property market — and makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.
      Mark had three children with wife of 19 years Sara.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      A source said: “It’s early days but Mark and Clere are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.
      “Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.
      “He and Clere are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”
      Mark, who had three children with wife of 19 years Sara, is a Radio 5 Live regular and occasionally steps in for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
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      He also fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage and is regarded as one of the industry’s most talented presenters.
      Mark, affectionately known as Chappers, made his name as the sports presenter for Radio 1’s Newsbeat and was part of Sara Cox’s team when she hosted the station’s Breakfast Show.
      Premier League cult hero makes ‘excellent’ BBC MOTD debut as impressed fans say ‘give me more’
      He later went on to perform the same role for Scott Mills before going on to become a fixture at 5 Live and BBC television, which also saw him front the corporation’s NFL coverage before it moved to Channel 4.
      This is Mark’s first relationship since wife Sara died of cancer in 2020 aged 44Credit: Twitter
      Chapman has hosted Match of the Day 2 for over a decadeCredit: BBC More