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    ‘Has Gary Neville been taken hostage?’ ask fans as they’re left baffled at Sky Sports coverage of Man Utd vs Newcastle

    FOOTBALL fans joked Gary Neville had been “taken hostage” as he made a bizarre appearance on Sky Sports.The Manchester United legend, 49, was at Old Trafford on Monday night to watch Ruben Amorim’s men host Newcastle.Fans were baffled by Gary Neville’s background for Monday Night FootballCredit: Sky SportsNeville was speaking in front of a white wallCredit: Sky SportsAhead of the Premier League clash, Neville was a part of Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football broadcast as presenter Dave Jones and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posed questions to him.But viewers were left somewhat baffled by Neville’s background – which was simply a white wall.Reacting to the coverage, one fan said: “It looks like Neville’s giving a hostage speech giving the kidnapper’s terms for release with him against this blank wall 😭.”While another added: “Gary Neville looks like he’s reporting while being held hostage.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a third responded: “Sky – Gary Neville dialling in on Zoom for Manchester United Vs Newcastle.”Meanwhile, Neville criticised Man Utd’s new signings Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the Newcastle clash.He said: “What am l surprised about is that when in the summer Manchester United signed those three or four players, I didn’t hear anyone say ‘Manchester United have had a terrible transfer market.”I am shocked about how poor those players have been in their early months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.”I have said it before that this club has been a graveyard for players who have come with decent reputations.”And it is happening again.Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first half”I didn’t hear anyone say in the summer when Yoro, De Ligt, Ugarte, Zirkzee joined that United hadn’t signed half-decent players.”The problem is that when you have seen them out here in a red shirt that Manchester United look a worse team. That’s the odd thing.”Neville was back in the more familiar climes of the Old Trafford commentary box for the game.But he might have wished stayed by his whitewashed wall as Newcastle tore United apart in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford.Alexander Isak and Joelinton netted for the Magpies who saw the game out comfortably to go fifth in the Premier League.It was United’s third consecutive loss and left them 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. 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    Erling Haaland swears in live TV interview after Man City win as Sky Sports reporter laughs nervously

    ERLING HAALAND swore live on Sky Sports following Manchester City’s win over Leicester.The Norwegian, 24, scored for the first time in four Premier League games as Pep Guardiola’s side ended a run of five games without a win.Erling Haaland swore during his post-match interview on Sky SportsThe result moves the champions up to fifth in the table despite a dismal couple of months.But Haaland surprised the Sky Sports reporter after the game with his shock remark.When asked about moving forward after a poor run, Haaland could be heard saying “s*** happens”.The interviewer then nervously laughs before the pair move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans on social media were quick to highlight Haaland’s X-rated comment.One said: “Did Haaland just swear on live TV then.”Another added: “Swear Haaland just swore on live TV 😂.”A third replied: “FINE HIM😤.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a fourth responded: “Did Haaland just say s*** happens on the interview 😭😭.”Haaland now has 19 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season.Ligue 1 in savage six-word response to Cristiano Ronaldo after his brutal comments about French leagueHe has 14 in the Premier League, although 10 of those came in the opening five matches.He has netted just four times in Man City’s last 14 league games. More

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    ‘I had some very dark times & my body has been through hell’ – ‘Voice of Boxing’ opens up on heartbreaking cancer battle

    ADAM SMITH has bravely opened up on his battle with cancer, which at times left him in a “dark” place.The beloved boxing commentator was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer in 2023.Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of bladder cancer last yearCredit: GettySmith was days away from dying before having 19 lymph nodes, his bladder and prostate removedCredit: GETTYSmith went through some “dark times” during his recoveryCredit: GETTYA massive tumour situated next to Smith’s bladder wall left him “about four days” away from death.A six-hour operation, in which 19 lymph nodes were removed as well as his bladder and prostrate, saved ‘The Voice of Boxing’.Smith would then undergo three-and-a-half months of gruelling chemotherapy.And the gruelling toe-to-toe battle with the disease took its toll mentally and physically.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHe told DAZN ahead of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk: “I am very lucky and honoured to be doing this job and watching these fine boxers.”Whether it is calling a four-round fight between two debutants or a world title fight, I love it all and am grateful to be doing such a job, if you can really call it a job.”The cancer was brutal, it has been very difficult to fight this disease.”I had some very dark times and my body has been through hell.”Most read in BoxingAdam Smith credits his family for getting him through his battle as much as the doctors who saved himCredit: REUTERSSmith credits the support of his family for getting him through the fight of his life.”My doctors saved me, my family brought me back,” he said. “I had three-and-a-half lonely months in hospital undergoing treatment. Tyson Fury gives cryptic update on his future after Oleksandr Usyk defeat as retirement rumours circle”I was very lucky to make it through. I am very lucky to be alive and I have a different perspective on life after what happened to me.”I wake up in the morning and I am happy, I am not stressed. I am just delighted to have another day.”Reflecting on his health back in September, Smith told The Independent: “I look healthy, but underneath is a wrecked body.“I’ve lost major parts of it. A lot of people are in much worse situations, but it’s a tough new life.”You have tubes at night, it’s not easy. And after the operation, last spring, I got an ileus: my entire body was blocked, food wouldn’t go through for 10 days.Adam Smith thought he wouldn’t win his cancer battleCredit: GETTY”I lost four stone in weight, then I had a twisted bowel. It all went wrong. I was a mess, I was in agony, I couldn’t move.“The hardest thing was learning to walk again; I had to sit on a chair in the shower for a couple of months, because I couldn’t stand.”But my family were unbelievable, Sky were amazing. I still had many, many lonely nights, but I owe everything to my doctors.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I saw my bladder consultant at the end of last year and I said: ‘I have to be honest, I didn’t think I’d make it.’ He said: ‘I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t think you would either.’” More

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    ‘Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbroken

    AMAZON PRIME VIDEO signed off on their six years of Premier League coverage last night.The streaming platform have broadcast two complete rounds of matches during the last half-dozen Prem seasons.Gabby Logan signed off on Amazon Prime Video’s Prem coverageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportBut with the next TV deal kicking in next season, Prime Video have been squeezed out.Prime’s package, which included all Boxing Day fixtures and another mid-week round of games, was removed from the latest round of bidding.The streamer had been paying around £30million per season, but would have found themselves potentially having to shell out around 10 times that figure to compete with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for any of the other packages.Gabby Logan presented coverage of their final match, last night’s clash between Arsenal and Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popular presenter signed off from the Emirates, saying: “We’ve had six fantastic years of Premier League football on Prime – 128 games, 335 goals, some singing from John Legend and countless epic moments.”We hope you’ve enjoyed those as much as we have loved making them. Don’t worry, we will continue to bring you exclusive coverage of Tuesday’s top Champions League games all season long.”So on behalf of everyone at Prime, we wish you a very happy new year and we’ll see you again soon.”Prime Video posted Logan’s farewell to their social media channels, as well as a montage featuring the best bits of their coverage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe streaming service offered live Prem football to plenty of British households that do not have Sky Sports or TNT Sports.With the next TV deal running to the end of the 2028-29 season, those fans will now miss out on seeing any live games.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Following Logan’s sign-off, plenty of fans took to social media to vent their frustration.One wrote: “Such a shame, Amazon coverage is on another level.”While a second echoed: “Great coverage, will be missed!”A third asked: “Best coverage out there. Come back.”And a fourth claimed: “What a pity.”Another added: “You guys should do the prem full time.”THE NEW DEAL EXPLAINEDTNT Sports will retain their usual Saturday 12:30pm kick-off slot, while they will also show two mid-week rounds of games.The broadcaster will show 52 Premier League matches in total per season.Sky Sports, meanwhile, are set to show 215 Prem games per season, starting next year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will continue to broadcast matches on Friday and Monday evenings, Saturdays at 5:30pm and Sundays at 2pm and 4:30pm.Sky will now also be able to show matches moved to 2pm on Sunday due to clubs’ participation in the Europa League or Europa Conference League. More

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    The ‘once-hairiest man on TV’ shows off amazing transformation as presenter reveals progress of his hair transplant

    FORMER Sky Sports host Richard Keys has shown off his incredible transformation thanks to a HAIR TRANSPLANT.And it will suit his self-proclaimed moniker of the ‘once-hairiest man on TV’.Former Sky Sports host Richard Keys showed off the ‘before’ shot of his headCredit: instagram @richardkeysofficialThis is the journey Keys, who was sacked by Sky, is onCredit: instagram @richardkeysofficialThe British Hair Clinic in Essex uploaded a clip of the now-BeIN presenter showing off his locks on TikTok.Pointing at his re-growth, Keys, who married his daughter’s best friend after leaving his wife for her, says: “The once-hairiest man on TV has done a little bit today to restore his reputation. “I’m laughing because I’ve heard the joke.”What an irony that someone who spent his lifetime trying to remove hair finds himself in the British Hair Clinic looking for them to add hair. I mean, you couldn’t make it up really.”But here we are, at the direction of Jason McAteer, who’s been through this process and looks well for it – at least that’s what he told me – and Sam Matterface, a very good friend of mine.”Sam, I spoke to this morning, and he said: “Brilliant, easy, you’ll love it.”Later in the clip Keys, who was sacked by Sky Sports for his part in a sexism storm, admires a pen-drawn hairline guide, saying: “So that’s the new hairline.”That’s where the new hairline will be.”Most read in FootballIn 2012 rumours did the rounds that Keys had his hands lasered or waxed after being dubbed ‘werewolf’ by eagle-eyed fans.A source told The Standard at the time: “Richard is incredibly touchy about his body hair and has put up with years of stick about it. Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-time”Richard won’t divulge whether it was his idea or Sky’s to get his hands done.”Keys was sacked in disgrace from his £500,000-a-year job fronting Sky’s Premier League coverage in 2011 after making disparaging remarks about female referee Sian Massey-Ellis.He is now the face of the BeIN Sports channels which broadcast all 365 Premier League games per season mainly on its flagship “Super Saturday” programme.The clinic added: “Richard came in to our Essex clinic back in July and his new hair line is starting to take shape. “We will keep you updated on the progression.”Fans were quick to spot Keys’ hands back in the day…A recording caught out Keys and Andy Gray, left, making vile commentsCredit: PA:Press AssociationKeys now works for BeIN Sports 14 years after he was sacked by SkyCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN More

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    Jamie Carragher slammed as ‘really, really unfair’ in heated scenes live on Sky Sports after Liverpool thrash Tottenham

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was slammed as “really, really unfair” in heated scenes over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool future.The right-back played a key role in his side’s 6-3 epic win at Tottenham on Sunday, helping the Reds sit top of the table at Christmas.Jamie Carragher clashed with Jamie Redknapp over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s futureRedknapp was having none of what Carragher was sayingLiverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold has been one of Arne Slots’s most important players all season.But his future remains unclear as his contract enters its final six months.The defender has so far failed to agree an extension with Liverpool and is free to talk to foreign clubs next month.Real Madrid are reportedly favourites to sign Alexander-Arnold, with the England ace not commanding a transfer fee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Sky Sports, Carragher questioned why Alexander-Arnold would not at least pen a new short-term deal with Liverpool in order to get his side a transfer fee.But this led to an amazing on-air clash with fellow former Anfield star Jamie Redknapp, who branded Carragher “really, really unfair” for his demands to Alexander-Arnold.Carragher initially said: “I just think as a local player, it is a long time living in that City. Trent has been at the club for 20 years.“I don’t think it would be nice for Liverpool supporters to feel like, ‘Han on, we are winning everything, what more do you want?’”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRedknapp replied: “I think it is negligence from Liverpool, the fact they are in this position. “If you are going to do that, you have to respect the decision he makes. A young player who has given everything, if he wants to try a different culture.Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Redknapp wants Liverpool to sort out Trent’s situation NOW“If I was in the dressing room, I would go, ‘I would love you to sign, but good luck’. If there is a chance to go to Real, how do you turn that down?”Carragher fired back: “If I was advising Trent, a lot of it is to do with the free transfer.“It is that feeling that you are leaving us for nothing, where is our money to replace you? I would say, sign a contract, have a decent buyout clause and if Real want to buy you in 12 months…”But Redknapp was unhappy with that statement, saying: “I think you’re being really, really unfair. You can’t turn around and tell him to sign a contract.“If he gets injured after signing a contract, then what happens? He has got an opportunity for a five-year deal or whatever at Real and try something different.“I have total respect for whatever it is he wants to do because he has given everything to Liverpool.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarragher ended the discussion by adding: “I am saying that Liverpool supporters, I am with them everyday on the streets of Liverpool and now how they feel.“It doesn’t matter if we agree with that.” More

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    Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse turns heads in daring outfit for Fury vs Usyk coverage as fans call her ‘stunning’

    SKY SPORTS presenter Anna Woolhouse has caught the attention of boxing fans with her superb outfit for the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight.Woolhouse is heading up Sky’s coverage of the blockbuster bout and sported an eye-catching outfit for the broadcast.Anna Woolhouse stunned with a bold outfit for the Fury vs Usyk fightCredit: INSTAGRAMWoolhouse was heading up Sky Sports’ coverage of the boutCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were loving her fashion choicesCredit: INSTAGRAMThe experienced presenter donned a sparkling black pantsuit, sharing a picture of her fashion choice with her followers on Instagram.Fans were quick to rush to the comments section and shower her with compliments.One wrote: “Looking absolutely fabulous as usual”.While another added: “Very smart and stylish Anna”. READ MORE IN BOXINGA third gushed: “You look amazing Anna”.And a fourth commented: “Best pundit in the game!! Outstanding”.Another fan on X, wrote: “Anna Woolhouse looking stunning for the boxing”.Woolhouse boasts over 175,000 followers on Instagram where she has built an army of loyal fans.Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: But it’s her presenting skills that are the most impressive thing.She will be front and centre for the Fury vs Usyk fight in Riyadh in what she described online as “the biggest fight of the year”.Boxing presenter Anna Woolhouse stuns in bold outfit as fans say she looks ‘sexy as hell’ Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchTAKE A PEEK INTO ANNA’S GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE…Anna has become a mainstay on Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She started working for Sky in 2012Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna covers a range of sports including darts, boxing and F1Credit: Instagram @woolyanna1She shares snaps from her life away from the TV cameras on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1Anna has 177,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She’s no stranger to the red carpetCredit: GettyAnna has covered some of boxing’s biggest boutsCredit: INSTAGRAM @woolyanna1She knows how to take a break after her hard work in front of cameraCredit: https://www.instagram.com/woolyanna1/ More

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    Who is on commentary for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: DAZN, TNT Sports and Sky Sports’ FULL panel

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are all set to face off TONIGHT in what is expected to be a spine-tingling heavyweight bout – so it’s only right that each commentary team has a panel full of experts!The Gypsy King will do everything he possibly can to get revenge in this super Saudi showdown.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchUsyk handed Fury his first-ever professional defeat earlier this year with a stunning split-decision win despite being taken to hospital immediately after with a suspected broken jaw.Ukrainian powerhouse Usyk also became the first heavyweight undisputed champion this CENTURY for his troubles.However, unlike last time, only three belts will be up for grabs as Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF title to allow mandatories to get their shot at winning it. But one thing that hasn’t changed from the previous contest is that THREE major broadcasters will be covering the fight, and SunSport can reveal who represents each platform.Read more on Fury vs Usyk 2Who is on commentary for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2?Tyson Fury’s huge rematch against TONIGHT Oleksandr Usyk will be shown live on DAZN, TNT Sports Box Office AND Sky Sports Box OfficeAnd each major broadcaster has their own commentary and presenting teams for the mouthwatering Riyadh rematch.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: DAZNMajor sporting broadcaster DAZN has confirmed that Kate Scott and Ade Oladipo will be lead presenters for the night.And they’ll be joined by Andy Lee and Eddie Hearn as guest pundits.Most read in BoxingIn the commentary booth will be Adam Smith, who is back calling his first major fight since leaving Sky Sports following his battle with cancer. Joining Smith will be ex-world champion boxers Barry Jones and Darren Barker. TNT SPORTS BOX OFFICELaura Woods misses out for a second successive time, so Becky Ives is the lead presenter once again.Woods was forced to watch from home earlier this year after suffering a freak accident on holiday.But it is a much more positive reason as to why she is not available this time round – the presenting guru is pregnant.Becky Ives will also have expert help from Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce.Darren Fletcher and Richie Woodall have been left in charge of commentary.SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICEEver-present Anna Woolhouse is presenting for Sky Sports.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe’ll have Johnny Nelson, Matt Christie and Dave Caldwell in the studio alongside her.What time are the ring-walks for Fury vs Usyk 2 and when does the fight start?Ring-walk times for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is scheduled for 10pm UK time/5pm ET.This means that Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s huge fight should get underway approximately 15 minutes later – 10:15pm UK time/5:15pm ET.However, timings could change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the allocated arena for this huge event and it can host around 26,000 spectators.The huge flight will be streamed on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT but alternatively, SunSport will LIVE blog the full card. More