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    Sky Sports presenter reveals she’s battling brain infection after fighting cancer and pays tribute to manager boyfriend

    SKY Sports presenter Emma Saunders bravely revealed she has been struck down with a brain infection after fighting cancer.Emma told fans she treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the 2024-2025 season in an emotional Instagram post.Emma Saunders is a regular face on Sky SportsBut the talented presenter has given her fans an update on her healthSaunders is dating English football manager Will StillAnd talented football journalist explained she’s off work at the moment while recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis.Emma began dating English football manager Will Still, 32, last year and went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.And the life-long Watford fan thanked him for his support as she has opened up on her health battle.She posted a picture from her hospital bed, while holding a mini giraffe stuffed animal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSShe captioned her heartwarming post with: “Hi folks 🤍, unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. “I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.””So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care🤍.Most read in Football”And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me ❤️.”Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersHe was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.He was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Meanwhile, her Sky Sports colleagues flooded her post with well-wishes.Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas wrote: “So sorry to hear you’ve gone through this Emma. “You’re missed! Look after yourself and hope you’re feeling much better soon.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile England star Kyle Walker replied: “Sending you love.”Premier League presenter Olivia Buzaglo added: “Sending you all the love in the world ♥️.”The couple posed together in Frankfurt at Euro 2024 More

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    Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV

    BALLER LEAGUE has agreed a one-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW TV for the inaugural UK season of the six-a-side competition.Every match from the debut campaign is set to be shown live on Monday nights from the Copper Box Arena in London.Sky Sports will broadcast Baller League starting this monthCredit: ballerleague.ukSome of the biggest names in football are involved, alongside social media starsCredit: ballerleague.ukCoverage will be hosted by social media personality Chunkz and sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo.Baller League has been a huge success in Germany since it was established by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski two years ago.The tournament is set to involve a combination of football icons and social media stars.Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four advancing to the final play-off in May.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManagers will assemble their squads next Monday (March 10) in a huge draft.The first round of matches will then follow two weeks later.YouTube superstar KSI has been named as president of the UK league, with streamer IShowSpeed fronting the American version.Football legends Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo have been lined up as team managers for the new format.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhat teams are in the Baller League and who are they managed by?Trebol FC – Luis FigoVZN FC – TBJZLDeportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah RichardsSDS FC – Sharky26ers FC – John TerryYanited FC – AngryGingeN5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie LjungbergM7 FC – MiniminterSantan FC – DaveFC Rules the World – Clint 419Meanwhile, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires are among those who have signed up as coaches.German entrepreneur Felix Starck, who co-founded Baller League and is now CEO, said in November: “Sport is no longer as easy as just saying ‘look, we’re here now, come and watch us.’Gary Lineker lands first job since Match of the Day exit in shock new role alongside former England captain”That’s just not how sport works any more. It needs to be exciting, and it needs to be authentic.”Those are the two words that we always use at Baller League.”What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More

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    Major broadcast change as BBC makes huge football event previously shown on Sky Sports free-to-air

    THE BBC has agreed a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland matches shown on free-to-air television from the upcoming international break.All three teams are set to battle it out for a place at next summer’s World Cup over the coming months.The BBC has announced a new deal that will see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland games broadcast on free-to-air TVCredit: ReutersScotland games have been behind a paywall for over 15 yearsCredit: PAThe Irish FA praised the ‘new chapter’Credit: PacemakerAnd for the first time in over two decades, every fixture will be shown on free-to-air TV across the United Kingdom.The BBC has reached an agreement with Uefa allowing 41 matches to be shown live across its channels.The deal also includes at least two international friendlies and Scotland’s Nations League play-off with Greece later this month.It is the first time the BBC has secured full live rights for all three nations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Nations, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.”Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament.”It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”This month will mark the first time a Wales qualifier is broadcast on free-to-air TV since 2004.Most read in FootballFAW CEO Noel Mooney revealed: “As we approach an exciting World Cup qualification campaign with Craig Bellamy at the helm, the Football Association of Wales is looking forward to working with BBC Cymru Wales, on their free-to-air coverage of the Cymru men’s national team.”It’s fantastic that every Welsh fan will be able to watch our matches for free via the BBC’s fantastic coverage.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawMeanwhile, Scotland fixtures have largely been placed behind a paywall for over 15 years – aside from a few shown on YouTube recently.And as for Northern Ireland, the team’s last two fixtures in November were not televised at all.On the new deal, Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic game across radio, TV and online.”This is a new chapter which builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success following the journey of this exciting senior men’s team.”With Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales fixtures to be shown live on the BBC, England’s fixtures will remain on ITV.The broadcaster took over the rights from Channel 4 in September.That means the new BBC deal will not impact coverage of the Three Lions.READ MORE SUN STORIESPreviously, some international games have been broadcast on Sky Sports.And in recent years the rights have been held by Premier Sports.Live matches shown on the BBC in MarchThursday, 20 March – Greece v Scotland (Nations League)Friday, 21 March – Northern Ireland v Switzerland (friendly)Saturday, 22 March – Wales v Kazakhstan (World Cup qualifier)Sunday, 23 March – Scotland v Greece (Nations League)Tuesday, 25 March – Sweden v Northern Ireland (friendly), North Macedonia v Wales (World Cup qualifier) More

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    Moment IShowSpeed is DENIED entry by security after Thierry Henry and Micah Richards invite him on to CBS Sports show

    MICAH RICHARDS apologised to IShowSpeed after he was DENIED entry by security after being invited on to the CBS Sports show. The American streamer was in London when he was told to come into the studio by pundit Richards. IShowSpeed was denied entry by security into CBS’ studiosCredit: CBSFootage of the incident emerged onlineCredit: CBSBut footage showed Speed – real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr – being denied access by the show’s security. So Richards said live on air: “I would like to apologise to IShowSpeed. I’ve been DMing him and he said he wanted to come on the show.”And he came yesterday but his access got denied. I didn’t know he was coming yesterday!”The legend that he is IShowSpeed couldn’t get through the doors. Rejection. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But what I would like to do, what I would like to do, IShowSpeed we would like you to come tonight we’re here till 11pm, Kate, is that right? “We could have a bit of fun. London time of course, we could have a little bit of fun with Thierry and Jamie.” Speed – an avid Cristiano Ronaldo fan – amazingly did show up to the studio eventually – and BACKFLIPPED off the desk. The American social media star recently played against Richards’ CBS colleague Thierry Henry in a charity game in Qatar in February. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Speed claimed Henry’s former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he was faster than the Gunners legend. Speed, 20, said to Henry: “I was talking to your manager and he said you were faster than me [in your prime].”Henry, 47, replied: “Oh yes, maybe. With the ball, for sure,’ said Henry. ‘(Without the ball), I’m not too sure. Check the videos!” The Premier League winner then invited Speed onto the show but he later told Kate Scott, formerly Abdo: “I didn’t! I stay in my lane. I just pass on the message.” Micah Richards left speechless at Kate Abdo introduction on CBS Sports as fans say ‘he turns up to work to get bullied’ More

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    F1 testing farce as random BUS drives on track forcing Lewis Hamilton and Co to abruptly stop

    FORMULA One testing in Bahrain descended into chaos after a random BUS drove on the track and caused a sudden red flag.A coach was spotted driving the wrong way in the run-off area at Turn 10 when F1 cars were on the track this afternoon.F1 testing in Bahrain descended into chaos after a random bus drove on the trackA coach was spotted driving the wrong way in the run-off areaIt comes after the morning session was abruptly stopped for a bizarre reasonShattered glass on the pit straight brought out a red flagCredit: Sky SportsTrack marshals were ushered in with broomsCredit: Sky SportsLewis Hamilton was on the track during the bus incidentCredit: APThe incident happened at the start of the final four-hour session of 2025 pre-season testing.After an hour-long break following the end of the first session of the day, the track was closed to all vehicles except for F1 cars.But one bus driver clearly didn’t get the memo and caused the FOURTH red flag of the day.The session was only a few minutes old when the red flags began to fly and the cars on track were ordered to return to the garage.READ MORE IN F1Lewis Hamilton hadn’t had the chance to record a time in the final session after enjoying a great driving day on Thursday.TV cameras showed that a bus had managed to find its way on to the circuit, presenting a huge hazard if cars were to come around the corner.So until it had left the circuit, all driving was temporarily suspended – leading to a stoppage that was fortunately only a few minutes long.It comes after shattered glass on the pit-straight brought out the first red flag this morning.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt later emerged that one of the panels from the start-finish box, where the chequered flag is normally waved, had broken and sprayed shards across the track.That stoppage was a more lengthy one while marshals got to work on sweeping all the debris away. Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneA commentator said: “This is a real pain. I’m sorry, but this is not something that should happen. It’s ridiculous.”After the glass was cleared, testing commenced under a green flag again before it was suddenly suspended again.According to Sky Sports, the second red flag was thrown in after a quad bike was spotted on the track.After those two strange delays, eight of the 10 drivers in the morning session had little over half an hour left of their pre-season.But in comical scenes, a vertical safety car and another red flag was thrown in for the third time this morning.However on this occasion, it was a planned and precautionary flag procedure test from race control.Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc topped the morning session timesheet with 1:30.811 in 52 laps.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThis all comes after the first day of testing was hit with two shock incidents.Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg suffered a freak eye injury after a speck of dust or sand got stuck in his eye.The unfortunate accident occurred as mechanics performed grinding work on Hulkenberg’s car in the garage, according to Sky.Thankfully, Hulkenberg’s issue was not deemed to be serious and he was back in for Day 2.Meanwhile, a shock power cut saw Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari halted on Wednesday.A blackout hit the world’s most technically advanced sport.Screens containing telemetry, and lights across the circuit, went out at 5.03pm local time (2.03pm GMT).READ MORE SUN STORIESMechanics worked with the help of torches in dark garages as the 10 drivers out on the track returned to the pits.The new season kicks off in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. More

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    ‘Sack the commentator’ – TNT Sports fans left cringeing at pundit’s Beto rhyme during Brentford vs Everton

    A COMMENTATOR proved rhyme doesn’t pay as viewers whinged and cringed over a light-hearted line in Brentford’s draw with Everton.Fans rated the broadcaster’s attempt at a brief witty ditty on TNT Sports as short but definitely not sweet.Beto might just be more frustrated with the miss than the rhymeCredit: GettyThe hitman was foiled by Brentford keeper Mark FlekkenTNT Sports’ commentator was amazed Beto failed to scoreIt came when Toffees striker Beto sped through on the home goal.The striker has been in hot form since David Moyes returned as Everton boss.And when he took advantage of a Brentford slip-up, the Guinea-Bissau star was left with just the keeper to beat.However, Beto didn’t reckon with Mark Flekken – as the Dutchman dived to grab the ball when the 27-year-old tried to round him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTNT’s astounded broadcaster responded: “Beto couldn’t find the neto!”But viewers claimed it was the wrong rhyme and place for such a verdict.Most fans did take what was surely meant as just a bit of fun in the right spirit.But one demanded: “Sack that commentator what the hell.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother joked “Lost my Beto” after Everton went seven Prem games unbeaten.Yoane Wissa nodded his 13th goal of the season for Brentford in first-half stoppage time.But Jake O’Brien conjured a flying header to rescue a point for the Toffees in the 77th minute with his first goal in English football.10,000 attend test event at Everton’s new stadiumHowever, it could have been much better for Moyes’ men if Beto hadn’t wasted TWO golden chances.One fan posted: “Beto couldn’t find the neto for Toffo.”But Brentford had slightly more of the play – so perhaps if they had los tit would have been poetic injustice. More

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    ‘James, you can’t f***ing win’ – Roy Keane delivers perfect comeback as he finally responds to Maddison dig

    ROY KEANE has taken his spat with James Maddison to new heights.And after the pundit’s latest mischievous jibe, Tottenham midfielder Maddison was told by Gary Neville: “James, you can’t f***ing win!”Fans reckoned Roy Keane was in top form for ‘banter’James Maddison made his darts celebration after scoring vs Man UtdCredit: Sky SportsThe Spurs ace then made this gesture, though to be aimed at KeaneCredit: Sky SportsThe banter battle began when Keane accused the England ace of never stepping up to the plate.Keane even claimed: “He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.”Maddison responded by firing an early winner against Manchester United on his return from injury a week ago.The 28-year-old then followed up his trademark dart-throwing celebration with a “shush-ing” gesture to the camera.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMany reckoned that was aimed squarely at Keane.And on The Overlap, Neville asked his former Red Devils team-mate about Maddison’s antics.Keane at first appeared supportive – before delivering a sting in the tail.He said of Maddison putting his finger to his lips: “Good on him, yeah. Absolutely no problem.”Most read in FootballKeane ended his banter with this cheeky gestureBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Keane then got into his stride as he added: “I still go to what I said. I don’t think he does enough of that (influencing games).”But when he scores I was at home with my cup of tea and I went, ‘Good on you’.’Just lost it’ – Prem icon reveals Roy Keane’s two and a half hour dressing room rant about yoga and LUCOZADE after loss”No problem. If people have a go at you you answer them back.”But then came Keane’s first cheeky dig: “I was hoping he was going to do it the other day – but he was sub against Ipswich.”The smiling ex-hardman turned to the camera and mimicked Maddison’s oche-style celebration.Neville and fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher roared with laughter at that.And Arsenal icon Ian Wright chipped in with: ” Do your stuff, James – because you can’t f***ing win!”In fact Maddison came on at Portman Road last Saturday to tee up Tottenham’s third goal in a 4-1 victory.And Keane bowed out on a soft note as he said: “He got an assist against Ipswich to be fair.”Fans loved the exchange, calling it “great banter”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother posted: “Classic Roy, you cannot have the last laugh against him!”And one wrote: “Roy Keane is a legend on and off the pitch!” More

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    Rio Ferdinand continues row with Jamie Carragher as he joins Boris Becker in sticking boot into Liverpool legend

    RIO FERDINAND fired more shots at Jamie Carragher after tennis icon Boris Becker blasted the Liverpool legend.Carragher has faced the heat after giving his reasons for why he thinks the Africa Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”.Rio Ferdinand has somewhat reignited his row with Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyFerdinand chimed in and backed Boris Becker’s criticism of CarragherCredit: GettyThe Liverpool legend has been in the eye of a storm this weekCredit: GettyCarragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and appeared to suggest that playing at Afcon worked against Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.The former centre-back hinted that Salah can’t win a major tournament – in his eyes, the Euros, Copa America, or the World Cup – for which Egypt are not heavily fancied.But that opinion brought him criticism from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Ferdinand – the latter of which Carragher called a “clown” this week.And now three-time Wimbledon champion Becker has joined the pile-on regarding a separate issue. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher had weighed in on Vincent Kompany’s tenure at Bayern Munich after the German side squeezed past Celtic in the Champions League play-offs last week, after beating the Scottish champs 3-2 on aggregate.The pundit said: “Bayern have not convinced me at all yet. “Now they are playing against Leverkusen, who dominated Bayern in the Bundesliga recently. It’s a 50-50 tie.”In the end, I’m predicting Leverkusen to advance. If Kompany does not win, there will be many question marks about his appointment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Because the league is expected and the Champions League is the icing on the cake of a season. They have to reach at least the semi-finals.”But Becker, a Bayern fan who has been a board member, hit back: “There haven’t been any questions regarding the appointment of Kompany! ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim”In fact, Bayern just said domestic title is the most important trophy this year and are happy with the work of Kompany! Jamie is NOT well informed at all.”And Ferdinand couldn’t resist capitalising on his former rival’s woes.The Manchester United legend simply replied to the tweet and said: “Boris… he’s having a bad couple weeks. Let him off”.Ferdinand and Carragher’s clash has centred around the latter’s take on the Afcon, which has made huge headlines.Carragher was pulled up live on air by Sturridge and Richards for saying: “I think the problem is the fact Salah is with Egypt.”And he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Richards hit back: “Just to say, Afcon is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. Afcon is a big tournament, just so you know.”Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher landed in hot water over comments regarding the Africa Cup of NationsFerdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that this sort of thought process is “ignorant”.Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response in the comments’ section.The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”Plenty of people have agreed with Carragher – including Joey Barton, who issued an impassioned video defence of his take.Ballon d’Or winners have often tasted glory in either the Champions League or an international tournament – typically the Euros or Copa America. No African star has won the gong since George Weah in 1995, while Sadio Mane finished second in the 2022 edition.Meanwhile, Carragher also got on the bad side of Pep Guardiola last week.The Manchester City boss fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked the club’s blockbuster Champions League second-leg because he was scared of Antonio Rudiger.Carragher implied the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as the pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAhead of City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that? More