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    How Man Utd used Sky Sports pundits to get their own way in Bruno Fernandes red card case

    MANCHESTER UNITED presented clips from Sky Sports pundits in their successful appeal against a Bruno Fernandes sending-off.The commission ruled referee Chris Kavanagh made an “obvious” error in giving the United skipper a straight red card for a foul on Tottenham’s James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes was stunned by his red card at home to Spurs on September 29 and Man Utd won their appeal against itCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils put forward a clip from Sky Sports’ Ref Watch as evidenceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes’ three-game ban was lifted , so he played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.The Mail say the Red Devils put forward two videos to support their case against the midfielder’s dismissal at Old Trafford on September 29.One was from Sky’s “Ref Watch” show, where one-time Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher discussed the incident with former Lionesses’ winger Sue Smith and ex-England striker Dean Ashton.Gallagher suggested Kavanagh saw an “optical illusion” of the exchange between Fernandes and Maddison because of his viewing angle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 67-year-old also described the Portuguese star’s contact on the England playmaker as a “glancing blow”.Gallagher concluded that a yellow card would have been fairer.United’s second video clip showed the two players tangling in real time, as well as via a slow-motion replay.However, the Mail say the independent commission chose NOT to consider opinions from “Ref Watch” when coming to a 2:1 split decision in favour of Fernandes.Most read in FootballFernandes said even Spurs’ James Maddison disagreed with the sending-offCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe majority verdict was he “didn’t lead or make contact with studs” and “there was obviously no malice, brutality or excessive force”.United had appealed immediately after Fernandes was dismissed 42 minutes into a calamitous 3-0 loss against Spurs, with the Red Devils trailing 1-0.Man Utd compared to ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’ in bizarre analogy by celeb chef Ainsley HarriottThe 30-year-old was furious with his first-ever straight red, claiming: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card.”If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”Fernandes was promptly dismissed again in United’s next match, four days, picking up two bookings for a high boot in a 3-3 draw at Porto.The ex-Sporting Lisbon ace will be out suspended for the Red Devils’ next Europa League clash, at ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on October 24. More

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    Major broadcast change announced for boxing’s biggest fights ahead of Fury vs Usyk rematch and Anthony Joshua next bout

    A MAJOR broadcast change has been announced which has huge implications on Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.Sports streaming service DAZN has struck an exclusive partnership with Riyadh Season, led by Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury in MayCredit: PADAZN have been in the boxing business since 2018 and launched a pay-per-view platform in 2022. The streaming app have been involved in every Riyadh Season event since it entered the boxing market in 2023. And now DAZN have become the global distributor and exclusive digital streaming app for Riyadh Season events. It means any sport DAZN have rights for, from football and boxing, can only be streamed on their platform. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut SunSport understands traditional TV networks like Sky Sports and TNT Sports will still have the option to air fights on PPV. In a boost to boxing fans, DAZN, Sky and TNT have all worked together to joint broadcast huge fight nights. Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev clash in a light-heavyweight undisputed title decider on Saturday. And the battle of the unbeatens airs on all three networks. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs did Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, which marked Alalshikh’s first event in Britain. But it remains to be seen whether all three channels will share rights for Fury’s December 21 rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. DAZN also has the UK rights for NFL, Professional Fighters League MMA, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship boxing and Saudi football. PlayStation appears to predict what will happen in mouthwatering Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch with brutal clip More

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    Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd

    GARY NEVILLE gave fans a tour of his US studio as he missed Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage to start his new job on Sunday.The Manchester United legend, 49, would usually have been expected to be part of Sky’s broadcast as they aired Aston Villa’s draw with The Red Devils and Brighton’s thrilling 3-2 win over Tottenham.Gary Neville gave fans a tour of his new NBC Sports studioCredit: TikTokHe showed off the huge area where they broadcast fromCredit: TikTokNeville showed a few members of the crew as he walked onto setCredit: TikTokHis role in America meant he was not on Sky Sports’ coverage over the weekendCredit: TikTokInstead, Neville was over in America working for NBC Sports for the entire weekend as his punditry took him across the Atlantic.And he shared a video on TikTok giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of his new workplace on Saturday.Neville walked from the hallway into the studio and showed off his surroundings ahead of his NBC debut.Speaking as he walked onto the set, he said: “Hi everyone. So here we are, it’s a big old studio.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Have a little bit of a look behind the scenes.”After spotting the title odds on one of the screens, he added: “Arsenal favourites over here in America”.Neville, wearing a suit, then ended the video by looking ahead to the opening match of his NBC career.He said: “First game is Crystal Palace vs Liverpool, so I’ll see you all later.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe wore a suit for his first NBC appearanceCredit: TikTokNeville showed the huge cameras in operationCredit: TikTokFans gave Neville positive feedback as he embarks on a new roleCredit: TikTokReacting to the clip, one fan replied: “This is exciting!”While another added: “Good luck Gary 👏”.Gary Neville admits he made an EPIC blunder as his wife Emma went through early menopause in her 30sA third responded: “Shirt and tie combo 🔥”.And a fourth said: “GNev and Oasis breaking into the USA”.Neville is still expected to be a part of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage this season as he balances his UK responsibilities with his new US role.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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    Everybody on the pitch should be ashamed’ slams Dimitar Berbatov live on Sky Sports in rant after Man Utd clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dimitar Berbatov blasted their 0-0 draw at Aston Villa live on Sky Sports – claiming Jonny Evans shamed every other player.Evans, 36, and Harry Maguire started ahead of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back as United tried to cure their leaky defending.Jonny Evans was the only player to impress, says Dimitar BerbatovCredit: ReutersAnd although the rearguard was robust, the display was dull – leaving the Red Devils with just eight points from seven Premier League games.Maguire had to be taken off injured at half-time, but Evans continue to tower over his team-mates.Not only did the Northern Irishman keep Ollie Watkins quiet, he was just as secure when Villa super-sub Jhon Duran came on for the final half-hour to form a two-man home attack.Nonetheless, ex-Tottenham striker Berbatov, who was at United from 2008-2012, was stunned by his old team’s all-round plight.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Bulgarian told Sky: “I mean I’m trying to find the right words here.”Everybody on the pitch today should be ashamed because Jonny Evans, credit to him, he’s 36-37, is man of the match.”Everybody younger than him should take notice and just, I don’t know, just do better.”But United keeper Andre Onana had little of note to do, except for tipping over a Youri Tielemans thunderbolt.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBerbatov says the players should take a close look at themselvesCredit: Sky SportsIn contrast Bruno Fernandes hit the Villa bar with a free-kick, while home stopper Emi Martinez foiled Marcus Rashford twice and sub Antony.Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag said: “I think the performance of United was very good. I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave me”Defending and in possession we controlled the game. “It was in the balance. We created chances but not loads. Also Villa didn’t create too many chances.”This is our fourth clean sheet. This tells you we are in a good direction. “Now also we improve defending counter attacks, and we improve controlling possession. But also we have to improve in the final third.”Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

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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