Match of the Day

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      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

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      BBC presenter stunned after seeing behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker

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      BBC presenter Matt Allwright was left shocked when given a behind the scenes tour of the Match of the Day set by Gary Lineker.The Beeb’s iconic football highlights show is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week.BBC presenter Matt Allwright was shocked when he saw the Match of the Day setCredit: BBCMatch of The Day is celebrating 60 years on airCredit: BBCGary Lineker has been hosting the show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdLineker, who has hosted Match of the Day since 1999, was being interviewed by BBC colleague Allwright for a piece on the One Show about the historic moment.And the Leicester and England legend gave Allwright a tour of the studio, leaving him flabbergasted at what the set looks like in real life.Allwright claimed he “couldn’t get over” the fact almost the entire set is made up of GREEN SCREENS.Other than the pundits’ chairs and tables, everything is added in post-production with the set unrecognisable in person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker is now in his 25th year as host of Match of the Day, having taken over from Des Lynam before the turn of the century.And the 63-year-old has said that his lengthy stint in the hot-seat has been “amazing”.Although he did cast doubt over his future on the show in an interview with BBC Breakfast, as he heads into the final year of his current deal with the free-to-air broadcaster.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.Most read in FootballThe set is actually entirely made of green screensCredit: BBCThe behind the scenes shots makes the studio look unrecognisableCredit: BBCPresenters can see what the viewers see on a screen in front of themCredit: BBCBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble “All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Lineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Whether he leaves or not, Lineker will have left his mark on the show – not least because many viewers will have never seen Match of the Day without the former Barcelona bagsman.But also because he actually helped transform the show’s format back in 2004 with a crucial tweak to the BBC’s coverage.The Beeb had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001.So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.The Three Lions icon asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.He explained: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”Lineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016Lineker earns a pretty penny for his work on Match of the Day More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how he changed Match of the Day forever with tweak to ‘stop people moaning’

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed the tweak he made to Match of the Day that has changed the show forever.Lineker, 63, has been hosting the nation’s beloved football highlights show since 1999.Gary Lineker has revealed the tweak he made that changed Match of the Day foreverCredit: AlamyLineker has been hosting the iconic show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe England legend has become synonymous with the programme since he started hosting some 25 years ago, with many football fans never experiencing the show without the former Leicester ace.Lineker hasn’t just put his own spin on the show with his presenting style though, but also with a tweak he helped the BBC make back in 2004.The BBC had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001. So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERThe former Barcelona bagsman asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.Speaking on BBC Breakfast this week, Lineker revealed: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”Since 2004 every Premier League match has been squeezed into the show so that fans up and down the country can catch up with how their side got on.Most read in FootballLineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Lineker didn’t stop all the moaning, with the Beeb’s star presenter revealing that people now whinge about where their team is placed in the programme’s running order.He joked: “But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesLineker also described the role as Match of the Day presenter as the “toughest” show he’s ever been apart of.However, he is certainly compensated handsomely for his hard work, after the BBC revealed that the retired footballer is the company’s best-paid sports star.Lineker pockets a whopping £1.35MILLION per year, that’s more than TRIPLE what BBC Sport’s second highest earner, Alan Shearer, is getting paid for his role.Although Lineker may not be on the payroll for too much longer as he cast doubt over his future with the company as he heads into the final year of his contract this season.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”READ MORE SUN STORIESLineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Lineker has just one year remaining on his contract at the BBCCredit: BBCThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and pundits More

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      Heartbroken Alan Shearer reveals death of his dad and says MOTD will be ‘tough’ after theme tune was played at funeral

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dad for the first time.The 54-year-old’s father, also named Alan, passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dadCredit: GettyHe admits it will be ‘tough’ returning to work on Match of the DayCredit: BBCShearer with wife LainyaCredit: GettyHe had been diagnosed in February having already fought and beat the cruel disease at the age of 65.It spread to his lungs and brain, leaving him with just months to live.Shearer has now opened up about the tragic death of his dad for the first time as he gets set to return to work on Match of the Day.In a column for The Athletic, he wrote: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was. We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the way, there were light and dark moments. We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours, but on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral. He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Shearer, who is married to wife Lainya and has three children – Hollie, Chloe and Will, also revealed that his dad wanted the Match of the Day theme tune played at his funeral.The ex-striker recalled: “Along with Will, my son, I’d carried his coffin into the crematorium — the hardest thing I’ve ever done — as the Match of the Day theme blared out, jaunty and loud.Most read in Premier League”The music was his decision too, although he pinched that idea from my mam, telling us shortly before he died that this was what he wanted.”Mixed emotions on MOTD returnShearer continued his broadcasting duties following the death of his dad, although he admits he “glided” through “with the blinkers on”.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe now has mixed emotions about returning to work for the new Premier League season, which kicks off tonight.The Newcastle icon continued: “I got to the end of last season with the blinkers on. I appeared on Match of the Day a couple of times and glided through it, just as I did for my punditry work at the European Championship, but the here and now feels different.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough — very tough.”This won’t come as a total surprise to most of you, but like my dad, I’m not emotional by nature, yet at 54 years old I’m heading into my first season without him beside me, without him just there. It’s a void that can’t be filled and it still feels very raw.”Shearer will be working with a new look team on Match of the Day, with long-time fellow pundit Ian Wright having quit the show.Alan Shearer with his family (left-right) Hollie, Lainya, Will and Chloe after he was presented with a CBE in 2016Credit: GettyShearer’s family including wife Lainya and kids Hollie, Will and ChloeCredit: willshearer9/InstagramShearer will be back on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: BBC More

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      BBC turn to two former England stars to replace Ian Wright after Arsenal legend’s emotional Match of the Day exit

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      ARSENAL hero Theo Walcott will be taking the hot seat next to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day next season.It comes after former Gunner Ian Wright, 60, emotionally stepped away from the role after 27 years at the end of the last campaign.Ian Wright’s Match of the Day replacements have been namedCredit: PAWright joined the footie show during his playing career in 1997Credit: BBCTheo Walcott will fill into his shoes next seasonCredit: RexJoe Hart was confirmed as the second ex-England star to replace WrightCredit: GettyNewly retired Joe Hart will also appear alongside the regular team in a new look panel for the 24/25 Premier League season.The former Manchester City and Celtic goalkeeper eased into punditry with the BBC during England’s run to the Euros final and will be in the studio for the first weekend of Prem action.Meanwhile, Walcott, 35, has regularly featured on Sky Sports’ top-flight games since calling time on his career last summer, after a stint back at boyhood club Southampton.Alan Shearer will continue in his weekly role as a pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according tot the BBC.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Weekly panellist Wright – endearingly nicknamed “Wrighty” – departed Match of the Day in May and has since revealed the reasons behind his surprise exit.He told the Stick to Football Podcast: “It’s time. I had a dear friend who said that sometimes you’ve got to know when to step back, change, rest, have a break, and say no, it’s just time.”The way I am now, because I have to get back to London from Manchester after filming it’s like 3:30am in the morning – it’s a long day. Most read in Football”It takes me two to three days after that to get ready and there are other things I’m doing which I just haven’t got the energy for sometimes.”New duo Hart and Walcott starred for England at several international tournaments and have racked up an impressive 738 Premier League appearances between them.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott became England’s youngest-ever senior star, aged 17 years and 75 days against Hungary in May 2006, before being included in the World Cup squad that summer.The 35-year-old brings plenty of Prem knowledge, having notched 108 goals in 270 Arsenal appearances before joining Everton in 2018.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldWhile Hart picked up 75 caps during his nine year spell as the Three Lions’ No1.Speaking on his new role, the ex-goalkeeper said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”On Wright’s Match of the Day exit, previous host Des Lynam, 81, said: “It’s a shame, because he has developed into a first-class broadcaster and pundit. “He speaks from the heart and people like that. He’s never bland. He made his first appearance on MotD when I was there. “He came on, as a player, and said ‘Des, this is my Graceland’ because he’d watched it since he was a boy.”Lynam also backed Micah Richards to step into Wright’s shoes and become a regular pundit on the BBC’s flagship footie show.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ‘I think it’s Richards isn’t it? He’s got a sense of humour and he knows football.”I think he needs to calm down a little but his opinions are quite solid, though I don’t think anybody can quite match Wrighty.”Alan Shearer remains on the panel to show Walcott and Hart the ropesCredit: BBCJoe Hart will be on screen most Saturday’s for Match of the DayCredit: BBCWalcott will also replace fellow Arsenal star WrightCredit: Getty More

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      Highest-paid BBC Sport stars revealed including Match of the Day and Wimbledon pundits

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      BBC have revealed the salaries of their presenters and pundits including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott.Match of the Day presenter Lineker, 63, has been the host of the football highlights programme since 1999.Gary Lineker remains the highest-paid Match of the Day starCredit: BBCLineker earns around £1million more than BBC pundit Alan ShearerCredit: BBCAnd he continues to top the bill as the best-paid sports star at the BBC as it was confirmed he earns £1.35MILLION.He also presents coverage of FA Cup matches and Sports Personality of the Year.Lineker’s salary is a huge £1m more than Newcastle icon Alan Shearer is paid as a pundit.The Premier League’s record scorer takes home around £380,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next best-paid person on the BBC’s books is Mark Chapman – a main presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live and the host of Match of the Day and the Challenge Cup.He earns north of £260,000, making him the third-highest earner in sports broadcasting at the BBC behind only Lineker and Shearer.Then comes Arsenal and Lionesses legend Alex Scott – the presenter of Football Focus, Women’s Super League matches and SPOTY.Scott, who also presents Women’s Euros and Women’s World Cup matches, is on a salary of £220,000.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Chapman is the third highest-paid sports broadcaster on the BBCCredit: BBCAlex Scott also rakes in north of £200,000Credit: BBCJohn McEnroe takes home a sizeable amount for his tennis punditry and commentaryCredit: GettyShe is followed by iconic tennis personality John McEnroe who is earning just under £200,000.His main contribution each year is as a pundit and commentator at Wimbledon, but he is also seen at other smaller events.Cristiano Ronaldo leaves even cameraman shocked with free-kick decision as Gary Lineker loses bet to Rio FerdinandThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and punditsRounding out the list is ex-Norwich and Celtic striker Chris Sutton who earns around £190,000 for his punditry duties.He is on the same wage as cricket expert Jonathan Agnew – one of the most recognisable commentary voices on 5 Live.Chris Sutton’s punditry duties are seeing him earn around £190,000Credit: Kenny RamsayCricket commentator Jonathan Agnew is also on a salary of £190,000Credit: Alamy More

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      Gary Lineker ‘breaks BBC rules AGAIN’ after showing off his Next clothing range while hosting England Euro 2024 coverage

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      GARY Lineker has been accused of breaking BBC rules again – this time while hosting Euro coverage. The broadcaster appeared to be wearing his own Next clothing range while presenting the England vs Serbia game on Sunday night.Gary Lineker has been accused of breaching BBC rules againCredit: NextThe presenter appeared to don clothes from his Next collectionCredit: BBCThe Beeb has guidelines that state broadcasters can’t promote what they’re wearingCredit: BBCLineker launched his own line with the retailer in 2023, and is snapped modeling his own clothes online. On Sunday he donned a pale green T-shirt and sage jacket which appeared to come from the collection – which retail at £16 and £55 – while live on air. Social media quickly became overwhelmed with comments on what Lineker was wearing.One person on Twitter claimed this was a breach of the Beeb’s rules. Read more on sport They wrote: “Gary Lineker has again been caught breaking BBC rules by wearing clothes that he’s paid to promote.”Beeb guidelines rule broadcasters aren’t allowed to sport attire they’re promoting – or being paid to wear. It states: “Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest.”It also says presenters should declare any deals or endorsements to promote clothing.Most read in Euro 2024But Lineker has argued in the past that he’s a freelancer, not a contracted employee, and says that he’s not breaking the impartiality rules. The BBC said it would not comment on individuals, but a spokesman told The Telegraph: “Presenters/contributors provide their own wardrobe, and all presenters/contributors are regularly reminded of the guidelines in relation to clothing, even if they are not doing proactive promotional work.”Gary Lineker’s tweets slamming Tory MPs ‘seem to breach BBC guidelines’, new boss Samir Shah saysThe Sun has contacted the BBC and reps for Lineker for comment.This isn’t the first time the broadcaster has run into issues with clothing. During the World Cup in 2018, the Match of the Day host promoted a TM Lewin Shirt on Instagram that he wore on-air after becoming the face of the clothing brand.The BBC branded it a “genuine mistake” after they acknowledged it breached company guidelines.Lineker told OK! Magazine: “I’ve always got my own clothes and I’ve always dressed myself on television.”There’s no wardrobe budget at BBC Sport so we all dress ourselves.”This isn’t the first time the host has run into issues with the Beeb. Lineker first sparked an impartiality row in March last year after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s Germany.Gary Lineker has again been caught breaking BBC rules by wearing clothes that he’s paid to promote.Then, in September, it was revealed that he would be one a handful of stars reigned in by new impartiality guidelines. It came after a row about the Match of the Day host’s political posts on social media.The guidance applies to presenters who have “a particular responsibility to respect the corporation’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.It stated that while a programme is on air, and for two weeks before and after the series, the hosts must not endorse or attack a political party, criticise the character of politicians, or comment on any issue of political debate during an election period.Then, just three months later, Lineker came under fire again. The BBC’s incoming chairman said that the presenter’s tweets slamming Tory MPs “seem to breach” the corporation’s social media rules.New boss Samir Shah said he did not think it was “helpful” that Lineker had signed a letter calling for the Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme.Former England footballer turned pundit Lineker was among a group of celebrities urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, in January, Lineker was slammed as “ignorant” after sharing a tweet calling to ban Israel from world football.The Match Of The Day presenter reposted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, from a pro-Palestinian campaign calling for Israel to be ousted from global tournaments and games “until it ends its grave violations of international law”.Lineker’s run-ins with the Beeb
      Lineker sparked an impartiality row in March 2023 after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Then, in December the same year, the former England footballer turned pundit Lineker was among a group of celebrities urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      Samir Shah, the BBC’s new chairman, said Lineker appeared to breach social media guidelines when he used X to apparently mock Tory MPs after signing an open letter criticising the policy.
      But Tory MPs hit back with Cabinet Minister Grant Shapps saying that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      In Janurary this year, he sparked another BBC row and was slammed as “ignorant” after sharing a tweet calling to ban Israel from world football.
      The Match Of The Day presenter reposted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, from a pro-Palestinian campaign calling for Israel to be ousted from global tournaments and games “until it ends its grave violations of international law”.
      However, the original tweet seems to no longer appear on the former England star’s account.
      Lineker, 63, reposted the tweet from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel.
      It included a statement from the Palestinian Football Association which called upon Fifa and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to join all regional and global sporting bodies in sanctioning Israel.
      The statement demanded that they “take an urgent stance towards Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures”.
      The post went on to demand that the public and officials pressure organisations “to suspend Israel’s membership and ban it from international tournaments and games until it ends its grave violations of international law, particularly its apartheid rule and the crime of genocide it is perpetuating in Gaza”.
      But MPs demanded that the BBC intervenes to sanction its highest-paid presenter with some slamming the repost as “ignorant”. More

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      Gary Lineker & Alan Shearer pay emotional tribute to Alan Hansen on live TV with legend ‘seriously ill in hospital’

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      BROADCASTER Gary Lineker has delivered a heartbreaking message to former Match of the Day colleague Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill.Lineker used the BBC’s pre-game coverage of the Italy-Albania Euros clash to air an emotional tribute after Hansen, a Liverpool and Scotland legend, fell unexpectedly unwell. Lineker said it had been a tough week after his former colleague fell seriously illCredit: BBCAlan Hansen is a much-loved figure among football fraternityCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt was on Monday revealed that Hansen, 69, was hospitalised in news leaving the football world shocked and saddened. Hansen appeared 614 times for Liverpool in an illustrious career that delivered eight top-flight titles. He then went into broadcasting as a BBC Match of the Day co-host.Former colleague Lineker said it had been “a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day”.Read more Sport newsHe said: “The news that Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital shocked us all.”Broadcasting alongside Lineker was former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, who added: “We’re great friends with Alan, we know his character, we know he’s a fighter, we know how tough he is. “We’re thinking of you big man and we’re with you. We’re hoping, we’re praying for you.”Lineker added: “Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy, Adam and the grandchildren.Most read in Football”To use an analogy from Alan’s favourite past-time golf, you might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan.”I’ve never known a more competitive person in my life. We’re all with you Big Al.”Graeme Souness visibly emotional as he hails ‘dream’ Alan Hansen with Liverpool legend ‘seriously ill’ in hospitalThe emotional message came after fellow former Scottish footballer Graeme Souness spoke about Hansen ahead of the Scotland-Germany tournament opener.Speaking on ITV, Souness said: “I believe he was the best footballing centre-half ever. And I know that is some statement but I really believe that.”I saw it first hand he was a really quality performer and a great human being.”You know when people are in trouble with illness, people say they’re great guys, but I’m telling you he is a great guy.”You’d have to search a very long way to find anyone saying a bad word about him – that takes some doing.”Souness added his old teammate and friend was “in the fight of his life right now”. Alan Shearer said of Hansen: ‘we know he’s a fighter’Hansen is a Liverpool legend, having captained the club and claimed multiple top-flight titlesCredit: GettySouness said no-one could ever utter a bad word about HansenThe pair played together at Liverpool from 1978-1984, claiming multiple cups alongside each other, and for Scotland from 1979-1987. Souness said: “We should all say a little prayer for him.”I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream.”He passed the ball at the right weight, at the right angle, at the right time.”Liverpool put out a statement on its website saying every member of the club had Hansen in their thoughts.It said: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.”A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.”Nicknamed “Jockey”, Hansen is 10th on Liverpool’s all-time game appearances list. He was the club’s captain for four seasons. ICONIC RANT
      By Joshua Jones
      ALAN HANSEN won it all in his glittering Liverpool career.
      His stunning trophy cabinet included EIGHT league titles, three European Cups, four League Cups and two FA Cups.
      And yet it is his iconic rant as a pundit on Match of the Day that a whole generation of football fans will know him for best.
      Manchester United had been beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa on the opening day of the 1995-96 season following a summer of turnover.
      Out had gone Paul Ince, Mark Hughes, and Andrei Kanchelskis and into the starting XI came youngsters such as Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville.
      Hansen was clearly unconvinced by the distinct lack of experience in the Ferguson team and boldly declared in his thick, iconic Scottish accent after that Villa loss: “You can’t win anything with kids.”
      Fast forward to the end of the season and he was left with egg on his face as United wrapped up a league and cup double.
      But it was short-term pain, long-term gain for Hansen who never shook off the phrase and openly admitted it was what “made him” as a pundit.

      Hansen was a defender of the utmost elegance, a Liverpool statement saidCredit: PA:Empics SportHansen pictured with the Ryder Cup – outside of football, he’s a keen golferCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow More