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    Awkward moment Sky Sports host tells boxing champ ‘broadcasting rules are different here.. you can’t do that’ on live TV

    THIS is the awkward moment a Sky Sports presenter told a world champ on live TV that “the rules are different here… you can’t do that.”The broadcaster was caught off-guard on Thursday ahead of a major event later this month.Jai Opetaia had an awkward moment live on Sky SportsThe cruiserweight champ is fighting Jack Massey later this monthCredit: GettyWith football the talk of the town, Sky Sports instead fixed its attention on a boxing fight in Saudi Arabia.The main event has Dimitri Bivol taking on Artur Beterbiev.But one thrilling undercard clash will see British ace Jack Massey attempt to win the IBF and Ring cruiserweight titles off Jai Opetaia.And the Aussie champ hit Sky Sports screens today to explain his thoughts and mindset behind the upcoming blockbuster.READ MORE IN BOXINGOpetaia has won all 25 of his pro fights, with his latest coming against Mairis Briedis in May.Massey is set to be his toughest opponent yet, having previously been the IBO cruiserweight champ.But while explaining his training process and fight tactics, Opetaia put his foot in it by swearing on live TV.This resulted in a mild ticking-off from the Sky Sports host, who also apologised to viewers watching the talk.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOpetatia first said: “I used to think that mindset, once I win a world title it’s going to fix all my problems.“But unfortunately I’ve had a few run-ins with some dirty promoters and things haven’t always worked to plan.Jack Massey works out as he prepares for his fight against Jai Opetaia The main event sees Artur Beterbiev take on Dimitry BivolCredit: Getty“I won a world title and the next day I woke up the same. You can’t eat f*****g gold belts.”The presenter quickly interjected, saying: “The broadcasting rules are slightly different here, you can’t swear. Apologies.”But Opetaia continued: “It means something to me, I get pumped up. We’ve made a lot of pain and sacrifice for this stuff.“The belts are just bonuses now, I used to chase them but winning these fights is all I think about.”Opetaia vs Massey is sure to be a mouth-watering encounter later this month.The Aussie previously said: “We want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion”We want to collect the belts and then we want to move up and collect more belts either the bridgerweight or the heavyweight.”A three-division world champion sounds good. I am the best cruiserweight in the world.”It’s easy to say that stuff. I’ve just got to keep proving it. I’ve got to prove it again on the 12th and prove it my next fight and keep collecting these belts.”While Massey added: “I quite like [being the underdog]. I’ve always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I’ve had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit.”I know I’ve got a very tough night ahead of me, he’s the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there.”Other fights on the same bill include Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta, Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke and Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron.But all eyes will be fixed on the main event of Beterbiev vs Bivol.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe two superstars are competing for the BF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles.And it is sure to be one of the year’s top fights. More

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    Stunned fans ask ‘I thought Martin Tyler had retired?’ as legendary Sky Sports commentator returns to UK screens

    FANS were left gasping “I thought he retired” as legendary Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler returned to UK screens.The man known as the “Voice of the Premier League” left his role at Sky last year after 33 years in the beautiful game.Martin Tyler shocked fans as he made a return to UK screensCredit: GettyTyler brought fans many memorable moments, including the famous Sergio Aguero line as Man City netted late goals to win their first Premier League title in 2011.The ace’s absence was notable last term, with many lamenting his exit.But contrary to belief, Tyler has not yet retired.And he delighted fans by returning to screens for Sky rival TNT Sports.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTyler delivered a passionate performance as he commentated on Atletico Madrid’s Champions League group stage defeat to Benfica.And supporters quickly took to social media to express their surprise and delight.One said: “I thought Martin Tyler had retired?”Another declared: “Martin Tyler on TNT Sports, what on earth.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne added: “When you sign up Tyler it seems odd to relegate him to a game nobody is watching.”However, it’s not the first time Tyler has appeared on TNT Sports.Football stars’ weird phobiasAround Christmas last year, he took over commentary duties for the group game between Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk.Tyler also works with the Premier League’s production team.And he provides commentary for the worldwide feed of English top-flight games. More

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    Laura Woods makes rude joke about getting naked live on TNT Sports ahead of Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich

    LAURA WOODS showed she’s in rude health with a naughty joke live on TNT Sports.The presenter, who announced in July she is pregnant, was interviewing Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings ahead of their Bayern Munich tie.Laura Woods made a daring aside in an interview with Tyrone MingsCredit: PAViewers might have been more surprised than Woodsy lookedCredit: AlamyHome fans are itching for much-missed Mings to return after 14 months out with a knee injury.The 18-cap Englishman has resumed gentle action but is not yet ready for Unai Emery’s high-flying first-team squad.And fans who spotted the popular 31-year-old chanted: “Get your kit on.”Woods broke from her pre-match chat to exclaim: “That’s the first time fans have ever sung get your kit ON.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe mischievous exchange came as Villa uncover what it’s like to take on the cream of Europe.Having won 3-0 at Young Boys in their Champions League opener, last season’s surprise Prem package hosted six-time European kings Bayern.Villa centre-back Pau Torres had a goal ruled out for offside before the break in a rousing contest.Meanwhile, Woods is enjoying life too, having got engaged to Love Island star Adam Collard in September.Most read in Champions LeagueVilla defender Mings was chatting to Woods when she made her quipCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe couple had already confirmed they are expecting her first child.And The Sun revealed on Tuesday how she has just paid herself a £400,000 dividend to mark her switch to ITV and TNT.Watch hilarious moment Laura Woods cracks cheeky joke live on TNT Sports leaving Ferdinand and Crouch in stitchesThe Arsenal fan, 37, has seen her earnings soar since leaving talkSPORT in June 2023.No wonder she’s relaxed enough to spice up her broadcasting with cheeky asides. A glimpse into the life of the broadcaster…She has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura is the new face of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverageLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramLaura is dating former Love Island star Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram More

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

    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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    Man Utd cult hero begs Sky Sports not to cover their matches and ‘never wants to talk about’ Old Trafford ‘shambles’

    PATRICE EVRA has admitted he finds it difficult to cover Manchester United games as a pundit.Evra, 43, starred for the Red Devils between 2006 and 2014, making 379 appearances for the club and winning numerous titles including five Premier Leagues, the Champions League and three League Cups.Patrice Evra has admitted he finds it hard to work on Man Utd gamesCredit: GettyEvra spent eight years with the club, winning five Premier League titlesCredit: PA:Empics SportHowever, United have been on a continuously downward spiral since the Frenchman’s departure.Since calling time on his playing career in 2018, Evra has moved into punditry and has been a frequent sight on Sky Sports.Many of his appearances on the broadcaster come when United are in action.But Evra has now revealed he finds it difficult to remain calm after admitting his former club’s demise “hurts” him, and even begged not to work on United games with them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAppearing on Sky following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, he said: “Of course, it’s hard, it hurts, that’s why you see some commentators are really harsh because people are frustrated.”You love your club so much and you get disappointed by some performances. Of course. “That’s why, when I was working for Sky, I was begging not to commentate on any Manchester United games.”When he had that 6-1 loss against Tottenham and you can see my face on TV, I couldn’t hide my feelings. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It doesn’t matter if you work for Sky and you have to be neutral – when your club is not performing well.”Evra previously had an emotive reaction when United were beaten 6-1 by Spurs back in 2020.Manchester United vs Tottenham Player RatingsAsked by presenter Dave Jones whether he wanted to be elsewhere at the time, he said: “You know, Alexis Sanchez, when he signed for United, at his first training session, he asked his agent to rip up his contract.“That’s what I’m going to ask to Sky – I really would like to end my contract with Sky, because it’s my second game, I’m a positive person and I never want to talk about United because when you tell the truth it can hurt. “I’m passionate and I love my club… I know you have to have some filter when you talk on TV, but it’s a shambles.”I feel what all the United fans feel. That’s why I would prefer to commentate on different games other than United if I (am to) continue working for Sky.”That famous rant even ended up in Evra suggesting players should get a “slap” following display.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reportedly has just two games to save his job, with matches against Porto and Aston Villa potentially pivotal to the Dutchman’s future after a poor start to the season.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixtures More

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    Kate Abdo stuns in bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League coverage sending fans into meltdown

    KATE ABDO stunned CBS Sports viewers on Monday night with her stunningly bold outfit.The veteran presenter was part of the American broadcasters’ Champions League coverage on Tuesday night.Kate Abdo has been heading up CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage for the last five yearCredit: GETTYThe 43-year-old regularly wears dazzling outfits along with her co-stars Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: INSTAGRAMThe former Sky Sports star wore another bold outfit during Tuesday night’s broadcastCredit: CBS SPORTSFormer Sky Sports star Abdo regularly wows viewers with an array of stylish outfits.And she did so again on Tuesday, donning a sleeveless tan dress as she dissected the first set of matchday two figures.Her outfit blew away viewers, with one writing on X: “Wah! Kate Abdo.”CBS’ coverage of the Champions League has soared in popularity in recent years, in large part due to Abdo and her colleagues.READ MORE ON KATE ABDOShe presents the shows with former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City stars Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.The quartet have incredible on-screen chemistry, which has resulted in some hilarious and viral moments.And they had another one on Tuesday night when discussing Ligue 1 side Brest’s hopes of progressing through to the knockout stages.”It’s a big one,” Henry said as he discussed Brest’s upcoming clash with German champions Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKate Abdo is the face of CBS Sports Champions League coverageCredit: GETTYCarragher and Richards were left in stitches but Abdo tried her best to remain composed and steer the conversation back on track.But Richards sent the quartet and several members of the production team into hysterics by saying: “It’s a bit lopsided I think.”Fans say ‘that hits different’ as Kate Abdo gets CBS Sports panel cheering with huge change to show introAbdo tried to hide her laughter by covering her face while Henry attempted to keep his composure by looking through his notes.The extreme fits of laughter the foursome regularly find themselves are sometimes questioned by viewers.But 43-year-old Abdo insists nothing is manufactured, telling The Ringer: “Those laughs are all authentic.“We’re all so different, but we all respect one another.”Abdo will be back on our screens tonight and on Thursday night for the remaining matchday two fixtures.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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    Watch Martin Keown get in line ‘he thought of on way in to TNT Sports studio’ during Arsenal’s win over PSG

    MARTIN KEOWN left his TNT Sports studio colleagues grinning from ear-to-ear after hitting them with a cheesy joke.Arsenal legend Keown was appearing on the broadcaster’s Goals Show Extra for the Champions League.Martin Keown left his TNT Sports colleagues grinning with a cheesy jokeCredit: TNT SPORTSIt left his colleagues grinningKeown’s former side were in action against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates. First half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave way to a stalwart defensive showing in the second half.The shutout was their fifth clean sheet of the season, and it seems Keown himself had been waiting for the chance to lavish some praise on Mikel Arteta’s side.To do so the former defender cracked a pun to leave his colleagues grinning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile speaking about the Gunners defensive efforts during the game, the 58-year-old said: “When you look at that Arsenal defence [and] the players in there, they’ve been magnifient.”That rearguard, the Thames Barrier has been shut down there tonight.”The joke left former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves with a wide grin, before presenter Matt Smith asked: “When did you have that [thought]. Did you have that on the way in today?”Keown quipped back: “It’s just to keep James [Horncastle] awake.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/AKeown made 442 appearances for Arsenal after coming through the club’s academy in 1985.He originally left the Gunners in 1986 to join Aston Villa, spending three years there before signing for Everton in 1989.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pairAfter four years he then rejoined Arsenal and remained there until 2004, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three Community Shields.Last night’s win over PSG leaves Arsenal eighth in the table, having drawn their opening game against Atalanta. More

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    CBS Sports pundit Peter Schmeichel not given Man City clash to cover after controversial rant about former club

    PETER SCHMEICHEL covered Celtic instead of Manchester City – following a controversial rant about his old club’s support.CBS Sports sent the former keeper to see Borussia Dortmund thump the Scottish champions 7-1 in Germany – rather than watch City triumph 4-0 at Slovan Bratislava.Peter Schmeichel this time gave his views on CelticCredit: GettyThe Dane’s unexpected destination for Tuesday’s Champions League action follows a blistering verdict on a “dead” Etihad atmosphere in the 0-0 draw against Inter Milan last month.It did give him the chance to see son Kasper in goal for Celtic – but the 60-year-old might have flinched as Dortmund were 5-1 up by half-time.Schmeichel Senior retired as a player in 2003 after a single season with City, following a career dominated by eight years at Manchester United.So it was perhaps no wonder his outburst ruffled feathers – although no specific reason has been given for him missing out on the Bratislava feast. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSchmeichel responded to the September 18 Etihad stalemate in front of 50,922 spectators by telling CBS: “I love good football and I like excitement from the crowd but it was dead – the Etihad today was absolutely dead.”He added: “The only people we could hear were the Inter supporters, who were quite good, but there was no atmosphere in the Etihad.”Normally, you’d think ‘well big European night’, but it didn’t happen for them.”Schmeichel wasn’t much more impressed with City themselves that night.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Aston Villa stopper said: “I don’t think it was a good draw.”I thought it was a really, really boring game and I’m sorry to say that.Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s career”I thought Inter did really well in stopping Man City.”Some fans thought Schmeichel was too harsh, especially as many regular followers struggle to afford tickets amid a wider cost of living crisis.And this time he saw Celtic become the first British team to let in five goals before the break in a European match since 1997-98.That was when Cwmbran Town exited the Cup Winners’ Cup 12-2 on aggregate against Progresul Bucharest. More