More stories

  • in

    Awkward moment Michail Antonio told of Kalvin Phillips West Ham loan live on Sky Sports as fans say ‘can’t hate the guy’

    MICHAIL ANTONIO showed off his poker face after being asked about Kalvin Phillips’ impending move to West Ham.The forward, 33, was appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports during Fulham’s League Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool at Craven Cottage.
    Michail Antonio appeared as a pundit on Sky SportsCredit: Sky Sports
    The West Ham forward had his fellow panellists in hystericsCredit: Sky Sports
    Kalvin Phillips is set to move to West Ham on loanCredit: PA
    Phillips, 28, is set to join the Hammers on loan until the end of the season, with David Moyes’ side agreeing to cover his £140,000 a week wages in full.
    It’s expected that West Ham will review whether to make the move permanent in the summer, with Financial Fair Play set to be a big deciding factor.
    During his Sky Sports appearance, Antonio was asked about the upcoming transfer.
    He gave a wry smile as he replied: “First I’m hearing of that!”
    Read More Football Stories
    Presenter Mark Chapman and pundits Steve Sidwell and Daniel Sturridge burst out laughing.
    And fans online enjoyed the exchange.
    One wrote: “You can’t hate that guy.”
    While a second posted: “That was funny.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    A third claimed: “Michail following the script.”
    And another joked: “He can’t lie to save his life.”
    Phillips is set to join West Ham in a bid to revive his Prem career.
    The midfielder has played just 89 minutes of league football this term across four cameo appearances.
    He has started just two Premier League games since leaving Leeds for Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
    Phillips has continued to be picked for England by Gareth Southgate, but may have found his place under threat if his situation at City had continued.
    The Yorkshireman will be desperate to keep his Three Lions spot ahead of Euro 2024 this summer. More

  • in

    Sky Sports viewers ask ‘did that just happen or am I hearing things?’ after commentary gaffe during Fulham vs Liverpool

    SKY SPORTS viewers were quick to pick up on a commentary gaffe in Liverpool’s semi-final with Fulham. Jurgen Klopp’s were on the way to reaching the Carabao Cup final following their two-legged tie against Fulham when fans noticed the mistake.
    Alexis Mac Allister playing against FulhamCredit: EPA
    Sky commentator Daniel Mann accidentally confused Alexis Mac Allister for his dad and former footballer Carlos.
    One said: “‘Carlos Mac Allister’, this commentator just called Alexis by his dad’s name.”
    Another added: “Did the @SkySports commentator just say Carlos Mac Allister or am I hearing things?”
    One joked: “Who’s Carlos Mac Allister?”
    READ MORE IN football
    Another asked: “Did the commentator call him Carlos Mac Allister?”
    Mac Allister’s dad Carlos played alongside Diego Maradona, although missed out on the 1994 World Cup squad.
    At club level, he played for Boca Juniors and Racing Club before taking on a role in politics following retirement.
    Mac Allister’s older brothers Francis, 27, and Kevin, 25, also turn out in the Argentine top flight for Rosario Central and Argentinos Juniors respectively.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    While uncle Patricio too enjoyed a successful career most notably with Estudiantes.
    World Cup winner Mac Allister joined Liverpool from Brighton in the summer for £55million.
    And he will celebrate his first cup final with the club having seen off Fulham 3-2 over two legs to book their place against Chelsea.
    Goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo cancelled out Willian’s opener in the first leg at Anfield.
    In the return, it ended all square as Luis Diaz struck first before Issa Diop equalised but Liverpool held out. More

  • in

    Daniel Sturridge returns to Sky Sports punditry as distracted fans say ‘got to admire him for coming on TV wearing that’

    DANIEL STURRIDGE left fans in awe at his choice of outfit as he returned to Sky Sports screens on Wednesday night.The ex-Liverpool forward, 34, has been used sporadically as a pundit throughout the season and become a fan-favourite among many viewers.
    Daniel Sturridge rocked a bold outfit choice at Craven CottageCredit: PA

    The former Liverpool man’s sartorial decision was the talk of social mediaCredit: Sky Sports
    Ahead of Fulham’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Liverpool at Craven Cottage, he joined Emma Sanders pitchside to discuss the game.
    But many were distracted by his decision to wear a baggy, wooly grey coat with a pink and grey scarf.
    And it led many to take to social media to praise the eye-catching choice of outfit.
    One said: “Have to admire Daniel Sturridge for coming on TV wearing that.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Another replied: “I love how unapologetically himself Daniel Sturridge is when he’s a pundit.”
    A third responded: “Daniel Sturridge’s outfit tonight is excellent.
    “Fantastic scarf and coat combo.”
    And a fourth said: “Daniel Sturridge’s scarf an early contender for best performer of the evening🧣.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Back in August, football fans were loving Sturridge as he appeared on Super Sunday alongside Micah Richards and Roy Keane.
    The former Chelsea and Manchester City attacker, who earned 26 England caps, showed off his vibrant personality next to a less-than-impressed Keane.
    Sturridge also gave those watching a sample of his singing as he performed Usher live on air. More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher drenches Virgil van Dijk in awkward umbrella gaffe live on Sky Sports after Liverpool thump Bournemouth

    FANS waded in to troll Jamie Carragher after his shocking “pour” defending” ended up with Virgil Van Dijk getting drenched.Liverpool legend Carra accidentally tipped an umbrella over the Dutch centre-back following the Reds’ 4-0 win at Bournemouth.
    Virgil van Dijk takes evasive action but in vain as Jamie Carragher shows poor control with an umbrellaCredit: Sky Sports Premier League
    Bournemouth were punch sunk by VVD and Co as Liverpool went five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier LeagueCredit: EPA
    The ex-England ace forced VVD into evasive action in a Sky Sports interview.
    But despite the Reds’ storming finish to the Premier League match, Van Dijk couldn’t handle Carragher’s stormy start to their chat.
    Carra thrust a huge umbrella forwards – trying to protect the centre-back from the rain.
    But instead he tipped water all over him – with VVD bending down in sudden surprise and putting his hands over his head.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Carra’s fellow pundits laughed as teasing comments flowed in from viewers.
    One fan asked the all-important question: “Who at @SkySportsPL allowed @Carra23 to have an umbrella unsupervised @GNev2?”
    Another summed up the situation: “You’ve dumped all the water on top of him!”
    And a third observer went down memory rain with a family anecdote.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    They posted: “Enjoying Jamie Redknapp trying to shelter Virgil Van Dijk under the umbrella he’s holding, reminiscent of my mum, who is nearly an entire foot shorter than me, insisting I try and share hers in the rain.”
    Carra’s antics were also labelled “Team camaraderie at its finest!”
    And another viewer predicted: “It will all end in tears.”
    It certainly did for Bournemouth, who kept the Prem leaders out until early in the second period.
    Darwin Nunez then fired the visitors in front.
    And after Diogo Jota struck twice in the final 20 minutes, the Uruguayan diverted in his second goal deep in stoppage time. More

  • in

    Sky Sports viewers slam ‘garbage American idea’ and demand they ‘bin it’ after rarely-seen half-time segment

    FOOTBALL fans rubbished Sky Sports’ decision to interview Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola at HALF-TIME during his side’s clash with Liverpool.Premier League broadcasters have opted to pose questions to managers during the interval on a handful of occasions this season.
    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was interviewed during half-time at the Vitality Stadium
    Fans were not in favour of the mid-match interviews from Sky Sports
    But many viewers that had not yet seen the new segment were baffled when Patrick Davison thrust a microphone in Iraola’s face moments before the second half got underway at the Vitality Stadium.
    Iraola, who went on to watch his side lose 4-0, answered the questions but gave little away when quizzed on the details of the game as there was still 45 minutes to play.
    And Sky Sports received quite the backlash on social media.
    One person said: “Since when did Sky start interviewing managers at half time or just before the second half?
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “Please don’t bring some American garbage idea into the sport I love…”
    Another added: “Sky Sports copying Amazon Prime with half-time interviews, lmao….this isn’t America. Bin it.”
    A third replied: “Sky Sports interviewing managers at half time now? F**k off. Let them do their job ffs.”
    While a fourth responded: “Half time interviews with the managers. Latest in ‘Game’s Gone’.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    And a fifth said: “Not a fan of the half time interviews 🤮.”
    It is the one of the latest new segments from football’s broadcasters after TNT Sports trialled their own unique content earlier this month.
    Ahead of Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Newcastle, presenter Laura Woods was joined by Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott in the TUNNEL as the players lined up behind them.
    Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp were on punditry duties for the game More

  • in

    Jeff Stelling reveals he had to leave Sky Sports Soccer Saturday as ‘fighting every week’ was ‘making me ill’

    JEFF STELLING has revealed he quit Sky Sports Soccer Saturday because “fighting” every week was “making me ill”.The popular broadcaster, 68, left the cult show last May after an incredible 29 years fronting its fun mix of live football coverage and sharp banter.
    Jeff Stelling is more relaxed away from Soccer Saturday
    Pundit Chris Kamara was just as much a fans’ favourite on the show as Jeff Stelling and became the first guest on the broadcaster’s new podcastCredit: Sportsfile
    But he says he became too “tired” and “stressed” to go out afterwards on Saturday nights with his wife and family.
    And although the Hartlepool fan believes Sky were “wonderful” to him during his broadcasting career, the relationship became strained when they often overlooked his views on how the show should develop.
    Stelling was also ruffled by the departure from Soccer Saturday in 2020 of close friends Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas.
    Iconic commentator Martin Tyler and long-time interviewer Geoff Shreeves also went by the end of last season amid a shake-up.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Stelling, who is now loving life touring theatres with football guests, told The Guardian: “I had the most fantastic run on the show.
    “But the show was heading in a direction which meant it wasn’t quite the same.
    “Even though I’d been there a long time, I felt some of my views weren’t considered at all. Every week I was fighting a battle. I got tired of fighting and it was making me ill.
    “Eventually, I went to Sky’s management and said: ‘This is making me unwell. I’ve got to step away from it.’”
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    But he added: “I’m almost ashamed to say it because my dad worked in a steelworks and would come back from his shift covered in grime and muck and absolutely exhausted.
    “He would never have allowed me to say I was shattered after a TV show. But I felt it was making me ill so I had to step away.” More

  • in

    Africa Cup of Nations fixtures and results: How to watch every game at Africa Cup of Nations

    THE Africa Cup of Nations is finally here as 24 teams make it their aim to win the coveted prize.Originally supposed to take place in the summer of 2023, the tournament was moved over fears about playing it during raining season.
    Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 after beating EgyptCredit: AP
    Last time out, Senegal beat Egypt on penalties to win their first ever title, with Sadio Mane scoring the decisive penalty.
    This time, however, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will be looking to right the wrong by winning his country’s record eighth title.
    And it all gets underway on Saturday, January 13 with hosts Ivory Coast’s clash against Guinea-Bissau.
    What channel is the Africa Cup of Nations on?

    Every game at the Africa Cup of Nations will be live on Sky Sports in the UK.
    You can live stream the action on the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The tournament takes place from January 13 – February 11.

    AFCON 2023
    Group stages
    Saturday 13th January

    Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau

    Sunday 14th January

    Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
    Egypt 2-2 Mozambique
    Ghana 1-2 Cape Verde

    Most read in Football
    Monday 15th January

    Senegal 3-0 Gambia
    Cameroon 1-1 Guinea
    Algeria 1-1 Angola

    Tuesday 16th January

    Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania
    Tunisia 0-1 Namibia
    Mali 2-0 South Africa

    Wednesday 17th January

    Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
    DR Congo 1-1 Zambia

    Thursday 18th January

    Equatorial Guinea 4-2 Guinea-Bissau
    Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria
    Egypt 2-2 Ghana

    Friday 19th January

    Cape Verde v Mozambique (2pm) Sky Sports Football
    Senegal v Cameroon (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    Guinea v The Gambia (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Saturday 20th January

    Algeria v Burkina Faso (2pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Mauritania v Angola (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    Tunisia v Mali (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Sunday 21st January

    Morocco v DR Congo (2pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Zambia v Tanzania (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    South Africa v Namibia (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Monday 22nd January

    Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Cape Verde v Egypt (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Mozambique v Ghana (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Tuesday 23rd January

    The Gambia v Cameroon (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Guinea v Senegal (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Angola v Burkina Faso (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Mauritania v Algeria (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Wednesday 24th January

    Namibia v Mali (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    South Africa v Tunisia (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Tanzania v DR Congo (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
    Zambia v Morocco (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Mohamed Salah walks past the trophy after losing Africa Cup of Nations 2021 finalCredit: AFP
    Round of 16
    Saturday 27th January

    R16 1: Group D Winner v Group B/E/F Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    R16 2: Group A Runner-up v Group C Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Sunday 28th January

    R16 2: Group A Winner v Group C/D/E Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    R16 3: Group B Runner-up v Group F Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Monday 29th January

    R16 4: Group B Winner v Group A/C/D Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    R16 5: Group C Winner v Group A/B/F Third Place (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Tuesday 30th January

    R16 7: Group E Winner v Group D Runner-up (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    R16 8: Group F Winner v Group E Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Quarter-finals
    Friday 2nd February

    QF1: Winner of R16 2 v Winner of R16 1 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    QF2: Winner of R16 4 v Winner of R16 3 (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Saturday 3rd February

    QF3: Winner of R16 7 v Winner of R16 6 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    QF4: Winner of R16 5 v Winner of R16 8 (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    Semi-finals
    Wednesday 7th February

    SF1: Winner of QF1 v Winner of QF4 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
    SF2: Winner of QF3 v Winner of QF2 (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

    Third-place play-off
    Saturday 10th February

    Third-place play-off: SF1 loser v SF2 loser (8pm) Sky Sports Football

    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Final
    Sunday 11th February

    Final: SF1 winner v SF2 winner (8pm) Sky Sports Football More

  • in

    Sky Sports presenter labelled ‘a ray of sunshine’ as she poses on windy day and tells fans stadium they MUST visit

    MELISSA REDDY has been hailed as a “ray of sunshine” as she visited a cricket ground.The Sky Sports presenter was back in her native South Africa as she went to the Newlands Cricket Ground.
    Melissa Reddy wowed as she visited a cricket ground
    The Sky Sports presenter wants more people to go to SA 20 matches
    Melissa, 37, visited the ground and posed for a selection of pictures.
    The ground in Cape Town hosts SA 20 league games including the Sunrisers Eastern Cape victory over MI Cape Town on Tuesday.
    She soaked up the South African sun while wearing a tight-fitting dress.
    She was joined in one picture by fellow sports presenter Julia Smart.
    READ MORE SPORT NEWS
    The fan-favourite presenter uploaded the snaps to her Instagram account and urged her followers to visit the “windy” ground.
    She wrote: “Newlands, you (windy) beauty 😍🥰.
    “Another dose of @sa20_league magic.
    “If you haven’t sampled a game yet, trust me: GO GO GO. It’s an absolute ocean of fun.”
    Most read in Football
    The ground was the Newlands in Cape Town
    She was joined by another presenter Julia Smart
    Her 227k followers loved the snaps as he flooded the comment section.
    One fan pined: “You look stunning.”
    A second commented: “Stunning place and stunning lady.”
    A third wrote: “You are a ray of sunshine.”
    A fourth said: “Wonderful photos.”
    Another added: “Looking so Gorgeous.”
    Melissa has worked at Sky Sports since 2022 and recently poked fun at Gary Neville as she joked there was “never a dull moment” with the Manchester United legend.
    She is no stranger to leaving her fans in awe as she caught the eye in a low-cut top.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    She also put on a busty display during one trip to a beach.
    A glimpse inside Melissa Reddy’s glamorous life as a sports fan and TV presenter…
    Melissa Reddy stunned pitch-side at Old TraffordCredit: Instagram / @melissa_reddy
    She wore a black dress with a beige coloured blazerCredit: Instagram / @melissa_reddy
    Melissa has built up an impressive 221,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
    But her main focus is as a reporter for Sky SportsCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy
    She celebrated her birthday with an exotic holiday and posted some stunning snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuP4qogNivU/
    Melissa travelled to the US last summer to cover the MLS All-star’s vs Arsenal game for Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    She regularly updates fans with her travel-filled lifestyle and array of bikinisCredit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
    Fans love Melissa’s insights on the Beautiful GameCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    Reddy is a key part of Sky Sports’ rosterCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    Melissa was showered with compliments by fansCredit: instgram @melissa_reddy
    Proud South African Melissa supported her side throughout their Rugby World Cup triumphCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    Melissa supported the Springboks with her pals in FranceCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    She wowed in this outfit when in Paris after South Africa’s semi-final winCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    Melissa put on a daring outfit, completing the look with a hat and sunglasses in this holiday snapCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    Melissa loves a trip to a glamorous locationCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    Melissa wowed in pink while presenting the game at Stamford Bridge
    Melissa enjoyed a trip to the USA during a pre-season tourCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy More