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    Jarrod Bowen reads out secret note from Moyes live on Sky Sports after scoring vs Brighton.. but is all as it seems?

    JARROD BOWEN starred for West Ham’s 3-1 victory over Brighton last night, scoring West Ham’s second just before the hour mark.And it was just before his goal that Sky Sports cameras picked Bowen up reading a note that manager David Moyes had given to him containing tactical instructions.
    Jarrod Bowen was given the note by Jamie Redknapp in the post-game analysisCredit: Sky Sports
    And read out a play by play description of his goalCredit: Sky Sports
    After the game, he joined the Sky Sports punditry team to talk about the game… and the contents of the note.
    Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones said to Bowen: “There’s a bit of intrigue around this evening Jarrod because less than three minutes before you scored that goal there was a little note handed to you by the manager… we’re presuming it wasn’t a shopping list?”
    Bowen responded: “I know, I was trying to read it, I was trying to read it and still stay in my position… And then Micky [Michail Antonio] passed me the ball and I was looking at the note!
    “And Micky just glared at me and I thought, ‘Oh no.'”
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    Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp then said: “I was just on the pitch Jarrod and I’ve managed to find it. People want that insight, ‘What does the manager actually say to players at the right time?’ Just read it out to us.”
    Bowen then read the note aloud and said: “Jarrod, on the counter, run the full length of the pitch and we will knock it to you and take a touch and score. Slash gaffer, kiss.”
    The punditry team broke out into laughter as it became clear that Redknapp might have written the note himself, as it provided a word-for-word description of Bowen’s goal.
    West Ham fans responded to the clip on Twitter, with one saying: “It said two things: West Ham are massive everywhere they go and champions of Europe.”
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    Another wrote: “That was pretty funny by Redknapp to be fair.”
    A third joked: “How’s nobody talking about David Moyes’ vision of that goal, knew there was constantly an opening on the right for Jarrod and knew he could exploit it. My manager.”
    The 3-1 result was something of a Moyes masterclass, with West Ham going 3-0 up against Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side after 62 minutes.
    Brighton only struck a consolation goal in the 81st minute through Pascal Gross.
    Despite the comprehensive victory for the Hammers, they only had 22 per cent of the possession and the result was testament to Moyes’ counter-attacking style.
    West Ham stuck to their counter-attacking style against Brighton More

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    Glamorous Sky Sports presenter puts on busty display in eye-popping swimsuit on holiday in the French Riviera

    SKY SPORTS presenter Melissa Reddy continued her holidays with a break in the French Riviera.The stunning South African is in the South of France to celebrate her birthday.
    Melissa Reddy is in the South of France to celebrate her 37th birthdayCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    She says she’s always “dreamed” of holidaying in the French RivieraCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    She is taking a well-earned break from her presenting dutiesCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    Reddy also uses her Instagram to update fans on that week’s footballCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    She uploaded an Instagram dump detailing her travels, which included her posing in a sun hat and matching swimsuit by the sea.
    Reddy also included a number of haute-cuisine looking dishes and landmarks of Cannes.
    She captioned the post: “Growing up (and to be fair, up until not so long ago), the French Riviera seemed like a destination I’d only experience via movies and music videos.
    My heart is so happy to have been able to be here for real. I love it đŸ„°.
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    I get emotional around this time every year cause my family remind me what a dreamer I was as a little girl, and how proud they are of everything I’ve been able to make happen đŸ„ș
    Anyway, the CĂŽte d’Azur is magnifique *chef’s kiss*”
    Fans were quick to heap praise on the presenter, with one writing: “Congrats and on making your dreams come true.”
    Another wrote: “Marvellous Melissa.”
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    The star also posted a selfie to her InstaCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    Reddy is a key part of Sky Sports’ rosterCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
    A third added: “You deserve every success.”
    While a fourth wrote: “Are not you missing the premier league stunning Melissa?”
    And a fifth added: “Absolutely stunning 😍 x.” More

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    Spiky Mike Dean is quizzed live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday after fury over ‘pathetic’ VAR call for Chelsea clash

    FORMER Premier League ref Mike Dean became defensive when questioned live on Sky Sports over his “pathetic” VAR call last season.Dean has hit back at criticism after his comments referring to a VAR incident sparked outrage.
    Former VAR official Mike Dean says the reaction to his confession has been blown out of proportionCredit: twitter @SkySportsNews
    The former referee received a live TV grilling on Soccer Saturday following his revelations about a Premier League game last season.
    Dean admitted this week that he made a “pathetic” error in the clash between Chelsea and Tottenham last August.
    The now retired official confessed that he failed to correct an on-pitch error because he didn’t want to cause close friend Anthony Taylor “grief”.
    He was on VAR duty and chose not to recommend an on-field review after Cristian Romero had pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair in the build-up to Harry Kane’s 96th-minute equaliser.
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    Dean claimed that he decided against the referral due to the fiery nature of the derby and that his “mate” Taylor didn’t deserve further pressure.
    PGMOL chiefs responded to Dean’s comments with a strongly worded statement on Friday afternoon.
    But Dean has now defended himself, insisting that his use of the word “mate” has been blown out of proportion.
    Dean, 55, said: “It’s funny because that’s all been blown out of context.
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    “What I’ve said is old news, it’s been out in news reports before maybe four or five months ago, so it’s not new news.
    “I refer to him [Taylor] as a mate, I mentioned before that what you’ve got to look at in context is that you might not like some guys in your refereeing group.
    “But at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon, they’re your mates and you want your mates to do well, so the mate thing has been blown all out of proportion.
    “I want to support the referee as much as I can; that’s what you do as a VAR.
    “Yes, he was wrong and I should have sent him to the screen but to say I didn’t send him over because he’s a mate is an absolute farce.
    “And it’s just been blown out of proportion. It’s just people trying to make a story.”
    Chelsea fans have come out again to ridicule the bizarre justification.
    One fuming fan wrote: “Can’t hide now after admitting you manipulated a game”.
    Another added: “‘Blown out of proportion’ 😂 he admitted his decision was influenced by his mate”.
    A third wrote: “Absolute disgrace. We’re supposed to believe it isn’t corruption”.
    Read More on The Sun
    A fourth declared: “He is a man under pressure. Admitted cheating now trying to worm out of it”.
    From the start of the 2023/24 campaign, he has been Sky Sports’ referee analyst on Soccer Saturday.
    Cucurella’s hair was blatantly pulled by Spurs defender Cristian Romero More

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    Sky Sports legend Geoff Shreeves wins over Premier League club’s fanbase as he reveals best player in history

    GEOFF SHREEVES has won over a club’s fanbase by revealing the best player in Premier League history.The Sky Sports legend earned “respect” from Arsenal supporters after naming Dennis Bergkamp as the player he enjoyed watching the most.
    Geoff Shreeves has named the Premier League player he enjoyed watching the mostCredit: Getty
    Shreeves is a beloved figure amongst fans after spending 30 years as a reporter for Sky Sports.
    However, he quit earlier this summer after being asked to take a pay cut as part of a major cull of reporters.
    He continues to connect with supporters, though, including Arsenal fans.
    Appearing on The Inside Scoop podcast, Shreeves was asked who he thought was the best player in Premier League history.
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    “I don’t know if you can say he’s the best player in Premier League history.
    “If you said to me ‘which player did I enjoy watching the most?’
    “It’s a ridiculous question because so many have been so good but, me personally, Bergkamp.”
    Gunners fans were quick to react after Shreeves’ answer was shared to social media.
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    “And he is absolutely correct,” commented one fan.
    Another added: “Geoff knows ball.”
    A third supporter also wrote: “Geoff is a very wise man.”
    Meanwhile, one more said: “New found respect for Geoff.”
    Bergkamp won three league titles during his 11 years in England with Arsenal.
    During that time, he made 315 Premier League appearances, scoring 87 goals and adding 84 assists.
    Dennis Bergkamp scored 87 Premier League goals for ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Alan Lambourn? Voice of Soccer Saturday football results

    THE weekends just wouldn’t be the same without Sky’s Soccer Saturday.But some footy fans may wonder about Alan Lambourn – the famous voice of the football results.
    Alan Lambourn reads the results out on Soccer SaturdayCredit: Getty
    Who is Alan Lambourn?
    Soccer Saturday is broadcast from midday on Sky Sports News and usually airs for six hours.
    The programme begins with the host and four regular in-studio pundits previewing the weekend’s matches, reviewing recent results and debating current issues in football.
    However, it wouldn’t be the same without Alan Lambourn who reads the results after the matches have taken place.
    He is on hand to deliver all the results from all the league fixtures that have gone on throughout the UK on that day.
    Read more on Soccer Saturday
    One of his most famous lines was when Alan said: “Another fifty pence in the meter, and off we go!”
    He made the quip after changing from one league to another took a long time.
    Who presents Soccer Saturday?
    Simon Thomas
    Former Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas took over from legendary host Jeff Stelling, who departed Sky Sports at the end of 2023 season.
    There had been much speculation over who would fill the void with fellow Sky presenters Jules Warren and Caroline Barker also understood to be in the running.
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    Thomas quit full-time broadcast work in 2017 following the tragic death of his wife Gemma.
    She passed away just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
    Thomas, who was born in Norwich, had worked in the broadcasting industry for 18 years but took time off to look after his son.
    He left his role as lead football presenter of Sky in the process but, shortly before landing the Soccer Saturday gig, returned to work by freelancing for various platforms and channels.
    Meanwhile, Stelling called time on his position as host of Soccer Saturday after 30 years in May 2023.
    Studio pundits
    Every Saturday Thomas is joined in the studio by pundits who give their take on the day’s scores.
    The studio pundits are a mix of sports stars and experts:

    Alan McInally
    Michael Dawson
    Matt Murray
    Jamie Mackie
    Lee Hendrie
    Clinton Morrison
    Kris Boyd
    Sue Smith
    Mike Dean More

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    Mason Greenwood saga reveals shocking truths about Man Utd leadership, says Gary Neville – as striker axed

    MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood saga.The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Red Devils captain tonight said Greenwood’s newly-announced exit exposed leadership failures at the Old Trafford club.
    Gary Neville has accused his old club Manchester United of failing to be ‘strong’Credit: PA
    Mason Greenwood’s United exit is finally the ‘right decision’, Neville saysCredit: Getty
    Former England international Neville said it was the “right decision” to announce this afternoon Greenwood would be leaving United.
    But he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports tonight the six-month process ahead of the announcement was “pretty horrible”.
    And he accused club chiefs of failing to be “strong and authoritative”.
    His intervention came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
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    Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
    United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
    But the club did not say whether his ÂŁ75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
    Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
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    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of survivors’ “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
    The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
    UNITED ‘LACK STRONG LEADERSHIP’
    And when asked this evening about the development ahead of the Premier League derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Neville criticised United officials for their handling of the situation.
    He said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there – however, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
    “When you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership and Manchester United don’t have that.”
    He also called for an “independent review” in similar situations of alleged violence against women.
    Neville added: “It should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation – not only for themselves, but also for the game.
    “People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well.
    “My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation.
    “It’s been well above their experience and ability.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
    GREENWOOD ACCEPTS HE ‘MADE MISTAKES’
    Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
    “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
    He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    United’s handling of the case prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty More

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    Sky Sports forced to apologise for ‘insensitive and regrettable’ comments during Premier League clash

    SKY SPORTS have apologised for an “insensitive” comment made about Sean Dyche during live coverage of Aston Villa’s win over Everton.Toffees boss Dyche, 52, was wearing a black armband in memory of supporter Michael Jones – who recently passed away at the age of 26 while working on the construction of Everton’s new stadium.
    Sky Sports have issued an apology for the ‘insensitive’ commentCredit: AFP
    But commentary duo Bill Leslie and Andy Hinchcliffe have forced Sky Sports to apologise after they said he looked like a “croupier” – a casino worker.
    A statement sent to The Athletic read: “Comments made during the Aston Villa v Everton game were insensitive and regrettable.
    “We have spoken to everyone involved in the coverage including both the commentators and have reminded them of their responsibilities and the need for care and sensitivity.
    “We apologise for any upset or distress caused by these comments.”

    Both commentators are also understood to have expressed “regret” at their actions.
    Along with Dyche, the rest of his backroom staff and the Everton players all wore black armbands in honour of Jones.
    A minute’s applause was also observed by both Aston Villa and Everton fans in the 26th minute at Villa Park.
    They also paid tribute to Jones at Anfield where Liverpool were hosting Bournemouth.
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    Leslie and Hinchcliffe’s comments attracted widespread backlash on social media.
    One person said: “Hi @SkySports can I ask why your commentators thought it was acceptable to make a joke about Sean Dyche wearing a black armband?
    “If they’re so desperate for material can I suggest they get some training?
    “Oh and apologise [to] the family of the young man being remembered. Disgusting.”
    While another added: “Why do @SkySports commentators think it’s OK to make several croupier/gambling jokes on Sean Dyche appearance based on his black armband.”
    And a third replied: “Offensive and in poor taste. @Everton should make a point of it. Very poor behaviour.”
    Everton have lost their opening two games of the season, following up a 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham with a 4-0 loss at Villa on Sunday. More

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    Fans say Chelsea penalty should be retaken after Soucek ‘encroached’ – but even Sky Sports pundits aren’t sure on rule

    CHELSEA fans are adamant their penalty against West Ham should have been retaken because of encroachment.Enzo Fernandez spurned a golden opportunity to put the Blues 2-1 up in their London derby with the Hammers from the spot just before the half-time interval.
    Tomas Soucek gave away a penalty in the first half of West Ham’s clash with Chelsea.Credit: GETTY
    Replays appeared to show the Czech Republic international encroached the spot kickCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Fernandez cut a frustrated figure after his penalty missCredit: REUTERS
    Blues fans were furious with the miss, although they were even more irate after seeing that Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek entered the box before the ball was struck.
    One of the Stamford Bridge faithful tweeted: “Sky Sports showing Soucek encroached on the penalty, should have been re-taken.”
    Another said: “I got laughed at for saying this. Was a poor penalty but it should have been retaken.”
    And another said: “Sky Sports saying Souček encroached and are asking for clarification.”
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    One remarked: “Playing basketball in the box last year and encroached for the penalty this year. Soucek.”
    Another chimed in: “Sky Sports showing Soucek encroached on the penalty, should have been re-taken. How has the ref, linesman and VAR missed that?”
    Soucek’s apparent encroachment was a topic for Sky Sport’s pundits during the half-time interval.
    But even they weren’t sure if the midfielder did indeed violate the rule and encroached on Fernandez’s missed spot-kick.
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    The official Premier League rule on encroachment states: “For player encroachment in the box, it is now judged on any part of a player’s body that is on the ground when the kick is taken.
    “Therefore, if any part of the foot is on the penalty area or arc line it is encroachment.
    “The player must still have a material impact on the outcome of the kick.”
    Going off the Prem ruling on encroachment, a spot-kick must be retaken if the attacking team encroaches and the penalty is scored.
    An indirect free kick is awarded if it is missed.
    If the defending team encroaches on the box and the kick is scored, the goal will stand.
    If it’s missed or saved, then it is retaken.
    It later emerged that VAR opted not to pull up Soucek for his encroachment as there wasn’t a Chelsea player in the vicinity for him to prevent getting the ball.
    Read More on The Sun
    Fernandez paid the price for a poor penalty in the 57th minute when Michail Antonio fired the hosts 2-1 up with a rocket of a strike from just inside the 18-yard box.
    And Lucas Paqueta put the final nail in the Blues’ coffin with a stoppage-time penalty. More