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    Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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    SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      Watch Roy Keane show off acting skills in hilarious ad featuring punchline around his best catchphrase

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      ROY Keane has pivoted to the world of showbiz…baby!While he’s been a fixture of Sky Sports’ punditry crew for several years now, the last 12 months have even seen him routinely display his acting chops.Impressionist Conor Moore AKA Conor Sketches was initially set up as the inhabitant of Keane’s characterCredit: @SkyIreland…until the camera pans over to the man himself amongst the crowdCredit: @SkyIrelandHis latest acting bid shows he can deliver an amusing pre-prepared line as well as the off the cuff remarks that are a hallmark of his footy analysis.The 53-year-old is of course quoting himself in each case as he and impressionist Conor Moore go back and forth.The backdrop is an homage to Keane’s infamous Ipswich Town press conference where he lost it with one of the assembled journalists for not having their phone on silent.As well as an obligatory ‘That’s his job’, there’s also an allusion to one of the Man United icon’s more recent one-liners.While promoting the release of Sky Ireland’s mobile launch, Keane argues with his impostor that mobile phone coverage DOES now fall under the remit of the telecommunications giant.To do this, Moore fires back: “Relax…baby!”It was Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson whom had been labelled as such last season after he continually complained about being elbowed by a linesman.While the official was in the wrong for doing so, it was hard not to feel sympathetic to him when he and his colleagues have to ceaselessly deal with such whinging from Premier League stars.Most read in FootballThe Scotland captain is among the bigger mouthpieces in the division so Keane didn’t have any concern for him.At the time he vented: “He should be more worried about his defending.Jill Scott ‘reveals’ Roy Keane’s phone pass code leaving Man Utd hardman looking embarrassed “Do you know what he is that Robertson, I’ve watched him a number of times.”He is a big baby! That’s what that guy is…a baby!”Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending.”Fans on social media were left in stitches by Keane’s comments.One wrote on Twitter: “Roy Keane calling Robertson a big baby is just amazing.”Another said: “Roy Keane is punditry gold – ‘Andy Robertson is a big baby’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a third quipped: “What I love most about the linesman incident is Roy Keane calling Robertson a big baby.”The linesman in question, Constantine Hatzidakis, ultimately copped a one-week ban for losing his cool in such extraordinary fashion. More

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      Fans slam Chelsea TV over ‘awful’ broadcast blunder after struggling to watch Inter Milan clash

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      FANS slammed Chelsea TV for their “awful” coverage of the pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. The Blues’ channel charged £5 to watch the match but viewers were distracted by the commentary. Lesley Ugochukwu levelled against Inter MilanCredit: GettyThat is because separate commentators from another channel could be heard over those of Chelsea TV.One said: “Chelsea TV (or whatever they identify now as) is awful. “You can always hear the other commentators in the background commentating for their channel.”Another asked: “Why can I hear a muffled Jason Cundy on the Chelsea stream?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSomeone replied: “You can always hear him and the other Chelsea tv commentator..don’t remember his name, can hear both their voices right now.”Another said: “Can’t hear it on any other broadcast, ever. Either too close or the equipment ain’t great. “Either way, bad for the club’s own media channel.”A late Lesley Ugochukwu leveller cancelled out Marcus Thuram’s opener as the sides could not be separated. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea fans were introduced to Pedro Neto for the first time since joining in a £54million move from Wolves. He stepped out in blue for the first time waved to fans at Stamford Bridge. Stamford Bridge locals reveal what life’s like More

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      What is Sky Sports+? How can I watch it, what does it mean for iFollow and how many EFL matches are shown?

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      SKY SPORTS have launched a brand new service – and fans of the EFL are in for a treat!Every Carabao Cup game plus four times the amount of EFL games will be available this season on Sky Sports+.Championship games are live on Sky Sports+Credit: PAWhat is Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ provides Sky Sports subscribers with 50 per cent more sport at no extra cost, according to Sky.This includes EFL coverage, with more than 1,000 live matches and every Carabao Cup fixture, as well as all games from the men’s rugby Super League.Meanwhile, tennis fans will have access to more than 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP, and WTA tours.What is on Sky Sports+?Watch your EFL team over 20 times a season, liveEnjoy over 1,000 live EFL games, including every Carabao Cup fixtureWatch every match from the men’s Rugby Super LeagueOver 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP and WTA tours Offers the capability to show up to 100 events concurrentlyHow can I watch Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ is now available on Sky TV and on the Sky Sports mobile app for full Sky Sports subscribers.Just select the game you want to watch on the Sky TV homepage, which will show all current live matches to to stream.You can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club and it will show what games are available.Additionally, non-Sky TV subscribers can purchase a NOW.TV subscription which will provide access to all of the Sky Sports+ streams.What does it mean for iFollow?Sky Sports have said in a statement that Sky Sports+ has replaced iFollow in the UK.Most read in EFLSky said: “iFollow and club streams will cease to offer coverage of EFL matches in the UK & Ireland.”Instead, all televised matches will be live on Sky Sports via Sky and streaming service NOW each season. All 72 teams will be featured over 20 times a season on Sky Sports.” More

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      Sky News host forced to apologise as child drops F-bomb live on air during Euros 2024 report

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      A SKY News host was forced to apologise live on air after a child dropped the F-bomb during a Euros 2024 report.The air turned blue on the news channel when the child used the swear word as revellers in a Scottish pub geared up for the first match of the 2024 tournament between Scotland and host nation Germany.A Sky News star was forced to apologise as a child dropped the F-bomb on airCredit: SkyThe child left the reporter stunned as a result of using the wordCredit: SkySky’s Scotland Correspondent was left visibly shocked after the child made the epic blunder in the pre-watershed moment.Connor Gillies was tasked with speaking to excited fans in a pub in Dunfermline to gauge the reaction before the football match kicked off.It saw him speak to various pubgoers as they shared their thoughts on the tournamemt.As Connor was speaking to an adult accompanying a child at the pub, the man was remarking on how the child has “never seen” Scotland make it to such a high-profile game before.Read More on EurosThe man told host Connor: “He was never born when this happened.”As the man continued to speak to Connor, the young boy could be heard asking: “Can I say something?”As the Sky News star pointed his microphone towards the child, his jaw dropped as he blurted out: “F*** you Germany.”Quickly pulling the microphone away, he began to walk off from the laughing pair as he remarked: “Oh dear, apologies for that language.”Most read in Euro 2024Attempting to gloss over the incident, reporter Connor headed over to another pubgoer to ask him about the “big moment for Scotland”.The man in question replied: “The party doesn’t start until the tartan army is here, let’s do it!”Franz Beckenbauer’s widow Heidi pays emotional tribute to Germany legend husband at Euro 2024 opening match vs ScotlandConnor later shared a clip of the incident online, where he jokingly captioned the footage: “Go live from the pub with the Tartan Army, they said…”Reacting to the unexpected sweary moment, one viewer said: “Was watching…ouch.”As another added: “Watched it live. Absolutely cringed.”Despite the hype before the match, the Scottish fans were left bitterly disappointed when they were beaten by the German side 5-1 in the opening match of the tournament. The hosts took the lead through Florian Wirtz on 10 minutes after a howler from Angus Gunn.Jamal Musiala doubled his country’s lead following fine work from Kai Havertz in the build-up.Just before half-time, Havertz made it three from the penalty spot after a horror challenge from Ryan Porteous, which earned him a straight red card.Niclas Fullkrug’s thunderbolt into the top left corner made it 4-0 before an own goal from Antonio Rudiger ruined a perfect start for the hosts.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmre Can wrapped up proceedings with seconds to go to put the Germans off to a flyer at Euro 2024.
      Match result: Germany 5-1 Scotland
      FREE live stream: ITVX
      Germany team: Neuer, Rudiger, Tah, Kimmich, Havertz, Kroos,  Musiala, Wirtz, Mittelstadt, Gundogan, Andrich
      Scotland team: Gunn, Hendry, Ralston, Hendry, Porteous, Tierney, Robertson, McGregor, McTominay, McGinn, Christie, Adams
      Connor quickly moved on after the F-word incidentCredit: Sky More

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      Sky axe popular football show as ‘gutted’ producer posts emotional statement

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      SKY have cancelled Fantasy Football League after less than two years on the air.The programme, which returned to screens in September 2022, was a reboot of the 1990s original hosted by Frank Skinner and David Baddiel.The reboot was hosted by Elis James, left, and Matt Lucas, rightDavid Baddiel and Frank Skinner hosted the original in the 1990sCredit: ITVThe new-look show was presented by comedians Matt Lucas and Elis James.But now producer Spencer Millman has confirmed it has been axed.Speaking on X, he said: “Gutted to say that Fantasy Football League won’t be returning for another run.”Big thanks to my brilliant production team, crew, writers, spotters, you were an absolute joy to work with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A massive thanks to all the sofa & phoenix guests we had over the 24 shows, we loved having you.”Huge love to Matt, Elis, Mense and of course Lee Trundle but most importantly thanks to the people who watched it.”I’m eternally grateful you accepted the changes to the original and sorry we won’t be making more. Much love and gratitude.”Special guests across the show’s 20-month stint included Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Jack Wilshere, Gabby Agbonlahor, Wes Morgan, Pedro Mendes and Shaun Wright-Phillips.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPresenter Andrew Mensah was also a weekly contributor alongside hosts Lucas and James.SunSport exclusively revealed back in April 2022 that the programme was returning 18 years after its last TV special.Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas ‘likes’ cheeky Matt Lucas’ cheeky Instagram post poking fun at Arteta and OdegaardIt was claimed it would “delight fans old and new as it honours the format of the cult original series, with Matt and Elis combing over the week’s football news sharing hilarious clips and anecdotes”.Who are these famous footballers?
      Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

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      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?

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      THE Formula 1 season always brings with it high-octane drama as the drivers hit the track to defeat the competition and end the season on top.Sky Sports has an array of star hosts and former champs who lead fans through the action from the commentary box, around the paddock and on the grid.
      Sky F1 has an incredible line up of talented presentersCredit: Getty
      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?
      As usual Sky has an impressive presenting line-up for Formula 1’s 2023 season.
      There are many familiar faces who feature as the UK broadcaster rotates its crew throughout the racing calendar.
      The season kicked off on March 5 in Bahrain, and will conclude on November 26, 2023, in Abu Dhabi.
      A line-up of 14 presenters lead fans through the action on Sky.
      Read more on F1
      Jenson Button
      Former F1 champ Jenson Button is part of the Sky coverageCredit: PA
      Formula 1 driver and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button is one of SKy Sports’ experts in 2023.
      He first appeared on Sky F1’s coverage for the 2018 British Grand Prix, and was an instant hit with viewers.
      Button then became part of the presenting team in 2019.
      Rachel Brookes
      Rachel Brookes is a firm fixture on Sky F1
      Starting her career in radio, presenter Rachel Brookes now works full time for Sky Sports News.
      Most read in Motorsport
      She is well-known for her contributions as a pit-lane reporter.
      However, Brookes has occasionally filled in for Simon Lazenby as the channel’s lead anchor.
      Martin Brundle
      Martin Brundle is a legendary F1 commentatorCredit: Rex
      Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has had an incredible career which saw him first become a commentator in 1997.
      He learned his trade from the late Murray Walker, and is now considered one of F1’s most popular presenters.
      For the 2023 season Martin is working as the lead analyst for the Sky F1 coverage. 
      Karun Chandhok
      Karun Chandhok is a former HRT racing driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former HRT racing driver Karun Chandhok first appeared on Sky in 2012, and worked with them for three years.
      After that, he headed over to Channel 4 to become their main pit-lane reporter between 2016 and 2018.
      However, Chandhok rejoined the Sky team in 2019.
      Bernie Collins
      Bernie Collins is the newest member of the teamCredit: Sky Sports
      Hailing from Northern Ireland, Bernie Collins is the newest addition to the Sky F1 presenting line-up.
      Prior to landing the job she worked as a race strategist for Aston Martin until the end of 2022.
      The talented star started her career at McLaren as a performance engineer.
      David Croft
      David Croft is a well known Sky Sports F1 commentatorCredit: Alamy
      Former BBC F1 radio commentator David Croft was appointed as Sky F1’s lead commentator in 2012.
      Since then, he has become the voice of Sky F1.
      Over the years he has become hugely popular with viewers and Formula 1 fans.
      Anthony Davidson
      Anthony Davidson is a former Super Aguri F1 race driverCredit: Sky Sports
      Former Super Aguri F1 race driver Anthony Davidson started his presenting career on BBC Radio 5’s coverage of Formula 1.
      After his hugely successful career as a sportscar driver in the WEC, he was added to Sky’s line-up for the 2012 season.
      Davidson is best known for the “Sky Pad” – the channel’s famous paddock screen that allows him to quiz drivers whilst looking at an action replay.
      Damon Hill
      Damon Hill is a former F1 champ and legendary driverCredit: Instagram
      F1 World Champion Damon Hill was brought in by Sky F1 as an expert analyst during the 2012 season.
      He is best known for his 1996 F1 win, and therefore brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
      Hill is well-known for being able to offer insight from his own days as a racing driver and also comparing how modern-day drivers face new challenges.
      Ted Kravitz
      Ted Kravitz is a well known sports presenterCredit: Rex
      Long-time broadcaster Ted Kravitz has been around since the days of ITV’s early coverage of the sport.
      He started off as a producer, before becoming the channel’s pit-lane reporter.
      Kravitz continued this job until 2011, before taking up a position with Sky for the 2012 season.
      Simon Lazenby
      Simon Lazenby is key to the Sky FI line-upCredit: Alamy
      Seasoned broadcaster Simon Lazenby is known for being Sky F1’s lead anchor.
      He is the key presenter who keeps the show on the road.
      Lazenby opens the live coverage and orchestrates the expert team of pundits and reporters.
      Danica Patrick
      Danica Patrick is a popular member of the Sky F1 teamCredit: The Mega Agency
      American racing legend Danica Patrick joined the Sky line-up as a pundit for the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
      Appearing on the coverage of races in Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2022, she reprised her role for 2023.
      She also formed part of Sky’s European race coverage, featuring at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Natalie Pinkham
      Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham has enjoyed an incredible careerCredit: instagram @natalie_pinkham
      Following her successful coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2009 alongside Steve Rider, Natalie Pinkham became BBC Radio 5’s pit-lane reporter for the 2011 season.
      Since switching to Sky F1’s coverage, she has gradually become a prominent member of the presenting line-up.
      In 2021, Pinkham became the first female lead commentator for a Formula 1 session in the UK.
      Nico Rosberg
      Nico Rosberg is the 2016 F1 world championCredit: Rex
      Former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has proven very popular as a Sky F1 reporter.
      He won the title in 2016, topping teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton.
      Rosberg immediately called it a day in Formula 1 after winning.
      He became the first reigning champion to retire since 1993.
      Naomi Schiff
      Naomi Schiff is a big part of the Sky F1 teamCredit: Rex
      Naomi Schiff is a Rwandan-Belgian professional racing and stunt driver.
      Read More on The Sun
      She appeared in the W Series before being appointed as their Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
      Presenting the Mercedes F1 team launch alongside Natalie Pinkham in 2022, Schiff was then brought onboard as a regular contributor to Sky F1’s coverage. More

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      Final two in race to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday revealed – and new host will be chosen in days

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      CAROLINE BARKER is in the final two to replace Jeff Stelling and land one of the hottest jobs in television.Sky Sports will decide over the next few days whether Barker or Simon Thomas will be the new presenter of their cult results programme Soccer Saturday.
      Socceer Saturday host Jeff Stelling is stepping downCredit: Sky Sports
      Caroline Barker is in the final two to replace JeffCredit: Getty
      Insiders believe Simon Thomas is the favourite for the roleCredit: Rex Features
      Insiders believe the experienced Thomas is favourite for the role – but it is a close call, and has come down to a straight choice between the two.
      Barker has won a host of admirers at Sky, primarily for her coverage of netball but also her ability to cover a variety of sports.
      The broadcaster, also a regular on the BBC, led 5 Live’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup and was the first female presenter of Match Day Live for Premier League Productions.
      Sky Sports legend Stelling presented Soccer Saturday from 1994 until his retirement at the end of last season.
      Read More on Jeff Stelling
      Recently Jeff made a one-off Countdown comeback.
      He appeared as the dictionary corner’s special guest while Rachel Riley put on a leggy display for his return.
      Recent reports suggested Stelling had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.
      We also revealed how Stelling has no plans to retire but had reportedly been placed on gardening leave after leaving Sky.
      Most read in Football
      Jeff, pictured with Rachel Rilley, made a one-off Countdown comeback recentlyCredit: BackGrid More

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      Man Utd icon Roy Keane leaves Sky Sports studio in stitches with brutal verdict of Andy Robertson after linesman ‘elbow’

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      ROY KEANE had the Sky Sports studio in stitches as he assessed the controversial incident of Andy Robertson allegedly being elbowed in the throat by a linesman.The shock scenario unfolded at half time during Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield yesterday.
      Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Andy RobertsonCredit: Twitter
      Liverpool star Robertson was holding his jaw as he left the field furiousCredit: Alamy

      But assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis stole the headlines after the shocking moment between him and Liverpool’s Robertson.
      The full-back approached Hatzidakis after the whistle had gone for the break.
      But as he remonstrated with the official, replays appeared to show Hatzidakis strike the Scottish star with his elbow.
      Referee Paul Tierney then gave the Scot a yellow card for his protestations AFTER blowing up for half-time.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The official was subsequently surrounded by Liverpool players, including a furious Robertson.
      Television replays appear to show Hatzidakis strike the full-back, with the PGMOL confirming that they will launch an investigation into the incident.
      Some fans have called for Hatzidakis to get an eight-match ban for the action – but Manchester United legend Keane was having none of it.
      Working as pundit for Sky Sports alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, he had his colleagues crying with laughter as he gave his verdict.
      Most read in Football
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      When asked firstly if he had ever seen anything like it before at half time, he replied: “No, not really. But Robertson, do you know what, does he grab the linesman first? I’m not sure, but he’s complaining. He should be more worried about his defending.
      “Do you know what it is, that Robertson? I’ve watched him a number of times. He’s a big baby. That’s what he is.
      “Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first.”

      Then, later on in the show after the full-time whistle, he added: “What’s he gone over for and what’s he complaining for?
      “I said at half time, Robertson what a baby, a big baby. Just get on with the game. Baby.”
      That led to a huge outburst of laughter from his fellow pundits.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked his thoughts about the incident, to which he responded: “Nothing. I know it happened but I didn’t watch it.
      “If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves. I have nothing else to say about it.”
      Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Gary Neville struggled to hold their laughter as Roy Keane gave his verdictCredit: Twitter More