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    Match of the Day plunged into meltdown as hosts stage mutiny after BBC pull Gary Lineker off air over Nazi tweet row

    MATCH of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight after the BBC yanked Gary Lineker off air over the Nazi tweet row — plunging the flagship show into chaos.Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
    Pals said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his willCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
    The walkout has left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as the favourite to step inCredit: BBC
    The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
    Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
    On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
    But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
    READ MORE ON MOTD MUTINY
    It left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as favourite to step in.
    The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return.
    Tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
    He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
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    A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
    “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
    “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
    “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
    “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
    “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
    “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
    The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
    The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
    That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
    Jermaine Jenas confirmed he would not stand inCredit: PA
    Micah Richards has also ruled himself out of stepping in to cover LinekerCredit: Getty
    Alex Scott is another high-profile presenter showing solidarity with LinekerCredit: Getty
    Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
    Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
    Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
    And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
    Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
    Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
    Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
    “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on political issues or political controversies.”
    A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
    Linker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the show
    “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
    Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
    PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
     Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
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    “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.”  More

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    Ex-Prem ace banned from driving despite claiming it might cost him chance of life-saving transplant

    FORMER England star Kieron Dyer has been banned from driving — despite claiming it might cost him the chance of a life-saving transplant.The 44-year-old, who was fourth on I’m A Celebrity in 2015, admitted taking a phone call while at the wheel of his Audi.
    Kieron Dyer has been banned from driving — despite claiming it might cost him the chance of a life-saving transplantCredit: Rex
    But he argued in court he would face exceptional hardship if stripped of his licence under the totting-up points procedure.
    The former Newcastle United and Ipswich Town midfielder, who won 33 England caps, has a chronic liver disease.
    He told the court he needed to be able to get to hospital within two hours if a donor organ became available.
    Magistrates in Ipswich expressed sympathy but said he could afford taxis.
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    They banned Dyer, who lives in the town, for six months, along with a fine and costs totalling £836. More

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    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie furious with Becky Vardy after Man City star’s flashing shame telling pals she ‘despises’ her

    ENGLAND ace Kyle Walker’s flashing shame has sparked an astonishing bust-up between his wife Annie and fellow Wag Becky Vardy.Becky hit out on social media yesterday, with pals saying of Annie, 30: “She’s always disliked Becky but now she despises her and doesn’t care who knows it.”
    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie, 30, is at war with fellow Wag Becky VardyCredit: Xposure
    The social media bust-up between Vardy, 41, and Annie comes following Walker’s flashing shameCredit: Splash
    On Sunday, drunken Walker flashed and flirted with two women pals in a barCredit: Getty
    Annie was called a “doormat” by Becky as the rival Wags’ social media row erupted into war.
    Pals said Annie was furious at her rival for “dragging her name through the dirt” amid the England and Man City star’s flashing shame.
    They added: “Annie has kept a dignified silence but Becky mocking her as a ‘victim’ has made her see red.”
    On Sunday — the day drunken Walker flashed and flirted with two women pals in a bar — Becky, 41, posted on Instagram: “The gift that keeps on giving.”
    READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
    Becky strongly denied the post had anything to do with Walker or Annie.
    But a new post on her Instagram in which she defended herself, Becky stirred up fresh anger from her rival.
    Becky wrote: “Waking up this morning to my name being associated with another delightful story in yet another opportunity to attack me.
    “Funny though isn’t it that it’s my name she wants to use rather than the people actually laughing at her for being a doormat.
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    “Art of deflection to a T. Great at playing the victim is our Annie.
    “I think she needs to focus with what’s going on in her own life instead of trying to attack me by bringing me into her drama.
    “Believe me, had it been about her I would have tagged her. She’s obsessed . . . 
    “I’m literally tired of being nice to people with short memories.
    “I’ve stayed silent while she’s bashed me in the media, made up lies about me in her little community like a group of playground bullies. Just leave me alone.”
    Becky added a note: “Tried to tag her but she’s blocked me.”
    Her post was accompanied by the sound of Michael Jackson hit Smooth Criminal which repeats the lyric: “Annie, are you okay?”
    Those close to Annie said she was angry at Becky’s dressing down.
    A source said: “Annie is furious that someone like Becky has had the audacity to run her down in public like this. She has kept a dignified silence throughout and now Becky has come out swinging.
    “Calling Annie a ‘doormat’ and the rest of her vitriol is the straw that has broken the camel’s back.
    The same day, Becky posted on Instagram: ‘The gift that keeps on giving’
    The moment Walker exposes himself in the bar
    Becky strongly denies her initial post was about Annie or Walker but she stirred fresh anger in a new post in which she defended herselfCredit: Instagram
    “After Annie was dragged into the Wagatha Christie legal case, she hoped she would never be in Becky’s auras ever again but now this has happened. 
    “She thinks Becky is just using her attention because, as Annie says, Becky thrives off the limelight.”
    However, those on Becky’s side say she feels she’s been unfairly caught up into a row.
    An insider said: “Becky is astounded she’s been dragged into this. She won’t be wasting her breath on this ridiculous narrative which she firmly believes has been created by Annie to garner sympathy.
    “As far as Becky is concerned she has been wrongly named again and thinks it is completely unfair.”
    It is understood Becky says she was not herself accusing Annie of being a “doormat”.
    Annie, who is pals with Coleen Rooney, was dragged into the Wagatha libel trial between Coleen and Becky last year.
    Becky said Annie was behind a posed photo of the Wags at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. She told the High Court in London that Annie had been behind the idea.
    At the time Annie did not comment publicly and remained seemingly impartial to the drama.
    The Sun told this week how CCTV footage showed £150,000-a-week defender Walker dropping his tracksuit bottoms and exposing himself at Revolution bar in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on Sunday evening.
    A woman with him shrieked and pointed at the player, who was in full view of other drinkers.
    Video also showed Walker pawing at, and kissing a woman.
    The swaying City star was seen boozing and dirty dancing in the bar before leaving in a minibus after settling the £250 bill.
    Annie, mum to their three boys, later blasted her husband as a “d**k” after learning of his antics.
    Police spoke to Revolution staff on Wednesday and took away video of the star’s 90-minute visit to the bar with the women and male pals. They are investigating whether any offence has been committed.
    City have refused to address the scandal publicly, insisting his behaviour was a personal matter. He was at training on Wednesday.
    Domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid has criticised him, saying: “Whether done to shock, for a so-called laugh, or to intimidate, for those affected by indecent exposure there can be long-term effects, upset and trauma.
    “It can give the person exposing themselves a sense of power in the situation.
    “And if there are no repercussions, it possibly gives them the confidence to see what they can get away with next time.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Last year Becky lost her Wagatha Christie claim for substantial damages from Coleen, who had accused her of leaking “false” private Instagram stories to the media without permission.
    Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that Becky and her agent “deliberately deleted or destroyed evidence” in a bid to cover their tracks ahead of the legal battle which left Becky with a £3million bill.
    A source close to Annie said: ‘She’s always disliked Becky but now she despises her and doesn’t care who knows it’Credit: Rex Features
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video
    The footie star pictured here leaning in for snog with the woman, not his wife
    He also grinds up against a female friend in full view of the bar
    Grinning and swaying Walker again tries to get touchy-feely More

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    Ronaldo’s saucy partner Georgina Rodriguez shows off stunning figure ahead of new Netflix series

    GEORGINA Rodriguez gives an insight into her wild side ahead of her new Netflix series.The model, partner of Cristiano Ronaldo, wore a pink, animal print bikini in a new photoshoot.
    Stunning Georgina Rodriguez wore a pink, animal print bikini in a new photoshoot
    The second series of Georgina’s show, Soy Georgina, will follow their new life together in the Middle East
    Georgina, 28, moved to the UAE from Manchester with Ronaldo after he was sacked from Manchester United and signed a £177million deal with Saudi football club Al Nassr.
    She has been dating Georgia, Ronaldo, 38, since 2017, and the second series of the show will follow their new life together.
    Ronaldo’s debut season in Saudi Arabia has seen the Portuguese mega-star net 7 goals in his last 8 games.
    Just four days after his 38th birthday, Ronaldo scored twice in each half to help Al Nassr defeat Al Wehda 4-0 in a Saudi Pro League game.
    READ MORE ON RONALDO
    Ronaldo shares two children with girlfriend Georgina and has a brood of five in total. 
    The Manchester United stars eldest is 12-year-old son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr – who has already starred for his father’s club at youth level.
    In June 2017, Ronaldo then welcomed twins – Eva and Mateo – into the world after a surrogate mother allegedly gave birth to them in the United States.
    A month later, Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together.
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    When asked by Spanish news outlet El Mundo whether the player was “happy” to have another child on the way, he replied: “Yes, very much.”
    In 2017, Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together More

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    Police launch flashing inquiry into Kyle Walker & seize CCTV of his drunken antics

    POLICE yesterday began a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle Walker and seized CCTV footage of his drunken antics.The married ace, 32, was at Man City training — but club bosses cancelled talks over a contract extension.
    Police have launched a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle WalkerCredit: Getty
    Cops seized CCTV footage of Walker’s drunken antics
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video
    Two officers spoke to bar staff in Cheshire and could interview the £150,000-a-week star under caution for indecent exposure, which carries a maximum two-year jail term.
    Walker could also be quizzed for outraging public decency, a common law offence that carries an unlimited fine and jail term.
    To prove their case police would need to demonstrate that two or more people were nearby when the “lewd, obscene or disgusting” act was committed.
    They do not necessarily need to have seen it, so long as there was potential for offence.
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    Cheshire Police last night said inquiries were at an early stage and that no arrests had been made.
    Walker, who has three sons with model wife Annie, was due to hold talks today in a bid to extend his City contract beyond June 2024.
    But bosses cancelled the meeting with immediate effect.
    A source said the player appeared more concerned that the investigation would derail a deal than the threat of court.
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    They added: “His reaction sums him up perfectly.
    “He appears to be not concerned about the embarrassment this has caused his family, the club and their fans. What he appears really worried about is whether this will damage his chances of a contract extension.
    “That’s the problem right there. It demonstrates a complete contempt for what he’s done and the rules the rest of us have to abide by.”
    Police spoke to staff at Revolution in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which Walker, two women plus male friends visited from 5.20pm to 7pm on Sunday.
    Other clips showed him pawing at one of the women and snogging her.
    City refused to address the scandal publicly yesterday, insisting his behaviour was a personal matter.
    They said privately that Walker had not broken any club rules — despite footage clearly showing him exposing himself.
    Women’s Aid, which campaigns against domestic abuse, said: “Indecent exposure is a serious issue, and those who expose themselves purposely in a public place will be seeing what they can get away with.
    “If employers, including football clubs, do not take it seriously, it sends out a clear message about what is acceptable behaviour.”
    Loyal wife Annie has had to put up with Walker cheating on her with other womenCredit: BackGrid
    Cops leave Revolution bar in Wilmslow, CheshireCredit: Zenpix
    Walker at training with Man City yesterdayCredit: Twitter – @footballdaily More

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    My husband Kyle Walker is a d*** after being caught flashing at woman in bar, says long-suffering wife Annie

    KYLE Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie was yesterday fuming over his flashing shame — and told pals: “He’s a d***.”Loyal Annie, 30, was left in the dark by the England and Manchester City footballer until The Sun broke the story.
    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie was fuming over his flashing CCTV clips — and told pals: ‘He’s a d***’Credit: BackGrid
    The long-suffering wife has stood by the player through heartbreaking sex scandals but is now said to be considering her futureCredit: Getty
    CCTV grabs show the moment Walker exposed himself in the bar
    She has stood by the player through heartbreaking sex scandals but is now said to be considering her future.
    A source said: “Annie knew what she signed up for when she married him.
    “She’s terrified of a police investigation and if that happened she would surely feel like she had to chuck him out. At the moment that hasn’t happened.
    “She’s worried about what others will be saying and thinking about her, and is mortified for their kids.
    READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
    “Kyle has assured Annie that City have it in hand and all will be fine. But it’s yet another humiliation for them all.”
    The couple secretly wed at Mottram Hall, Cheshire, in November 2021 despite him admitting fathering a child with model and influencer Lauryn Goodman.
    And in 2019, Ex on the Beach star Laura Brown claimed she and Walker romped in his Bentley.
    Another source said: “Annie brushed off his infidelities before but back then vowed to take half of everything if he f***ed up again.
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    “She also wanted him to get counselling because he goes off the rails when he’s had a drink. He’s quiet and placid most of the time but hits the self-destruct button when he’s drunk.”
    In the wake of Walker’s latest downfall Annie posted a cryptic message on Instagram before deleting it.
    It read: “There comes a time when you have to stop crossing oceans for people who wouldn’t jump puddles for you.
    “You’ll end up really disappointed if you think people will do for you as you do for them. Not everyone has the same heart as you.”
    In another message, posted on Monday — the night after his antics — she wrote: “I think it’s important to remember that no matter how good you are to people, it won’t make them good to you.”
    Fans sent messages of support. But Annie was left fuming after Wag Becky Vardy appeared to make fun of her turmoil.
    Becky wrote on Instagram: “The gift that keeps on ­giving.”
    She followed it with laughing emojis before adding: “That’s a little embarrassing.”
    The pair have been at loggerheads since Becky dragged her into the Wagatha Christie libel battle.
    Becky accused Annie of being behind a posed-up snap of the Wags during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
    Becky told London’s High Court it was Annie’s idea to line up for paps on the steps of a St Petersburg restaurant.
    The image sparked fury within the England camp who suspected details of the low-key dinner date had been leaked to paparazzi by one of the group.
    A source said yesterday: “Annie is livid that Becky has got involved yet again with something that has nothing to do with her.
    “Becky is taking a pop at Annie because of Wagatha.
    “It’s really unkind. Annie never got involved in Wagatha.
    “She never posted memes relating to Becky’s car-crash evidence in the battle with Coleen Rooney. Annie was respectful throughout, didn’t say anything and left it alone.
    Read More on The Sun
    “If only Becky could have shown her the same level of respect.”

    Additional reporting by: Sarah Ridley

    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video
    The footie star is pictured here leaning in for snog with the woman, not his wife More

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    Girls will all get the chance to play football at school under Rishi Sunak’s drive to breed next generation of Lionesses

    GIRLS will all get the chance to play football at school under Rishi Sunak’s drive to breed the next generation of Lionesses.New government standards will tell teachers to offer female pupils the same sports as boys.
    Rishi Sunak is supporting the move to offer football lessons to girls in schoolsCredit: Rex
    A curriculum shake-up will also encourage schools to increase PE lessons to a minimum two hours each week.
    The Saints-supporting PM said: “Last year the Lionesses’ victory changed the game.
    “Young girls know when they take to the pitch that football is for them and, thanks to the Lionesses, they too could be a part of the next generation to bring it home for their country.”
    England women’s captain Leah Williamson added: “The success of the summer has inspired so many young girls to pursue their passion for football.
    read more on football
    “We see it as our responsibility to open the doors for them to do so and this announcement makes that possible. This is the legacy that we want to live much longer than us as a team.”
    It follows the Let Girls Play joint campaign by the Lionesses and the FA following their Euros 22 triumph.
    Schools will be told that where it is wanted they must offer girls the same activities as boys – also including rugby and cricket – in lessons and after-school clubs.
    Ministers also want teachers to ring fence at least two hours a week for sports, although they cannot dictate how much of the curriculum it takes up.
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    But Education Secretary Gillian Keegan insists it would be “great for both physical and mental health” as well as teamwork.
    A £600million pot of previously announced money will be used to help heads lay on sports over the next two years.
    A further £57million funding will be used for schools to keep their pitches open after lessons for pupils to use More

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    Genius moment West Ham fans order booze to be delivered to their TRAIN when supplies run dry

    THIRSTY West Ham fans on their way to a match ordered booze to be delivered to their train when supplies ran dry.The supporters placed an order through Uber Eats from their carriage when the service was delayed.
    Jordan ­Sullivan arranged to collect the cache of ciders when the train stopped on the way to Brighton away
    The lad’s scheme almost came unstuck because the delivery driver was waiting on the wrong platform
    Mastermind Jordan ­Sullivan arranged to collect the cache of Strongbow cider when the train stopped at Three Bridges station in Crawley, West Sussex, on its way to Brighton.
    His scheme almost came unstuck because the delivery driver was waiting for the train on the wrong platform.
    Despite the confusion, Jordan managed to run over to pick up the order before racing back and jumping on the train moments before it pulled away.
    His pal, Daniel, filmed the successful mission carried out after a signalling failure held up the matchday service.
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    The delay meant the Hammers fans necked their first load of booze well before Brighton.
    The hangover came later when they watched the Hammers clobbered 4-0 by the Seagulls in the Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
    Daniel said of the booze-to-train plan: “It was the only highlight of our day.
    “It was probably a good thing we’d had a few before the game because it was a tough watch.
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    “Thing was, it nearly all went wrong because the bloke was on the wrong platform.” More