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      in Soccer

      Sky Sports sack Scott Minto after 13 years as ex-Chelsea star follows Le Tissier, Nicholas and Thompson out door

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      SCOTT MINTO has revealed he has also been axed by Sky Sports.
      The former Chelsea defender has been let go just 24 hours after Matt Le Tissier and his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were also cut.

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      Scott Minto has been axed by Sky Sports

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      Matt Le Tissier and his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were also cut yesterday

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      Scott Minto playing for Chelsea in the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers.
      Minto wrote on Twitter: “It is with a heavy heart that after 13 incredible years with Sky Sports I share the news that I will no longer be working with Sky and be part of their ongoing football coverage.
      “While the decision wasn’t mine, I leave Sky with nothing but fond memories of covering the EFL, Play-Off’s, Carabao Cup, Spanish Football, Revista De La Liga, and many more.”

      Minto, 49, continued: “It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals. 

      “I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the very best for the forthcoming season – a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL.”
      He added: “ I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. I look forward to being back on the screen soon.”
      Minto began working for Sky Sports in 2007 after a playing career that included spells with Charlton, Benfica, West Ham and Rotherham in addition to the three years he spent at Stamford Bridge.

      Sky told SunSport: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage – Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”

      Confirming his dismissal, Le Tissier wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyed my time at Sky Sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day.”
      Thompson said: “I’ve had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.”
      Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson.

      Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day 😃👍🏼
      — Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) August 26, 2020

      I’ve had a great 22 years with @SkySports.Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today.Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on @SoccerSaturday.
      — Phil Thompson (@Phil_Thompson4) August 26, 2020

      It is thought that with the show’s panel being made up entirely of white men of a certain age, Sky felt that Soccer Saturday’s existing format had run its course.
      Ian Wright blasted “racists” who blamed black pundits for Sky Sports’ decision to sack three Soccer Saturday stars yesterday.
      Wright, 56, took to Twitter to blast viewers who said black pundits such as Micah Richards and Alex Scott are the reason behind the others losing their jobs.
      The former England striker labelled the vile social media trolls as “racists” with “stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths” in the video.

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      Ian Wright blasted the racists who claimed Sky’s decision to axe Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas was the fault of black punditsCredit: PA:Press Association
      He said: “I’ve had to pull the car over – the racism is going through the roof today.
      “Can someone answer me this: what does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison or any other black pundit have to do with Sky’s decision to get rid of these guys?
      “All because three middle-aged white guys got the sack… I kiss my teeth.
      “Why are people upset? Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best-prepared pundits out there. Easily.
      “Micah Richards is the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years.
      “Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths.”

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      Ex-Man City and England defender Micah Richards is a regular pundit on BBC and Sky SportsCredit: grab from BBC

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      Ian Wright hit out a “racists” who blamed black pundits like Alex Scott for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackingsCredit: PA:Press Association
      He added: “These guys Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, have had an unbelievable run it’s been a great show, this happens to everybody in the industry.
      “This is Sky’s decision to evolve the show – I wish them all the best, yes you can be disappointed that it’s come to an end for those guys.
      “But why does it have to be racially-driven? What’s it got to do with Black Lives Matter? Or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs?”

      Sky have not announced who will replace the trio or Minto.
      Stelling appeared gutted by the news, writing on Twitter in reply to Le Tissier: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
      Former Southampton superstar and England ace Le Tissier, 51, was a hugely popular member of Stelling’s Saturday team.
      And “Le God” formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpool’s former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58.
      The three men clocked close to 50 years service between them with Sky and will be greatly missed by the millions of armchair football fans who tuned into the long-running Gillette Soccer Saturday show.

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright responds to ‘racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 schedule 2020: Formula One calendar with Belgian Grand Prix up next at Spa-Francorchamps

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      Formula 1 has now completed its sixth race of the season and all eyes are on Belgium as the race calendar continues this weekend.
      Mercedes extraordinaire Lewis Hamilton is in pole position in the driver standings, after cruising to victory in the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this month.

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      Hamilton cruised to victory in the Spanish Grand Prix.Credit: PA:Press Association
      F1 Schedule
      Previous races
      July 05 2020: Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
      July 12 2020: Styrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg – Lewis Hamilton (Merecedes)
      July 19 2020: Hungarian Grand Prix –  Hungaroring, Mogyoród – Lewis Hamilton (Merecedes)
      August 02 2020: British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

      August 09 2020: 70th Anniversary Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing Honda)
      August 16 2020: Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
      Upcoming Races
       August 30 2020: Belgian Grand Prix – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot
      September 6 2020: Italian Grand Prix –  Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza

      September 13 2020: Tuscan Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Scarperia e San Piero
      September 27 2020: Russian Grand Prix –  Sochi Autodrom, Sochi
      11 October 2020: Eifel Grand Prix –  Nürburgring, Nürburg
      25 October 2020: Portugese Grand Prix – Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão
      November 1 2020: Emilia Romanga Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola

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      The Belgian Grand Prix will be the seventh race of the seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      What TV channel is F1 2020 on and can I live stream it?
      The Belgian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday August 30, 2020.
      You can watch it live on Sky Sports F1, live from 2.10pm.
      Sky customers can add individual channels for just £18 per month or add the complete sports package to their deal for just £23 per month.
      Existing Sky Sports customers can also live stream the race via the Sky Go app on most devices.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, you can watch the Belgian Grand Prix by buying a Sky Sports day pass for £9.99, or alternatively buying a month pass for £33.99. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright blasts ‘stinking-mouthed racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings

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      IAN WRIGHT tonight blasted “racists” who blamed black pundits for Sky Sports’ decision to sack three Soccer Saturday stars.
      As revealed by SunSport, Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were axed from the show – although Paul Merson and host Jeff Stelling stay on.

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      Ian Wright blasted the racists who claimed Sky’s decision to axe Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas was the fault of black punditsCredit: Twitter / @IanWright0
      The trio worked for the broadcaster for almost 50 years combined before being let go on Tuesday in a bombshell cut.
      But Arsenal legend Wright, 56, took to Twitter this evening to blast viewers who said black pundits such as Micah Richards and Alex Scott are the reason behind the others losing their jobs.
      The former England striker labelled the vile social media trolls as “racists” with “stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths” in the video.
      He said: “I’ve had to pull the car over – the racism is going through the roof today.

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      Ex-Man City and England defender Micah Richards is a regular pundit on BBC and Sky SportsCredit: grab from BBC

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      Ian Wright hit out a “racists” who blamed black pundits like Alex Scott for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackingsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “Can someone answer me this: what does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison or any other black pundit have to do with Sky’s decision to get rid of these guys?
      “All because three middle-aged white guys got the sack… I kiss my teeth.
      “Why are people upset? Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best-prepared pundits out there. Easily.
      “Micah Richards is the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years.

      “Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths.”
      Wright experienced racism as a player and has regularly been forced to expose vile racist abuse directed at him on social media, to share the reality of what he faces from keyboard warriors.

      He added: “These guys Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, have had an unbelievable run it’s been a great show, this happens to everybody in the industry.
      “This is Sky’s decision to evolve the show – I wish them all the best, yes you can be disappointed that it’s come to an end for those guys.
      “But why does it have to be racially-driven? What’s it got to do with Black Lives Matter? Or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs?”

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      The trio were axed in a shock move by the Soccer Saturday after almost 50 years combined as part of the teamCredit: Sky
      The three long-serving football experts were given the boot in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers.
      Sky told SunSport: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage – Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”
      Confirming his dismissal, Le Tissier wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyed my time at Sky Sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day.”
      Thompson said: “I’ve had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.”

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      Micah Richards has been a popular addition to the Sky Sports team especially due to his on-screen relationship with Roy Keane

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      Wright suffered racism as a player and continues to be bombarded with vile abuse onlineCredit: PA:Press Association
      Stelling appeared gutted by the news, writing on Twitter in reply to Le Tissier: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
      It is thought that with the show’s panel being made up entirely of white men of a certain age, Sky felt that Soccer Saturday’s existing format had run its course.
      Sky have not announced who will replace the trio.

      Micah Richards pokes fun at Roy Keane backstage at Sky Sports studios More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Soccer Saturday host Stelling calls it ‘saddest day ever’ after ‘best mates’ Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas sacked

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      JEFF STELLING has described the axeing of “best mates” Matt Le Tissier, Phi Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from Soccer Saturday as one of his “saddest days ever.”
      Sky Sports brutally chopped the trio from their popular show on Tuesday, much to the dismay of fans.

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      Jeff Stelling admits he is upset about Sky Sport’s axeing of Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas

      One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.
      — Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 26, 2020

      Southampton legend Le Tissier joined the panel shortly after his retirement from football in 2003.
      Anfield favourite Thompson started working for Sky in 1998 and took on a bigger role after stepping down as Liverpool assistant in 2004.
      Meanwhile, Celtic and Arsenal icon Nicholas has been working in punditry ever since his playing career ended in 1996.

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      The trio were brutally axed by Sky Sports on TuesdayCredit: Sky Sports
      And presenter Stelling, who will remain on the show alongside Paul Merson, has described the situation as very sad.

      He tweeted: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.
      “They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
      Sky confirmed the changes exclusively to SunSport, saying: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage.

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      The three fan favourites have been on Soccer Saturday for many yearsCredit: Sky
      “Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”

      Le Tissier took to Twitter to express his feelings, commenting: “Enjoyed my time at Sky Sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge.
      “Thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team, good luck all have a lovely day.”

      Thompson added: “I’ve had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. 
      “Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today.
      “Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Sky Sports viewers complain as broadcast issues hit Katie Taylor world title win on Whyte vs Povetkin undercard

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      SKY SPORTS took a pounding on social media when TV viewers lost sound as Katie Taylor retained her world title on the Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin undercard.
      Angry pay-per-view fans complained of huge technical problems in the early rounds as Irish lightweight Taylor won a gruelling rematch on points against Delfine Persoon

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      Katie Taylor celebrates her repeat win over Delfine Persoon but some fans were less than happy with all the TV coverageCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

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      Katie Taylor, left, is rocked back by Belgian Delfine Persoon in their world title boutCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Imagine having to pay 20 quid for this fight with all the sound and technical issues…..which I have certainly done.
      — Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 22, 2020

      Most complaints surrounded the noise disappearing but one fan tweeted: “Why’s my screen gone back? Has no sound now either” before following up with: “Now it’s beeping at me!”
      Bookmaker Paddy Power posted: “Imagine having to pay 20 quid for this fight with all the sound and technical issues…..which I have certainly done.”
      And Sky Sports got a feisty response when they put up the question: “2 rounds in, what are your thoughts so far?”
      Replies included: “Be nice with some sound?” and “Where’s the sound gone?”

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      As fans put up similar messages, one tweeted: “Just posted same to @SkySportsBoxing livid mate I’d of been better off stealing it.”
      Meanwhile, Taylor remained undisputed champ after ten rounds with a decision by 98-93 96-94 96-94.
      But she had a lump the size of a tennis ball over one eye, while Belgian Persoon suffered a cut and swollen under one of hers.

      4 More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL seal groundbreaking Sky Sports deal allowing fans to stream ALL games next season – including 3pm kick-offs

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      THE EFL have agreed a deal with Sky Sports that will see ALL of next season’s games streamed online.
      Clubs from the Championship, League 1 and League 2 can now stream their matches live on their websites.

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      Sky Sports will allow EFL clubs to stream their own matches online next season
      Season ticket holders will be able to watch their club’s home games for free while anyone else hoping to tune in will be charged £10 per game.
      It is understood 3pm kick-offs will also be included in the deal for the first time.
      The move has been made in the hope of offsetting the loss of EFL clubs’ gate receipts while matches are played behind closed doors.
      Sky Sports pay £119million per season for exclusive rights to live EFL action, as well as the Carabao Cup, but are understanding of the financial difficulties many clubs are facing without ticket revenue.

      Consequently, Sky will allow clubs to stream all games due to be shown live on TV for as long as fans are shut out of stadiums.
      The Mail claims this arrangement will be reviewed regularly but is expected to last until stadiums can be filled to 50 per cent capacity.
      An October return date has been mooted as the earliest fans can expect to be allowed back into stadiums but this would be at 20 to 30 per cent capacity initially.

      In the Championship, the money raised through streaming matches will be retained by the club selling the service.

      Due to the varying sizes of clubs’ fanbases, a different revenue-sharing formula will be used in League 1 and League 2.
      Premier League clubs this week rejected the opportunity to stream their own matches next season.

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    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League to show 20 extra matches on live TV next season but NONE will be free despite stadium bans for fans

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      FANS will reportedly be treated to an extra 20 live Premier League games in 2020/21 although NONE will be free.
      There was hope that, with fans not expected to return to stadiums for a couple of months at least, broadcasters will again allow for a handful of free-to-air games.

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      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher will be busy men in front of the TV camerasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime are said to have successfully banded together to keep matches on their subscription services.
      The Mail report that, with fans locked out for the start of the campaign at least, 20 more games will be shown.
      Sky’s total has been bolstered by 12 to total a whopping 140 live games, with BT handed six more to make 58.
      Online streaming service Amazon Prime, which secured a number of games from the decision to show every game during the lockdown, ups its tally from 20 to 22.

      An opportunity to repeat the wall-to-wall coverage experienced during the height of the coronavirus pandemic was blocked amid fears of oversaturating the market.
      Clubs are already in discussions over a £350million rebate to broadcasters who suffered from the disruption of the lockdown, which cancelled all football for three months.

      The Premier League opening day fixtures for 2020-21 have been revealed

      And teams hoping to show non-broadcast games on their own streaming services, akin to the Championship’s iFollow deal, have also been slapped down.
      At the 2020/21 season’s fixture release on Thursday, the Premier League confirmed the addition of two midweek slots.

      Games will take place around Tuesday January 12 and May 11 to help squeeze in the tight schedule, with all games live on TV.
      The latter round sees Chelsea host Arsenal and Leicester face Manchester United in what promises to be a fierce fixture run-in for sides competing on multiple fronts.

      Premier League 2020-21 opening day fixtures revealed More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunday Supplement axed by Sky Sports after more than 20 years due to huge Premier League fixture pile-up next season

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      SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT has been axed by Sky Sports after more than 20 years due to next season’s huge Premier League fixture pile-up.
      The hit show, which features a panel of journalists discussing the hot topics in football, failed to make the cut for the 2020-21 season schedule.

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      Sunday Supplement has been cancelled after 21 years
      Sky Sports blamed the congested fixture list due to last season overrunning following the coronavirus pandemic.
      A statement read: “The huge volume of live football since the restart and a condensed season that has already begun means we must look at how best to deploy our resources for the benefit of our customers.”
      The Sunday morning staple first hit the screens in 1999, under the name Hold The Back Page.
      Jimmy Hill presented the show’s debut, along with three national newspaper journalists.

      The show was aired under the guise of being held in Hill’s real-life kitchen.
      However, after Hill arrived late for work on multiple occasions in 2006, citing heavy traffic, the gig was up.
      In 2007, the show was given a revamp, with Brian Woolnough taking over as host.
      Following his death in 2012, Neil Ashton succeeded him as presenter until the start of this year. 

      Jacqui Oatley was named as the show’s first-ever female host in January.
      Even during the coronavirus lockdown, the show went on via Zoom.

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      Sky Sports blamed the congested fixture list in 2020-21 for axing the show

      But it will not be on our screens for the start of the new season in September after Sky Sports were forced to sacrifice it.
      And fans were left devastated, with one tweeting: “Gutted to see The Sunday Supplement has been cancelled by Sky.
      “It was perfect TV for a Sunday, with football discussion and a nice relaxed vibe.”

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer confirms flop Alexis Sanchez has left on a free transfer as he wishes Chilean well More