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      Steve Lee dead at 68: Tributes paid to much-loved BBC and Sky Sports reporter and broadcaster

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      TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary Sky Sports and BBC broadcaster Steve Lee following his death aged 68.
      He covered football and cricket in the Midlands for over 30 years with both his face and voice a familiarity to the region’s sport fans.

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      Tributes have poured in for legendary Sky Sports and BBC Midlands broadcaster Steve Lee following his death aged 68
      His daughter Rebecca confirmed the tragic news on Monday, tweeting: “It is with the heaviest heart that I share that we lost our lovely Dad, Steve Lee, very suddenly on Sunday.
      “We are coming to terms with the news and will share details of the funeral when we are able to. Love you Dad.”
      The grandfather’s death was met with huge sadness.
      And a host of tributes flooded in on social media, with Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, leading them.

      He wrote: “Everyone is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve,a great friend of Sky Sports.
      “Steve was a highly respected reporter within the industry and an informative voice on Sky’s Football League coverage.
      “We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

      BBC Midlands tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of our former sports presenter Steve Lee at the age of 68.

      “A superb broadcaster who will be sadly missed.
      “The thoughts of everyone here at BBC Midlands Today are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Coventry City’s official club account tweeted: “We’re sorry to learn the news that Steve Lee, who covered the Sky Blues for BBC Midlands and Sky Sports for many years, has sadly passed away.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with Steve’s family and friends at this sad time.”
      And as the sad news continued to be spread, more flooded in:

      Devastated to hear that former BBC and Sky TV presenter and reporter Steve Lee has suddenly passed away. A warm genuine guy who I enjoyed much banter with. Thoughts with his family at this time RIP pal
      — Tom Ross (@thegoalzone) August 31, 2020

      Very sad day to hear of Steve Lee’s passing. When I was a cub reporter at the BBC, he was THE face and voice of Midlands football. I worked more closely with him at Sky. Consummate professional, brilliant live, cheery demeanour, and all round good guy who will be sadly missed.😔
      — Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) August 31, 2020

      Genuinely saddened to hear of my former Sky Sports colleague Steve Lee’s passing. We covered the midlands in opposition when he ruled the BBC and together at Sky. He was, Steve, simple as that, a good operator and bloke. Love to the family and friends he leaves behind. RIP ❤️
      — Pete Colley (@petecolley) August 31, 2020

      Really sorry to hear the sad news about Steve Lee passing away. Always loved chatting to him at the Sky studios. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time ❤️
      — Matt Murray (@MattMurray20) August 31, 2020 More

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      Matt Le Tissier jokes he’s keeping his ‘chins’ up after Sky Sports sacking and thanks fans for support

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      MATT LE TISSIER joked he is “keeping his chins up” following his shock Sky Sports Soccer Saturday sacking. The former Southampton star, along with Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers. Football fans have since slammed […] More

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      Jeff Stelling CONFIRMS he may quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports axed pals Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas

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      JEFF STELLING has CONFIRMED he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports sacked pals Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. On Friday it was claimed the iconic presenter was tempted to call it a day after 25 years after his “best mates” were given the axe. And Stelling has now taken to Twitter […] More

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      Jeff Stelling CONFIRMS he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports sacked pals Le Tissier, Nicholas and Thompson

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      JEFF STELLING has CONFIRMED he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports axed pals Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
      On Friday it was claimed the iconic presenter was tempted to call it a day after 25 years after his “best mates” were given the boot.

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      Jeff Stelling has confirmed he is considering his future as Soccer Saturday host

      Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view as I believe in free speech. So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made. Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments. Thanks again
      — Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 28, 2020

      And Stelling has now taken to Twitter to confirm he will be giving his future a long, hard thought.
      Stelling tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view, as I believe in free speech.
      “So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made.
      “Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments.

      “Thanks again.”

      One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.
      Jeff Stelling on Le Tissier, Thompson & Nicholas’ sackings

      Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were all given the boot by Sky Sports earlier this week as part of an aggressive cost-cutting measure.
      The trio all had one more year to run on their current contracts.
      And after the news of their sacking, Stelling 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.”
      Stelling has already worked through two regular panels now – with George Best, Rodney Marsh and Clive Allen coming before the most-recent group.
      And reports claim Stelling is now considering whether he has the hunger to forge yet another strong on-screen partnership.

      Of the five-man panel of regulars, only Stelling and Paul Merson appear to have retained their position, although the latter’s role is currently unclear.
      However, even if Stelling does quit, he is likely to at least begin the 2020-21 season.
      The presenter is believed to have a lengthy notice period weaved into his contract.

      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

      While the axed threesome’s replacements are yet to be named, reports claim Sky Sports are aware of the need for more diversity on the Soccer Saturday panel.
      Micah Richards – who impressed as a pundit for Sky Sports last season – BBC Sport regular Alex Scott and talkSPORT star Laura Woods are all rumoured to be in the running for positions in the new-look Sky team.
      Scott Minto is another Sky Sports star to have been axed this week, with the Football League pundit shown the door after 13 years of service.

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

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      Fulham vs Arsenal to kick off new season as TV fixtures for first three rounds of Premier League announced

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      FULHAM have the honour of kicking off the new Premier League season against Arsenal on live TV.
      The first three rounds of TV picks for the English top flight were announced today.

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      Fulham will play Arsenal at Craven Cottage to open the 2020-21 Premier League season
      And Scott Parker’s newly promoted side have a tasty London derby against Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup winners to get things off and running in 2020-21.
      Joe Bryan’s Wembley heroics saw the West Londoners immediately return to the Premier League via the play-offs after their relegation in 2019.
      And they will play live on BT Sport at 12.30pm on Saturday September 12.
      BT confirmed their following four fixtures to be screened live for fans’ entertainment.

      Everton will host promoted side West Brom in another lunchtime KO on Saturday September 19.
      Southampton will face Tottenham at Midday on Sunday September 20th – a game which could see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg star for Spurs against his former club after a £20million move.
      MORE TO FOLLOW

      Recently promoted Fulham host Arsenal in our first game of the 2020/21 Premier League season 👊Saturday, September 12 | 12.30pm pic.twitter.com/armc80qGRy
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 28, 2020

      How Arsenal will line up vs Fulham with Gabriel forced to wait if he completes transfer and Aubameyang up front More

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      Jeff Stelling ‘considering quitting Soccer Saturday’ after ‘best mates’ Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas sacked

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      JEFF STELLING is considering quitting Soccer Saturday after “best mates” Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas were sacked, according to reports.
      The long-serving trio were all given the boot by Sky Sports earlier this week as part of an aggressive cost-cutting measure.

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      Jeff Stelling could quit his iconic role as Soccer Saturday host after his ‘best mates’ were sacked, say reports

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      Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were all sacked by Sky Sports this week
      And now Soccer Saturday legend Stelling could walk away from the iconic show after 25 years, according to the Daily Mail.
      Stelling is said to have been left shocked by Sky’s move to axe the men he called his “best mates”.
      Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas all had one more year to run on their current contracts.
      And after the news of their sacking, Stelling 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.”

      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

      Stelling has already worked through two regular panels now – with George Best, Rodney Marsh and Clive Allen coming before the most-recent group.
      And reports claim Stelling is now considering whether he has the hunger to forge yet another strong on-screen partnership.
      Of the five-man panel of regulars, only Stelling and Paul Merson appear to have retained their position, although the latter’s role is currently unclear.

      However, Stelling is likely to at least begin the season, with the Mail claiming the presenter has a lengthy notice period weaved into his contract.

      While the axed threesome’s replacements are yet to be named, reports claim Sky Sports are aware of the need for more diversity on the Soccer Saturday panel.
      Micah Richards – who impressed as a pundit for Sky Sports last season – BBC Sport regular Alex Scott and talkSPORT star Laura Woods are all rumoured to be in the running for positions in the new-look Sky team.
      Scott Minto is another Sky Sports star to have been axed this week, with the Football League pundit shown the door after 13 years of service.

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

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      Every Premier League game could be shown live on TV next season after Premier League lifts 3pm blackout

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      FANS are set to once again be able to watch EVERY Premier League game live on TV.
      As reported by The Times, The FA confirmed the Saturday 3pm TV blackout will be lifted for the start of the new season on September 12.

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      All Premier League games are set to be available on live TV for British fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It is almost guaranteed that all games in the English top flight will be available to watch for British viewers until fans return to stadiums.
      The blackout was previously abolished for Project Restart as all games were broadcast live after the coronavirus-enforced break in play.
      Originally, the Premier League suggested they would abide by Sky Sports and BT Sports’ usual contracts – which would see 40 per cent of games unavailable live.

      But clubs feared this could see many turn to illegal streams and are keen to again allow season ticket holders to watch games through access codes to subscription services.

      The FA will not reimpose the blackout until fans return and it may not be reinstated until capacity crowds are permitted.
      The purpose of the blackout – brought in during the 1980s – is to protect live attendances and grassroots participation.
      But after Covid-19 turned the world upside down, the league had to have a rethink.
      And after play restarted in April all remaining games in the 2019-20 season were available to watch – some even for free as the BBC hosted their first ever live Premier League match.

      Sky also made a third of games available without a subscription, however, there is not expected to be a repeat of free-to-air action this time around.
      All games in the Championship, League One and League Two will be watchable for fans.
      Premier League chairmen are set to officially follow suit in a meeting on Thursday.

      Premier League rocked by 14 new coronavirus cases at 12 pre-season camps with fears over players holidaying together More

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

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      IAN WRIGHT 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.
      Scott Minto was today added to the cull after 13 years with the broadcaster.
      But Arsenal legend 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.

      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