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    Chelsea fans beg Petr Cech to return to club after spotting what he did in Sky Sports studio during Crystal Palace clash

    PETR CECH could not contain his passion as he celebrated Chelsea’s win at Crystal Palace from the Sky Sports studio. The Blues legend watched as his former club came from behind at Selhurt Park to win 3-1 with Conor Gallagher leading the fightback.
    Petr Cech could not contain his passion as he celebrated Chelsea’s win at Crystal Palace
    Chelsea fans loved Cech’s reactionCredit: Sky Sports
    Gallagher put Chelsea ahead in the 90th minute sparking wild celebrations in the away stands.
    Defender Axel Disasi crowdsurfed, while the advertisement board was crushed by the visiting supporters.
    And the mayhem spilled over into the Sky studio, as footage revealed Cech’s jubilant reaction.
    It did not go unnoticed by Blues fans, as one reacted: “Please come back, we miss you.”
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    Another said: “Petr Cech’s celebration on Conor’s winner. Forever Chelsea.”
    One hailed: “Proper Chels!!!”
    Jefferson Lerma put Palace 1-0 up on the half hour mark before former Eagles loanee Gallagher levelled after the break.
    Gallagher then slotted home to win the game and Enzo Fernandez capped off the win following a counter-attack.
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    Cech provided punditry before and after the game where he offered insight into his time at the club as a technical and performance advisor.
    The iconic stopper revealed he pushed to have former team-mate Frank Lampard replace Maurizio Sarri in 2019.
    Petr Cech questions decade-long Mauricio Pochettino tactic that risks ruining Chelsea key man
    He named Lampard and John Terry as two of Chelsea’s most important players ever and said Jose Mourinho was his favourite manager.
    Cech also questioned Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s tactic to have his keepers sit deep in their box.

    He said: “In this position, in my liking, he’s too deep. That’s the philosophy you (the manager) have.
    “Generally there are two philosophies in goalkeeping. Whether you want to take a more advanced position for shots, you close the gap, the angle, the goal, but you have less reaction time.
    “Or you drop deep on the goal line, therefore you might have a little more time for a save but you open the goal 
    “Pochettino’s goalkeeper coach has been with him from Tottenham, he has the philosophy of ‘OK you drop back, you always create space’.
    “I think it’s the Spanish philosophy. I personally am the other way around. In a lot of situations to closing the angle and having less reaction time but having less space to cover, for me, is the advantage.” More

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    Fans think Sky Sports are handing out footwear as MNF pundits are seen wearing identical shoes

    FANS reckons Sky Sports are handing out footwear after the pundits on Monday Night Football were seen wearing identical shoes.Tonight’s offering of Premier League action saw Chelsea travel to London rivals Crystal Palace.
    Fans spotted Sky Sports’ pundits wearing the same shoes on Monday Night Football
    It meant legendary Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech joined Jamie Carragher and David Jones in the Sky Sports studio.
    Cech gave viewers his opinion of the current Chelsea side, including new stopper Djordje Petrovic.
    But fans could not helping noticing one huge similarity between the trio.
    All were dressed in smart-casual clothing for occasion, with each man boasting a different outfit.
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    However, they could all be seen wearing the exact same black shoes complete with a white trim.
    And fans flocked online questioning whether the sneakers had been handed out intentionally.
    One said: “@SkySports Footwear all around, what are these, TV shoes?”
    Another declared: “Why does everyone on Sky Sports wear cartoon shoes?”
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    One noted: “Other than Sky Football pundits, does anyone else in any other walk of life wear these shoes??”
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    Another added: “Anyone else noticed the dream of white-soled deck shoes by the Sky football crew? Official wear.”
    It’s not the first time Sky Sports have been called out for their pundits wearing matching shoes.
    Sky Sports presenter branded ‘best figure on TV’ as she shares on-screen pics.. but fans can’t stop looking at her shoes
    In October 2022, fans were left gobsmacked when FOUR pundits donned the white-bottomed boots.
    Jones was joined by Gary Neville, Louis Saha and Jamie Redknapp for a chat with Erik ten Hag on the Old Trafford pitch.
    And one fan laughed: “I didn’t know Sky Sports had their own brand of shoes.”
    It’s not the first time Sky Sports pundits have worn matching shoes More

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    Fuming former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling forced to call police after ‘scumbags’ slice his car open

    JEFF STELLING was left raging after being forced to call police on the “scumbags” who destroyed his car.The talkSPORT presenter is on a UK Tour and his ‘An Evening with Jeff Stelling’ has already visited several towns and cities, including Liverpool and Southampton.
    Jeff Stelling’s car was vandalised as he hosted his speaking tour show
    The talkSPORT presenter fumed at the perpetrator on social mediaCredit: Getty
    Stelling, 68, spent Sunday evening in Chesterfield but finished his show to find his car vandalised.
    One of the doors was sliced open, leaving a huge gash that has ruined the bodywork.
    Stelling revealed he had contacted the police over the matter while he also took to social media to blast the perpetrators.
    He wrote: “Thanks Chesterfield. Anyone who knows the scumbags who did this to my car while I was trying to entertain people please let me know.
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    “What the f*** has happened to people.”
    He added: “@DerbyshirePolice Any prospect of you attending Casa hotel for attempted car theft/serious damage on Range River Sport reported over an hour ago?
    “I know you have other things to do but told a police van came past briefly but no one yet bothered to contact me – the owner.”
    Some of Stelling’s followers offered their condolences or tried to help, while others made jokes at his expense.
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    A frustrated Stelling responded to those comments, adding: “You know what. That is almost as depressing as getting car sliced open.”
    Stelling quite Sky Sports at the end of last season as he revealed working on Soccer Saturday was making him ill.
    The former TV presenter says he became too “tired” and “stressed” to go out afterwards on Saturday nights with his wife and family.
    He said after quitting: “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.’”
    Jeff Stelling reveals touching phone call from megastar as he thanks viewers after 29 years on Soccer Saturday More

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    Who is Afcon 2023 final referee Dahane Beida?

    THE Africa Cup of Nations final is upon us after a thrilling tournament in the Ivory Coast.And the refereeing team has been decided with a Mauritanian star named as the official for the big one.
    Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida is refereeing the Afcon finalCredit: AFP
    Who is Afcon final referee Dahane Beida?
    Dahane Beida is refereeing the Afcon final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
    Beida is a 32-year-old Mauritanian official, and was the referee for Egypt’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Mozambique in the group stage.
    That match saw Mo Salah score a dramatic 97th-minute penalty which Beida gave after a VAR call.
    Beida was also in charge of Angola’s 3-0 win over Namibia in the Last 16, in which a player from either side was sent off inside the first half.
    Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu was red carded in the 17th-minute for handling the ball outside his area, before Namibia’s Lubeni Haukongo was given a second yellow five minutes before the break.
    An Afcon statement read: “Dahane Beida, aged 32, will be the on-pitch referee for this crucial match, marking his third appearance at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.
    “Previously, he officiated the match between Egypt and Mozambique, which ended in a 2-2 draw during the group stage, as well as the Round of 16 clash where Angola secured a 3-0 victory over Namibia.
    “Assisting Dahane Beida will be Emiliano Dos Santos from Angola and Diana Chicotesha from Zambia, Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi will serve as the fourth official.”
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    Dahane Beida shows a red to Namibia defender Lubeni HaukongoCredit: AFP
    When is Nigeria vs Ivory Coast?

    Nigeria’s big Afcon final clash with Ivory Coast will take place on Sunday, February 11.
    The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
    Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and BBC Three in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The game is also available to stream for FREE from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence. More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s live TV interview abruptly cut short after Man Utd legend ‘breaks Sky Sports presenter’s heart’

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON broke a Sky Sports reporter’s heart during a brutal live interview.A keen racing fan, the legendary former Manchester United boss stopped to chat with SunSport columnist Matt Chapman.
    Sir Alex Ferguson was asked if Spurs will ever win the Premier LeagueCredit: X@SkySportsPL
    The Scot broke the Sky Sports reporter’s heartCredit: X@SkySportsPL
    As a Tottenham supporter, Chapman asked Ferguson if his beloved side will ever win the Premier League.
    In deadpan fashion, the Scot, 82, instantly replied: “No.”
    He then burst out laughing, before saying again: “No.”
    Chapman replied, in mock-sadness: “What’s funny about that? You’ve broken my heart!”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    With his hands in his pockets, Ferguson said: “61’s the last time they won it… well that’s a long time.
    “But the proposition today with Liverpool and Manchester City being so powerful… even for United.”
    Chapman then cheekily cut in, saying: “I think Spurs are more likely to win it than United these days.”
    Ferguson immediately replied: “No chance.”
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    At this point Chapman cut the interview short, smiling as he said: “Thanks Sir Alex!
    “Lovely to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson as always.”
    Sir Alex Ferguson lost it with Wayne Rooney ’20 times a season’ for breaking legendary Man Utd boss’ tactical rule
    Fans loved the exchange, with one writing of the former United boss: “What a man.”
    Another Red Devil contradicted Fergie, however, writing: “Spurs can surprise us.”
    But a third tweeted: “He spoke no lies so I don’t know why the presenter was so hurt.”
    And another pointed out: “Didn’t he say 10 years ago that City wouldn’t dominate England in his lifetime?”

    Fergie is still a regular at Old Trafford, having retired in 2013.
    He can often be seen in the posh seats at the Theatre of Dreams, and was even spotted sitting next to Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe at recent matches.
    Ferguson, 82, has been spotted sitting next to Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: Getty More

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    Paul Merson fears ‘the game will be killed’ as football prepares for huge rule change

    PAUL MERSON has slammed the potential introduction of sin-bins to football.It was revealed yesterday that blue cards could be brought into the game.
    Paul Merson thinks sin-bins will ruin footballCredit: @SkySportsNews
    Blue cards could be introducedCredit: Getty
    Players on the receiving end will have to spend ten minutes off the pitch if they are guilty of committing a cynical foul or dissent towards an official.
    All offences are currently punished with a yellow and similarly to a current booking, two blue cards for a player will mean they are sent off.
    Former England international Paul Merson has been highly critical of the controversial proposal that could be tested in the FA Trophy and Vase competitions next season.
    The Sky Sports pundit said: “They’re trying to copy rugby, they are very good at it, they’ve been working on it for a long time.
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    “But their sin-bin is massive, you’re talking seven to ten points, the game opens up – it’s very rare you are not going to get majorly punished.
    “In football, you just sit ten behind the ball and the game will be killed.
    “The ball will go out and they’ll jog and get it, they’ll waste time.
    “Then someone else will be sin-binned and everybody will be looking at the scoreboard going: ‘Tom is coming back on in four, so and so is back in three, what will be then? Then we will be 10 vs 10.’
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    “That’s how it’s going to be. That’s not football. They’re ruining the game.
    “It doesn’t have to be changed that much, we are talking about the greatest sport in the world and you’re trying to change it.”
    Huge football rule change set to be introduced with BLUE CARD and players dumped in 10-minute sin bin
    “10 vs 11 doesn’t always work. It kills the game sometimes.”
    Merson claims the footie law makers at Ifab are focusing on clamping down on the wrong offence.
    He continued: “It’s when people are cheating that’s what we’ve got to stop – that’s what they’re not looking at.
    “Nowadays people are going over and if they go over and don’t get a penalty it doesn’t matter.

    “But they might as well try with the people upstairs, who haven’t got a clue, let’s be honest, they haven’t got a clue.
    “So why wouldn’t you chance your arm?”
    There are no plans at this stage to implement sin-bins in next season’s major competitions.
    Ifab have also discussed other four other major rule changes.
    Time-wasting goalkeepers could have a corner given against them and matches could be stopped after flare-ups for “cooling off periods”.
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    Meanwhile, defending players may now get a straight red card for any deliberate handballs in the box.
    And only the team captain is allowed to approach the referee to protest a decision.
    By Martin Lipton
    IT’S a sin for football to allow cynical cheats to get away with it.
    So introducing ten-minute sin-bins would be a big step forward for the game.
    In truth, it does not matter what card the referee shows – blue, green or pink.
    What matters is that, if the trial – which will not include the Prem or EFL at this stage – is a success, then it could become part of top tier professional football by the end of the decade.
    The argument is simple: Nobody likes what Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina describes as “anti-football action”.
    That is a deliberate, cynical act to stop a potential break by fouling a rival with absolutely no attempt to play the ball.
    If teams who do that have to spend the last 10 minutes of a game a man short, they could pay a real price, rather than just picking up a yellow card and “taking one for the team”.
    Sin bins for dissent might be a tougher argument to progress, although it might just give refs some respect back.
    But having players sat by the side of the pitch, powerless as their man-short side concedes a last-gasp winner, might actually change the way players behave. And it will be a statement of intent. More

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    ‘Voice of boxing’ Adam Smith set for inspirational commentary comeback after beating cancer

    BOXING COMMENTATOR Adam Smith is set to make an emotional return to commentary on Friday night after a year battling cancer.Smith is one of the most well-loved voices in boxing and announced that he was cancer free at the end of 2023 – alongside also confirming that he will be leaving Sky Sports after 30 years.
    Smith is a boxing stalwart, calling some of the most iconic fights over the course of his careerCredit: Getty
    The commentator had worked for Sky Sports since August 1994, but will now not return to the channel.
    He’ll return to call the Thomas Essomba vs Elie Konki bout at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield as the former looks to defend his Bantamweight EBU European title.
    Stevi Levy will face off with Ebanie Jones for the English super bantamweight title and light-heavyweight prospect Shakeel Thompson will also be in action.
    Speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT on Thursday, Smith said he is counting his blessings ahead of his return.
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    He said: “I’m excited. I love commentating, as you know, and since I was nine or 10 years old it was the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.
    “It’s a passion that I’ve had through my life.
    “The last year or year-and-a-half has been pretty tough, brutal, and I’ve missed it. I’ve missed everything.
    “It’s good to be back and good to be back in Sheffield – a city that I know so well from the days of Prince Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson, Ryan Rhodes and all the others.
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    Smith called Joshua and Klitschko’s boutCredit: Getty
    “It’s good to be back in Sheffield, good to be back with Spencer (Oliver) – we’re going to commentate together and it’s really exciting.”
    ‘The voice of boxing’ has won numerous awards throughout his broadcasting career, including The Broadcast Award, the RTS Award, as well as being nominated for a BAFTA, SJA and The Sports Book Awards.
    Tyson Fury sensationally accused by ex-world champ of STAGING elbow in sparring to force Oleksandr Usyk fight axe
    He has provided the commentary for some of the most iconic fights in the past three decades, including Floyd Mayweather’s bout with Conor McGregor as well as Anthony Joshua’s clash with Wladimir Klitschko.  More

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    Smirking Roy Keane in very cheeky four-word dig at Jamie Carragher on live TV after Chelsea’s FA Cup win

    ROY KEANE appeared to take a cheeky dig at Sky Sports pal Jamie Carragher after Chelsea trounced Aston Villa in the FA Cup.The Blues thumped Unai Emery’s 3-1 at Villa Park to set-up a fifth round clash at home to Leeds United on February 28.
    Keane was on great form at Villa Park
    They took a cheeky dig at Jamie Carragher after Enzo Fernandez’s goal celebrationCredit: Getty
    Conor Gallagher got under-pressure Mauricio Pochettino’s side off to a flying start after just 11 minutes and then Nicolas Jackson doubled the advantage shortly afterwards.
    But the goal of the game came moments into the second half when Enzo Fernandez scored a brilliant free-kick past his fellow Argentina World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez from 30 yards.
    That sparked wild scenes as he and his Chelsea team-mates rushed to celebrate in front of the away supporters.
    The 23-year-old copied Lionel Messi’s famous celebration in 2017 after he had scored the 500th goal of his Barcelona career in a win over Real Madrid.
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    Fernandez removed his shirt before holding it up to show off his name and number to the crowd, with his colleagues then taking it and performing the same trick.
    Villa pulled a late goal back but it was too little, too late, as Chelsea and Poch put the miserable 4-2 home defeat to Wolves firmly behind them.
    ITV were covering the game and had the usually fiery Keane and ex-England Women’s star Karen Carney on punditry duty for them.
    And after watching the celebratory scenes again, Carney tongue-in-cheekily said in a blatant nod to Carragher: “Talk about over celebrating a bit.”
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    Keane, with a big grin, then shocked everyone by responding with: “Let them enjoy it.”
    That came after Martin Odegaard hit back at Sky Sports pundits for their criticism over Arsenal’s post-match scenes following their win over Liverpool.
    Jamie Carragher tells Odegaard ‘get down the tunnel’ after Arsenal star’s bizarre celebration following Liverpool defeat
    Mikel Arteta revved up the Emirates crowd with Jurgen Klopp-esque fist pumps while Odegaard used a camera to take pictures of club photographer Stuart Macfarlane.
    Liverpool legend Carragher then said: “Just get down the tunnel. You’ve won a game. It’s three points.
    “They’re back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly.”
    Carragher then became embroiled in a war of words with ex-Premier League star Jan Aage Fjortoft over Odegaard’s celebration.
    However after Keane, who’s famed for his angry rants on TV over the years, stuck up for the Blues, the club’s supporters were quick to show the ex-Manchester United captain some love.
    “Roy I misjudged you,” responded one.
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    Another wrote: “Roy Keane what a guy.”
    While a third added: “Perhaps I treated you too harshly Roy.”
    Jamie Carragher hit the headlines for his comments about Arsenal’s celebrationsCredit: Rex More