Sky Sports

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland’s dark arts exposed on Sky Sports as Ben Mee reveals Man City star’s sneaky tricks to put off defenders

      by

      BEN MEE has exposed the dark arts that Manchester City star Erling Haaland uses to put off defenders.The Brentford centre-back was on punditry duty for Sky Sports ahead of Leeds taking on Liverpool when he revealed the on-pitch secret.
      Ben Mee has opened up on what it is like to face Erling HaalandCredit: Sky Sports
      Erling Haaland and Ben Mee pinched each other when they met earlier this seasonCredit: Getty
      Mee claims that Haaland pinches his opponents in attempt to distract and bully them.
      He said: “He is a powerful lad and we have had a little bit of a jostle.
      “Obviously we are trying to be physical with him and use our body in and around the box to stop him from getting into any positions he wants to.
      “Little pinches here and there between me and him.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher then asked if the pinches were coming from him or Haaland.
      And Mee responded: “More from him to be fair. But I don’t mind that, I quite like that.”
      The 33-year-old at the heart of the Brentford defence frustrated Haaland when they met earlier this season with the Bees winning 2-1.
      Mee also analysed how his team dealt with Kevin De Bruyne feeding Haaland, who has netted 32 goals in 28 league appearances.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The tactic involved the ex-Burnley captain stepping out of the defence to pressure the Belgian midfielder to stop him passing forward.
      Brentford and City are set to meet again on April 28, which is the last day of the season.
      Pep Guardiola’s side will hope to wrap up the title then with them just four points behind Arsenal with the Gunners to play and a game in hand. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane opens up on how Gary Neville concerned him after coming through Man Utd academy and had brutal prediction

      by

      ROY KEANE has joked that he and his team-mates had concerns about Gary Neville’s ability when the defender came through Manchester United’s academy.Neville was famously part of the Class of ’92 – which featured club legends including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
      Roy Keane has joked he had doubts Gary Neville would succeed at Man UtdCredit: PA
      He was handed his debut by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992, and would go on to become first-choice right-back in the 1994-1995 season.
      But, before that, Keane said of Neville “he won’t last” when he was handed his opportunity.
      The Irishman added, though, that it was important for big clubs to bring players through from the academy.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “We were doubtful honestly when Gary came along, he won’t last. Becks, Schoesly, Giggs, the rest of them had a chance. But no, it’s great for the club to have lads come through the academy.
      Read more Man Utd news
      “We’ve seen with the Arsenal lads, the fans can identify with them, particularly if they’re local lads. And the beauty of lads like Gary and the lads coming through is when you get an opportunity, it’s about taking it.
      “A lot of the lads do get a chance but don’t take it. But these lads at Arsenal have done it, obviously Gary and the other lads at United.
      “It’s so important for the club, recruitment is vital, you have to go out and spend big money, but to get young lads through and do so well is very nice to see.”
      Neville would go on to play 602 games for the Red Devils – winning eight Premier League titles, and the Champions League twice.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      In the last six years of his career at Old Trafford, he would captain the side.
      Former boss Fergie said of Neville when he announced his retirement during the 2010-2011 season: “Gary is an example to any young professional, hard-working, loyal and intelligent. His impact on the club in general has been huge.
      “His presence in the dressing room and leadership qualities have been an asset to me as a manager. As a young boy he had the will and determination to succeed as a footballer and that character remained with him throughout his career.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville accuses Arsenal star of breaking ‘rule’ against Liverpool

      by

      GARY NEVILLE has accused Granit Xhaka of breaking a “rule” at Anfield. Arsenal were two goals up after a stunning opening 30 minutes, which put them on course for a famous win at Liverpool.
      Gary Neville has accused Granit Xhaka of breaking an Anfield ‘rule’Credit: Getty
      Xhaka clashed with Trent Alexander-Arnold during the gameCredit: PA
      However, Xhaka has been credited with being the spark for his team’s downfall as Liverpool fought back to draw 2-2.
      Xhaka was involved in an altercation with Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the dormant fire which had suddenly been lit under Liverpool saw the game run away from Arsenal, according to Neville.
      Speaking to his Sky Sports podcast, he said: “Arsenal played brilliantly in the first 40 minutes and then they just got the crowd up.
      “I’m not pointing directly at the Xhaka incident where he got involved but there is a rule when you play here and it didn’t help.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “There are some rules here: get through the first 25 minutes, play the ball forward and don’t let them press you early on, if the crowd are sleepy, leave it that way.
      “Don’t wind the crowd up or give a stupid free-kick away. Don’t get involved in a fight because they want the fire here.
      “One team needs fire and that’s Liverpool and one team needs ice and that’s Arsenal.
      “Arsenal got involved in fire before half-time and obviously they conceded.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The result means Manchester City have reduced their gap to Arsenal to six points.
      And a supercomputer has predicted the final outcome of the season after the twists from the weekend’s action. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      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

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane destroys Jamie Carragher with one word as Micah Richards digs out embarrassing clip of Liverpool legend

      by

      ROY KEANE had one word to describe Jamie Carragher’s defending after Micah Richards showed a clip of the Liverpool legend in action.With Liverpool and Arsenal facing off on Sunday in a crunch clash, Richards dug up old footage of Carragher playing in the fixture.
      Roy Keane brutally trolled Jamie Carragher ahead of Liverpool vs ArsenalCredit: Sky Sports
      Micah Richards dug out an old clip of Carragher in action against the GunnersCredit: Alamy
      The Anfield icon was bamboozled by Thierry Henry as the Arsenal hero netted a stunning solo goal in a 4-2 win over the Reds at Highbury in 2004.
      Henry left Carragher tripping up over his own feet before coolly slotting into the back of the net.
      Showing the clip on Sky Sports, Richards brutally joked: “Jamie’s always talking about body positions, and I just want to look at your body position here.
      “Because I don’t know if you was dancing, or you was twisting. You twist one way, you twist the other, and you take [Igor] Biscan out of the game as well!”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Carragher then replied: “My only defence is it was against the greatest player to ever play in the Premier League.”
      Manchester United legend Keane then chimed in, joking: “Did you just come back from injury Jamie?”
      And when asked how he would describe the defending, Keane simply said: “Shocking.”
      Keane’s brutal one-word put down left Richards and Carragher in stitches.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Football fans were also left chuckling at Carragher’s expense.
      Reacting to the clip, one wrote on Twitter: “These are the best together.”
      Another said with laughing emojis: “Love Roy Keane.”
      And a third added: “You can’t not enjoy the hop ball between the pundits.” More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League ‘ready to DITCH Sky Sports and BT Sport and show football in new way in dramatic shake-up’

      by

      THE Premier League are ready to ditch Sky Sports and BT Sport in a huge shake-up to football broadcasting, reports claim. Sky Sports have been at the centre of the Premier League since its inception in 1992 and have helped fuel the huge financial boom that has made England’s top-flight the richest division in the world.
      Sky Sports have dominated the Premier League TV landscape since 1992Credit: Getty
      While BT have become an increasingly bigger player in recent years and boast Champions League football among plenty of other packages.
      But when it comes to domestic football, the broadcasting world could be on the brink of change.
      The Mirror report that the Premier League are prepared to leave behind their traditional broadcasters and show games on their own platform.
      If this change were to happen, it would not be immediate.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The current TV deal runs until 2025 after a £5.1bn deal was signed in 2021.
      The Mirror claim that only one more multi-year deal might be signed before the Prem “cut out the middle men”.
      It would be a radical change to broadcasting with fans currently having to fork out on multiple subscriptions to follow all the live games.
      Sky normally show four or five games across a weekend while BT Sport have Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Meanwhile Amazon in recent years have had one or two full rounds of fixtures during the Christmas period where they show every game live.
      Reports have also suggested that channels like Disney and DAZN could try and get involved in Premier League broadcasting.
      Broadcasters still have to fit their scheduling around England’s 3pm blackout and the Premier League would also have to do this unless rule changes were introduced.
      If the league were to take control of the broadcast deal, it would also give them more control over kick-off times.
      Fans have expressed frustration in recent years over asocial kick off times that supporters have had to put up with to satisfy TV schedules.
      And Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters Association, said footy followers are also under the cosh over the money paid to watch football on TV.
      BT Sport currently show the Saturday lunchtime Premier League game every weekCredit: Reuters
      He told the Mirror: “There’s no question that supporters are increasingly feeling the financial strain.
      “We’re not untouched by the general cost of living crisis but the more platforms there are, the more subscriptions we have to find.
      “For those fans who want to watch everyone of the club’s televised games the costs are really starting to mount.”
      The reports come as Sky Sports make huge cutbacks on their output with iconic shows like Soccer AM getting the axe.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, BT Sport have also been making changes with their Saturday Score programme set to be scrapped.
      The channel is also set to get rebranded next season. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL set for almost DOUBLE number of televised games next season with Sky Sports agree to condition to edge out ViaPlay

      by

      THE EFL may end up almost DOUBLING the number of live games from the next TV deal.Sky are negotiating final details of a fresh contract that will see them pay much more.
      The EFL is set to get double the coverage next seasonCredit: Rex
      Part of those talks is about how many games they will show as the EFL seeks more exposure, especially down the divisions.
      Sky were initially looking to do fewer games in future but the fear of losing the whole deal brought them to the table with the best offer — as we tipped last month.
      There is still a chance that Sky “sub-contract” some of the coverage and insiders reveal the whole process has “a bit to go”. 
      That means fans will get to watch much more from their favourite Championship, League One and League Two teams.
      Read More on Football
      Football enthusiasts could also watch more from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham.
      The Red Dragons are fighting it out with Notts County in the National League as they seek automatic promotion.
      Fans of Premier League teams set to be relegated will take comfort in the fact they won’t be missing any of the action when they bid to return to the top.
      However, that won’t include Burnley, who earned promotion to the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The Clarets returned to the English top flight just a year after their relegation.
      Burnley were led by manager Vincent Kompany on his first season at Turf Moor.
      Kompany will now get the chance to lock horns with former mentors like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas says he wanted to ‘let go of life’ in emotional interview about death of his wife

      by

      FORMER Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas has opened up on the experience of losing his wife to cancer and how God helped him pull through. The Premier League host’s wife Gemma died at the age of 40 just four days after receiving an acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis. 
      Simon Thomas has opened up on the death of his first wife GemmaCredit: TikTok / @streams.studio
      Gemma died suddenly due to cancerCredit: Instagram / @simonthomastv
      Thomas has since re-marriedCredit: Instagram / @simonthomastv
      Thomas was left to care for his young son Ethan and consequently took a step back from life in front of the camera.
      Gemma’s sudden death left Thomas at rock bottom but in an inspirational interview he highlights how he kept going, re-found his faith and went on to find love again in new wife Derrina Jebb.
      Thomas spoke to Streams Studio, saying: “We went from Monday night with her being diagnosed with a blood cancer of some sort. For a couple of days, things were looking OK, the treatment was going well but then things just cartwheeled out of control. 
      “On the Friday she falls unconscious and by 8:30 on Friday morning I’m being told by a consultant ‘she’s not going to see out the day’.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “The very foundations on which your life has been built are trembling, there’s a massive life earthquake going on.
      “And by 5.45pm on that Friday in November 2017 at the age of 40, with an eight-year-old son and a husband, she’s gone. 
      “The first thing I did when I came out of that hospital was I just sank to my knees and shouted at God: ‘Why? Why, why, why? Why’ve you left my boy without a mum, I don’t get it, I don’t get you God’.”
      Thomas opened up on the anger he had towards his religion and how he collapsed to his knees at Gemma’s funeral before being picked up by a friend and a peaceful service occurred as he remembered good moments.
      Most read in Football
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
      However, Thomas was still struggling, saying: “I remember on the Saturday morning after funeral waking up as low as I’d ever been.
      “I walked out of the house in my dressing gown and sat on this tree right by the River Thames at the end of the garden in Reading where we lived at the time. 
      “I felt like I was just in this fog of grief and pain and I leant up against this tree and it was only a brief moment, but this moment came when I felt this darkness so inescapable and so oppressive that I thought ‘I can’t do it. I cannot do this, I’m not cut out for this grief.
      “I’m not cut out for being strong enough to navigate my boy through the next few years, and I just wanted to roll into the Thames. I kind of just wanted to let go of life for a minute. 
      “Thankfully, two things happened. I got an image of Ethan and I thought ‘I can’t, he’s just lost his mum.’
      “But the most powerful thing that happened, was I looked to my left and had this really strong sense that there was someone sat there, and I could see the image of this man who was just looking at me, saying nothing.
      “I could just see him weeping and then he was gone. To this day, I believe, and it felt so strong at that time, that that was Jesus sat alongside me.
      “I felt like Jesus right there in that moment was saying ‘I understand, I’ve been there. I know what this feels like, I am going to walk you through this.’
      “I remember feeling this surge of strength coming through me and I thought ‘I’ve got to get up, I’m going to walk back to the house, and I’m not giving up.'”
      Thomas explained that he thought life would never be good again before remembering God gives second chances.
      His opportunity for happiness came in the form of his new partner Derrina, who tied the knot in 2021 and have had a daughter named Talitha.
      Thomas says: “To see how God has brought love into my life again with Derrina has been the biggest surprise but just an amazing blessing.
      “I never thought someone would love me, way too much baggage. And yet he has brought restoration in terms of love. 
      “And now to have a daughter, who came through a really difficult premature period, and to see God at work in that situation, how he cared for her, cared for Derrina, cared for us as a family, and brought us through. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “God is the God of second chances, God is the God who rebuilds lives, who brings restoration out of wreckage and that’s been the story of my life for the last five years.”
      Thomas now works for Amazon Prime Video and campaigns to raise awareness for blood cancer, the fifth most common cancer in the country.
      Ex-Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas says he wanted to ‘let go of life’ in emotional interview about death of his wifeCredit: TikTok / @streams.studio More