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      Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard completed just 20 passes against PSGCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances. He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks. He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough. Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGLawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West HamCredit: GettyLawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career. He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive. Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed offARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.But away from home, it will not be easy.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night… More

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      I tried Harry Kane’s knobbly sticks as England star takes on Gary Lineker with his own snack brand – here’s my verdict

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      SHOULD you put Harry Kane’s knobbly stick in your mouth?SunSport’s Dan King, who knows even more about savoury treats than football, put Kane’s late surge into the crisp market to the taste test.The Kane-backed sorghum and corn snacks, which also contain the probiotic Bacillus Coagulans, are special editions of the brand Insane Grain.SunSport’s Dan King tried Harry Kane’s snack brandKane is looking to surpass fellow England legend Gary Lineker off the pitchKane has already surpassed Lineker on England goals, now he’s targeting his crisp empireAnd although the England captain has surpassed Gary Lineker’s goal tally for the Three Lions, he won’t be beating the crisp-munching Match of the Day presenter in the supermarket aisles.If you’re looking for a taste experience as potent as Kane is in front of goal, you will be disappointed.But the Bayern Munich striker’s line of “healthy” snacks, is perfectly pleasant and won’t scare the kids, much like the man himself.Read More on FootballA PITCH OF SALTThe pale yellow colour is neither enticing nor repellent, and the same can be said of the flavour. It does what it says on the packet: a little bit of salt, not too much (although the nutritional information shows this is the most salty of the three varieties). It’s fine. I would probably want to dunk it in a dip of some kind, but that would defeat the object of choosing something that is allegedly good for you – or at least less bad than other snacks.Rating: 4/10Kane has released three flavours, starting with A Pitch of SaltSALT & VINEGOAALAnother pun that even Lineker might turn down, but my favourite of the lot. You have to be prepared to overlook their appearance. They are horribly beige, but without the promise of the pure filth that comes with a similarly-coloured pork scratching. Most read in FootballI know my salt’n’vinegar. Although this doesn’t deliver the punch of the king of all versions – McCoys, ridged for your pleasure – there is a decent tang of malt vinegar.Rating: 7/10Kane also released Salt & VinegoaalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSTRIKIN’ HOTLet’s be honest here: baked knobbly sticks are basically Nik Naks by another name. So you are immediately putting them up against the supreme NN variety, Nice ’N’ Spicy. And much like Kane’s old club Tottenham, these really are a distant second best. Again, the flavour is fine, but there’s just not enough of it. If you tell me something is going to be hot, I want to really feel that heat. A bit of spice lingers in the after-taste, but not enough to excite me.Rating 5/10And finally, Kane has put together Strikin’ HotHarry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future OVERALL VERDICTIf you’re a parent looking for something to keep your kids quiet, without stuffing them full of salt and fat, then this could work (as long as you watch the portion size). Children often don’t like strong flavours anyway and the football link might persuade them to overlook any disappointment in that aspect.But if you’re planning a Bank Holiday weekend spread in the sunshine, there are tastier and cheaper ways to hit the back of the net.Despite what Kane says on the back of the packets, they are not “insanely delicious”. Paying £2 per bag? I won’t be Bayern them again. More

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      ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing

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      GARY LINEKER has opened up on his emotional response to Ian Wright’s Match of the Day boycott following his BBC suspension.Lineker, 64, was taken off air in March 2023 after the Beeb claimed that he had “breached their guidelines” regarding social media.Gary Lineker has opened up on his 2023 Match of the Day suspensionCredit: BBCLineker, 64, has struck up a close bond with his MOTD colleaguesThe veteran presenter had posted on X, comparing the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.This sparked a “free speech row” as Lineker’s BBC colleagues Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to step in.Commentators subsequently also went on strike, leading to the programme going out with no punditry or analysis.Reflecting on the episode while speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said: “I was just having late lunch and Ian Wright went public saying… (that he would boycott)”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Wright called him in advance, Lineker continued: “No, but we have a group chat.”And the day before, I said this might result with them taking me off air.”And he went: ‘That’s so ridiculous’. And he said: ‘If they do, I’m not doing the show’.”It’s one thing saying that, it’s a very much different thing actually doing it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I was in the back of a cab on the way home when that happened and I was crying, because that doesn’t happen, that show of support, it’s incredible.”Lineker was later reinstated by the BBC, with Director General Tim Davie apologising for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingLast November, The Sun revealed that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season.The former striker will be replaced by a rotating cast of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Lineker will continue to present live coverage of FA Cup matches for the BBC during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the public broadcaster following the 2026 World Cup.Reflecting on the decision during his conversation with Rajan, Lineker admitted: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.’A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PROGRAMME'”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Lineker has ruled out becoming a regular on another TV channel.Read More on The SunThe former England captain told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about staying

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      GARY Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match Of The Day to “change the programme”.Lineker, 64, stepped down from MOTD in May last year and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup final and World Cup.Gary Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the DayThe pundit stepped back from the show in May last yearCredit: BBCSpeaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, the pundit was asked why he would choose to leave.”Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that,” Lineker said.”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.Read More on Lineker”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”But Lineker said the new set up “suits me perfectly”.There were questions previously regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense speculation involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insisted he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Most read in FootballLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.The ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Lineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsBy Andy RobinsonFOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.Viewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”He previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.An insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America.“He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”It was announced in January he will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker previously told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that.”I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.”Lineker also opened up about his BBC suspension in March 2023 after he posted comments on X.He took to social media to hit out at the then Illegal Migration Bill, which banned migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.Lineker’s former co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have also stepped back from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.He told Rajan: “I don’t regret saying them publicly, because I was right – what I said, it was accurate – so not at all in that sense.”But, Lineker said he would not do it again “in hindsight” – despite dubbing the fallout “nonsense” and “a ridiculous overreaction”.He said: “I wouldn’t do it again because of all the kerfuffle that followed, and I love the BBC, and I didn’t like the damage that it did to the BBC… But do I regret it and do I think it was the wrong thing to do? No.”Read More on The SunThe BBC updated its social media guidance in 2023 after a review sparked by Lineker’s tweet controversy.A spokesperson said at the time that presenters of flagship programmes, such as Match Of The Day, “carry a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Gary Lineker has outlined plans for after Match of the DayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballThe former footie legend is set to focus on his podcastsCredit: PA More

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      ‘My heart sank’ – BBC legend reveals she ‘had to drink a lot of vodka’ to deal with nerves of making MOTD history

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      FOOTIE commentator Jacqui Oatley has opened up about overcoming the backlash she faced when she made telly history.It’s been EIGHTEEN years since Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe announcement that Oatley would cover Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on April 21, 2007 made headline news.In an interview with The Athletic, Oatley explained how she had honed her craft while offering live commentary and reports on radio for several years before that.And the Match of the Day gig would involve an editor clipping Oatley’s 90-minute commentary, recorded ‘as live’ at Craven Cottage.It would be cut into an eight-and-a-half-minute audio package to air over the match footage for the BBC highlights show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oatley recalled the “stomach-drop moment” when she realised that her history-making commentary job had received a lot of negative coverage and fan fury.The Wolves fan told The Athletic: “My heart sank. That’s when it really grew legs with the sexism element.”Three days before her big job, Oatley’s radio alarm woke her up at 7am with the sound of Radio 5 Live talking about it.Presenter Rachel Burden, who Oatley “loves to bits”, was introducing vox pops from members of the public who had been asked whether Oatley should be allowed to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the Friday, the day before the match, Oatley admitted to hardly having slept or eaten. The 50-year-old added: “My only regret was that I couldn’t be at my best for the most-watched game of my life. Unseen Match of the Day footage shows how pundit analysis really works as BBC boss looks to cut highlightsOatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalismCredit: Getty“I’d love for it all to have stopped and just gone away. But that was never an option.“I was really conscious that if I’d commentated and people hated the sound of my voice, or they just didn’t trust me to convey what was going on.“It was purely the judging of my gender. I wanted to do a good job, but also hang around and stay around, not just do it on that day. “Because people do make assessments of an entire gender based on that kind of thing, which is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.”And during the commentary itself, Oatley admitted to feeling like a bag of nerves and that she needed a strong drink afterwards.It was purely the judging of my gender.Jacqui OatleyIn his post-match interview, the then-Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes, asked her how it went.She then walked to her car in a daze, drove home and called Alison Mitchell, the cricket commentator, and 5 Live presenter Phil Williams to arrange a night out.Oatley said: “I wanted to drink a lot of vodka to make it possible to deal with the final thing.”She paced the hallway of Mitchell’s flat decided her efforts “didn’t sound too horrendous. I just needed to get through it”.Jacqui Oatley and Stuart Pearce presenting the FA Cup Youth Cup in 2017Credit: GettyMOTD presenter Gary Lineker – who is leaving the flagship show after 25 years at the end of this season – introduced Oatley’s segment.Lineker said: “After all the publicity this week, the moment has finally come for a little piece of history on Match of the Day. “For the first time ever, Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Also making her debut, commentator Jacqui Oatley.”And now Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will join Mark Chapman as part of a trio of presenters to front MOTD from next season.Oatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalism. She was also the UK’s first female darts presenter, covering major tournaments for ITV.Read More on The SunThe BBC legend is an Ambassador for Women in Football and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Oatley became the first female to offer play-by-play commentary of a World Cup match in the United States. More

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      ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

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      ‘He wasn’t happy’ – Micah Richards reveals England star told him to ‘liven up’ after damning Match of the Day analysis

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      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after he failed to acknowledge the goalkeeper’s two penalty saves on Match of the Day.Ramsdale stopped two spot-kicks from Aston Villa midfielder Marco Asensio on Saturday.Micah Richards revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after watching Match of the DayCredit: X / RestIsFootballRamsdale saved two penalties against Aston Villa – but did not get a mention on the highlights showCredit: GettyIt wasn’t enough to earn Southampton anything from the match, however, as the Saints went on to lose 3-0 at St Mary’s.Villa substitutes Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn fired the visitors to the win.It was the first time in Premier League history that three different substitutes on the same team scored after coming on.And that was the main focus for Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer when they were discussing the result on Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey failed to mention the two penalty saves – much to the annoyance of Ramsdale.Richards even revealed that he received a message from the goalkeeper after the show.Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast this week, Richards explained: “I don’t normally bring people’s names into it because I don’t think it’s right.”But I think he’s got a point on this particular occasion… Villa win 3-0 and he saved two pens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But my analysis was Villa’s substitutions, their squad really could impact the game.”So Watkins comes on and scores, Malen comes on and scores and McGinn comes on and scores.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendo”That is the bigger story. And because Southampton have had a bad time it was almost like, Villa have won, let’s leave Southampton alone.”However, he (Ramsdale) texts me. I won’t tell you what he texted me on.”Let’s just say he wasn’t happy. And he told us to basically liven up.”Lineker concluded by saying: “But well done, Aaron Ramsdale.”To save two penalties in one game is pretty rare.”SunSport revealed earlier this week that Manchester United are monitoring Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.The England goalkeeper has also been linked with Bournemouth and West Ham. More

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      Shocking moment ex-Premier League manager was sacked on live TV with Match of the Day presenter breaking the news

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      CHELSEA legend Gus Poyet has opened up on the bizarre moment he realised he’d been sacked by Brighton – while broadcasting live on the BBC.The Uruguayan appeared on an episode of Match of the Day way back in 2013. Former Brighton manager Gus Poyet (left) won promotion with the Seagulls in 2009 from League OneCredit: GettyBut the Uruguayan found out he had been sacked four years later in a bizarre wayCredit: PA:Empics SportThe BBC’s Mark Chapman told a stunned Poyet he had been let go during a live broadcastCredit: BBCPoyet joined the Seagulls in 2009 and led his side to the Championship playoffs during the 2012/13 season. Brighton missed out on promotion to the Premier League after going down to arch-rivals Crystal Palace.Poyet claims there was “nothing to indicate” he wouldn’t be returning for another crack at the top-flight next season. He therefore took up a punditry job for the summer, joining BBC host Mark Chapman for a Confederations Cup match between Spain and Nigeria on June 23. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Brighton bosses had already put out a statement revealing his job had been terminated – just as he hit the air. Poyet was handed the statement after it was printed out by production staff.Chapman read it to him on air at half time, with Poyet stuttering in response: “I’ve still had no communication, no text, no email, I didn’t receive anything by phone.”More than 12 years later, the former Chelsea midfielder has now opened up on the episode.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe told The Atlantic: “The commentary was starting at 7.30pm, so I switched my phone off at 7.20pm, when we did the last touches of our make-up.“There was nothing to indicate that I was going to be sacked. So I switched off my phone without any fears. Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet pinpoints exactly what went wrong for England in shock Wembley loss”We did the pre-match analysis, then when the match started at 8pm, they said, ‘Now you can relax'”[Chapman] then said, ‘You know you’ve just been sacked?’ “We weren’t live on air, it was two minutes after the game had started at 8pm. “I said, ‘No’. He said, ‘Yes, it’s on the Brighton website’. “So then I asked staff if I could get a copy. I then asked permission to get out of the studio to call my lawyer and he told me.“The BBC thought it was perfect! We didn’t commentate one bit about the game at half-time, it was all about my sacking. “I remember saying to the BBC, ‘Oh, you’re lucky! This will never happen again!’”Poyet began his playing career in France before spells in both Uruguay and Spain.Read More on The SunHe joined Chelsea in 1997, winning the FA Cup and Cup Winners Cup in his first season at Stamford Bridge.Poyet later played for Tottenham and is currently manager at South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. More