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      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?

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      MATCH OF THE DAY viewers have been left surprised after being deprived of Gary Lineker again.Three weeks ago, his entire career at the BBC was up in the air after an impartiality row.
      Gary Lineker was conspicuously absent from Match of the Day on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      But that issue was resolved after a fan backlash over the Beeb’s decision to axe the presenter.
      Upon reaching a deal, BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
      And that agreement may leave some even more surprised that he is not presenting this evening’s show.
      So what, exactly, has happened?
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      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?
      Gary Lineker has been very up front about his reasons for missing MOTD this evening.
      And fans have no reason to be worried that he will be off-air for the long run.
      Lineker tweeted earlier today: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
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      Why was Gary Lineker suspended before?
      Gary Lineker was suspended because the BBC ruled that a tweet he posted about Home Secretary Suella Braverman broke impartiality rules.
      He responded to a video of her setting out the Government’s Migration Bill, labelling the language being used similar to 1930s Germany.
      Lineker tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      However, the BBC agreed to review its social media guidelines for presenters who aren’t covering current affairs.
      And they allowed Lineker to return to air so long as he agrees to follow the current rules while the new ones are being drawn up. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals reason why he missed Match of the Day, three weeks after BBC row

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      GARY LINEKER revealed earlier this evening that he would NOT be presenting Match of the Day, three weeks after being taken off the show by the BBC.The presenter was reinstated to the show after being taken off it for what the Beeb said was a breach of impartiality rules.
      Gary Lineker revealed he would not be presenting Match of the Day tonightCredit: PA
      Lineker criticised the Government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
      But he reassured viewers that he has not been suspended again, and is simply on holiday.
      Taking to Twitter, Lineker wrote: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
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      Following his previous suspension, Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues rallied around him and refused to participate in broadcasts until his reinstatement.
      The 62-year-old returned for the Beeb’s FA Cup coverage the following weekend, before having to miss another broadcast due to being unwell.
      Earlier this week, Lineker won a £4.9million tax battle.
      HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
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      The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
      But Lineker insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
      Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
      But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case. More

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      Burnley line up £15m Man Utd-linked goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for Premier League campaign in huge transfer coup

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      BURNLEY chief Vincent Kompany wants to snatch Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from his old club Anderlecht.Verbruggen, 20, looks one of the best prospects in Europe and the Clarets boss is back on his trail after attempting to bring the stopper with him to Turf Moor last summer.
      Bart Verbruggen has attracted plenty of interest from EnglandCredit: Rex
      Since then, the Bartman has enhanced his reputation by claiming the first-team spot at the Belgian side and also being called up by Holland for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Gibraltar.
      Liverpool are also very keen on Verbruggen — as we first revealed in February — but that would be as a long-term replacement for current Kop No 1 Alisson, with no guarantee of game time.
      Kompany’s runaway Championship leaders could offer Premier League football and a step up the ladder immediately, which could be a huge temptation.
      Anderlecht want around £15million for Verbruggen, which could turn out to be a shrewd investment.
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      Kompany’s former Manchester City team-mate Arijanet Muric has been the Clarets’ first choice stopper this term.
      He has made 36 Championship appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets.
      In addition to Burnley and Liverpool, Manchester United are reportedly interested in Verbruggen.
      Belgian outlet HLN claim the Red Devils are weighing up a bid for Anderlecht’s 6ft 4in gloveman Verbruggen.
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      David de Gea is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
      But Erik ten Hag’s men are reportedly keen even if De Gea stays beyond the end of this season.
      Verbruggen has played 31 times in all competitions this season. More

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      Chelsea fans fume at ‘worst downgrade ever’ and demand Potter is sacked after loss as Tuchel makes perfect Bayern start

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      CHELSEA fans fumed at Graham Potter online as their side slumped to a dreadful 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa this afternoon.And their mood wasn’t helped by ex-boss Thomas Tuchel’s flying start to life at Bayern Munich.
      Graham Potter’s side suffered another dreadful defeatCredit: Rex
      Thomas Tuchel enjoyed a winning start to life at Bayern MunichCredit: EPA
      Goals by Ollie Watkins and John McGinn condemned 11th placed Chelsea to defeat.
      Simultaneously, Tuchel got down to business in his first match in charge of Bayern.
      The German returned to management during the international break, replacing Julian Nagelsmann at Allianz Arena having been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in September.
      It didn’t take long for Tuchel to make an instant impact, with his rampant new team 4-0 up after just 50 minutes.
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      Their first came in bizarre circumstances, as Dortmund goalie Gregory Kobel barely brushed a backpass as he tried to boot the ball away – it instead trickling beyond him and into the net.
      Thomas Muller then added a quickfire double on 18 and 23 minutes, before Kingsley Coman bagged a fourth on 50.
      Emre Can and Donyell Malen scored two consolation goals for Dortmund, but it was too little, too late to prevent a perfect start for Tuchel.
      Taking to Twitter, one Chelsea fan fumed: “How can Boehly sack Tuchel and look at Potter and think, “Yeah let me replace him with this PE teacher.”
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      Chelsea produced a poor display against Aston VillaCredit: Alamy
      A second moaned: “Chelsea really sacked Tuchel for Potter 😭”
      While a third posted: “That Thomas Tuchel impact after one training session 😄 but Graham Potter needs ¾ of a season + a preseason before we’re allowed to say he’s had time to improve things. I miss my Chelsea, we look unrecognisable these days.”
      Another added: “Sacking Thomas Tuchel for Graham Potter actually gets worse with each passing day.
      “It’ll only get even worse now that we’ll have to watch Tuchel at Bayern Munich. Guaranteed success.”
      A further social media user fumed: “SACK GRAHAM POTTER NOW. THE WORST MANAGER IN CHELSEA HISTORY. WE ARE LOSING TO ASTON VILLA WHILE TUCHEL IS COOKING DORTMUND. WHAT IS THIS.”
      Chelsea’s terrible result leaves them in the bottom half of the Prem table.
      While Bayern leapfrogged Dortmund into top spot in the Bundesliga.
      Tuchel chats with Bayern legend Bastian SchweinsteigerCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea ratings: Reece James as intelligent and organised as ever but Mudryk struggling to find his feet in England

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      CHELSEA flopped to yet another dreadful result as their woes under Graham Potter continued against Aston Villa.The Blues drew 2-2 with strugglers Everton on their last Stamford Bridge outing before the international break.
      Enzo Fernandez hangs his head on a difficult afternoon for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And they fared even worse this evening, going down 2-0 to Unai Emery’s mid-table Villa.
      On another difficult afternoon for the Blues, SunSport’s John Dillon rates and slates each performer on the day.
      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 5
      Goalkeeper was left stranded and could do little when Ollie Watkins got clear to hit the target early on. And he never stood a chance of getting near John McGinn’s screaming second-half strike for Villa.
      REECE JAMES – 6
      As intelligent and organised as ever on right of back three. Worked hard attempting to get the ball to Ruben Loftus-Cheek but to little avail.
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      KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 7
      Was wrong-footed by team-mate Marc Cucurella when Villa took the lead. And his presence simply couldn’t keep Chelsea afloat.
      Kalidou Koulibaly battles with Jacob RamseyCredit: AP
      MARC CUCURELLA – 5
      Was involved in fierce tussle with Villa’s aggressive John McGinn from the start. Then got in Kalidou Koulibaly’s way and headed back for Ollie Watkins to score for Villa in the 18th minute.
      RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 6
      Sought out pathways through on the right and got in several crosses. But they just weren’t harmful enough. Substituted in second-half.
      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5
      Looked busy in central midfield without ever properly imposing himself on the game as might have been expected given his gargantuan price-tag.
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      MATEO KOVACIC – 6
      A biting and driving presence in the centre of midfield as usual. Showed his pragmatic side when booked for halting Ashley Young breakaway near half-time.
      Mateo Kovacic couldn’t believe his side’s flopCredit: Reuters
      BEN CHILWELL – 6
      Eagerly looked for openings in left-sided midfield role. Loudly claimed a penalty when he got clear in box but appeared to be brought down by Ezri Konsa in first-half.
      KAI HAVERTZ – 5
      Often seems unfocused in the way he attacks and fluffed a good 14th minute chance. Was closer with clever clipped effort on verge of the break.
      MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 5
      Still looks like he is struggling to find his feet in English football. A poor and weak missed chance from 15 yards when put clear by Mateo Kovacic in 31st minute. Eventually hooked off.
      Mykhailo Mudryk failed to make an impactCredit: Getty
      JOAO FELIX – 6
      His busyness summed up Chelsea’s frenzied but undisciplined attacking. Had several half-chances throughout the game – but is not clinical enough
      SUBSTITUTES
      N’Golo Kante (for Loftus-Cheek, 57) – 6
      A much-need return from the midfield running machine after being out since August 14. Rust caused him to miss a sitter eight minutes after coming on.
      Noni Madueke (for Mudryk, 57) – 5
      Sent a 20-yard curler just wide in the 64th minute.
      Conor Gallagher (for Kovacic, 80) – 6
      Sent on late on in an attempt to find a fresh way forward for stuttering home side.
      Christian Pulisic (for Cucurella, 80) – 6
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      Late introduction in hope injecting new creativity and perhaps a goal threat. But neither materialised.
      Subs not used: Badiashile, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Mount, Chukwuemeka More

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      Chelsea 0 Aston Villa 2: Pressure on Potter reaches boiling point as dismal home defeat drops Blues into bottom half

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      GRAHAM POTTER is feeling the heat again after Chelsea slipped back into their bad old ways.Boss Potter spent part of the recent international break with his missus in Abu Dhabi. 
      The pressure on Graham Potter reached boiling point as Chelsea lost at home to VillaCredit: Rex
      Ollie Watkins silenced Stamford Bridge with his early openerCredit: Getty
      John McGinn then doubled the advantage early in the second halfCredit: Getty
      The defeat leaves Chelsea in the bottom half of the table and 11 points off the top fourCredit: Getty
      But it was anything but warm memories of his sunshine getaway making his ears burn as the fans turned on him in protest at yet another home defeat.
      Chelsea were one nil down and booed off at half time after Marc Cucurella gifted Ollie Watkins his fifth away goal in as many games – a Villa record.
      And when captain McGinn made it two with his first goal in 47 games the fans behind a dazed-looking Potter taunted him with cries of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.
      They also joined in when jubilant Villa supporters sang ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’. It was the same ill-feeling at full time.
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      Results and performances had improved before the Premier League shutdown two weeks ago. Three wins on the spin and even letting the lead slip against Everton was forgivable.
      And in Potter’s defence, Chelsea battered the visitors with enough chances to have staged a comeback win with ease.
      It was more that Potter’s players shot themselves in the foot and gave three points to Villa on a plate.
      The visitors turned up in West London rightly confident. 
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      Not only are Chelsea wildly erratic but since Unai Emery took over as manager at Villa Park last October, their away form is only bettered by Manchester City and Arsenal.
      Yet it was still Chelsea’s ability to implode spectacularly which provided the opening from which the visitors went ahead. 
      Douglas Luiz strolled away from his area with the ball then pumped it hopefully upfield towards Watkins.
      The danger looked covered with Kalidou Koulibaly in close attention but Cucurella’s surprising attempt at heading towards neutral ground went disastrously wrong.
      Instead of finding no-man’s land, the Spaniard who has only just won back the faith of the Chelsea fans after a torrid start to his time here, presented Watkins with a gilt-edged chance to advance and score.
      The Villa striker needed only to take a couple of steps before lifting the ball over stranded Chelsea keeper Kepa from the edge of the box.
      Individual mistakes can be costly but are unavoidable. Within the opening 45 minutes, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the normally reliable Joao Felix gave the ball away cheaply, allowing Villa to put them under the cosh. 
      After only 17 minutes, skipper John McGinn pounced from 20 yards out and smacked the Chelsea crossbar.
      Potter’s team had more of the ball and more chances but had Villa finished better with the fewer opportunities they got it could have been even more than one at the break.
      Watkins should have scored on seven minutes when put through by his captain only to drag his shot wide, hiding his head inside his shirt in shame.

      At one point not so long ago, Chelsea went six games without a win with only one goal to their credit.
      Despite failing to score this was not as bad as that with Ben Chilwell heading in what he thought was an equaliser only for it to be disallowed for a foul.
      Chilwell also hit the post, Mykhailo Mudryk had two shots saved by Emiliano Martinez and Villa’s keeper also blocked a cracking shot on the turn from Kai Havertz.
      But Potter knows the game at this club. Results matter above all else and this one nudges them just into the bottom half of the table.
      Yet in just 11 days’ time they will face Real Madrid in the quarter finals of the Champions League, such is the lack of consistency of this team in a supposed season of transition.
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      Potter is likely to still be around then and one silver lining for him is that he was able to finally get to use midfielder N’Golo Kante, who has been injured since August.
      Unfortunately, the dynamic little Frenchman came on immediately after McGinn had rifled in his first goal since November 2021 with a sizzling drive from 25 yards to seal victory for Villa and condemn Chelsea to a tenth Premier League defeat of the campaign. More

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      Inside Daniel Levy and Pochettino’s Spurs bromance – with joint French chalet breaks, expensive red wine and a Bentley

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      WITH Antonio Conte out of Tottenham, Daniel Levy could consider rehiring Mauricio Pochettino.The pair built up a close friendship during the Argentine’s tenure as Spurs manager.
      Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy built a firm friendship while at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      The two would holiday together and shared a passion for red wineCredit: Reuters
      Pochettino, 51, and Levy, 61, were so close that they would holiday together in the French Alps as well as in South America.
      Levy even gifted the manager with a Bentley sports car and expensive bottles of red wine, which was a passion shared by the duo.
      It is believed that the Spurs chairman did this in order to keep the manager happy as he was gaining interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
      A source told the Daily Mail: “People don’t realise how much it took for Daniel to do this.
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      “He is so far out of his comfort zone with that bonding trip stuff it’s untrue.
      “But he did it for Mauricio. Other clubs were buzzing around him. Barcelona. Manchester United.
      “Daniel knew he couldn’t keep him with money, so he kept him with love. It was smart.”
      But it was appreciated by Pochettino as he wrote in his book: “It is difficult for a chairman and manager to trust each other but Daniel and I are looking for mutual understanding.
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      “It’s part of a process to rediscover the club’s identity”.
      Pochettino along with recently sacked Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann are tipped to be the frontrunners for the vacant job at Spurs.
      And as Levy assesses his options he might be focused on his head more than his heart – judging by one source saying: “Daniel would prefer it if the world was full of robots.”
      That insider added: “He can be great one on one. Personable and open. 
      “But he struggles socially, especially in groups. He is happiest with his head in his phone or writing emails, getting things done.” More

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      Liverpool bus damaged on way home from Etihad as Man City slam inappropriate chants from home fans during fiery clash

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      LIVERPOOL’S team bus was allegedly attacked and damaged following their defeat at Manchester City. Liverpool were hammered 4-1 by the Cityzens at The Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.
      Man City have slammed an attack on Liverpool’s team coachCredit: Getty
      An object was thrown and damaged the Reds’ team bus after today’s clash at the EtihadCredit: Reuters
      However, as Jurgen Klopp’s side were travelling home afterwards, their bus was vandalised with the star-studded squad on-board.
      And police are now investigating the shocking incident, which saw a brick thrown and a window cracked, according to The Athletic.
      A statement from City said: “Manchester City FC has been made aware that Liverpool FC’s coach sustained damage on its return journey following today’s game.
      “We understand an object was thrown towards the coach in a residential area.
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      “Incidents of this kind are totally unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the actions of the individual(s) responsible.
      “We will fully support Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into this incident in any way we can.”
      Liverpool have yet to publicly comment on the incident.
      City have also slammed slammed supporters that sang “inappropriate chants” directed at Liverpool fans in the away end.
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      They added: “Additionally, the Club is disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during the game today.
      “We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporter groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture.”
      Liverpool have yet to publicly comment on the incident. More