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      Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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      SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      Fans can’t believe their eyes as WWE legend The Undertaker unveils Serie A minnows’ kit in ‘greatest collab ever’

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      WWE legend The Undertaker has amazed football fans after he unveiled a historic new kit for Genoa.The Serie A outfit revealed an all-new black third kit, the first in the club’s 131-year history.The Undertaker stunned fans as he helped to launch Genoa’s all-new black kitCredit: Instagram @genoacfcIt features a gold trim and is part of the club’s ‘Golden Dark Side of Genoa’ campaignCredit: Instagram @genoacfcThis new kit features the usual sponsor symbols and club crest woven in gold on a black background, also complete with a golden trim.Genoa teased the kit at noon on Tuesday by releasing a video on their social media pages. The video featured a panning high shot of the city paired with the unmistakable theme music of The Undertaker. The video then switched to a view of a puddle, before a person in a black leather boot stepped through it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next shot saw the silhouette of a figure with an open crown design hat.The next chime of bells saw the camera swap to a close-up shot of the club’s crest.And then, three hours later, Genoa revealed a picture of The Undertaker posing in their new kit in all its glory while he rocked a black bandana.Follow-up images showed off the back and sleeves of the shirt, with the text on them keeping the gold trim seen on the front, while another showed The Undertaker doing a “cut-throat” pose.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a statement, Genoa said: “The entertainment, music, artists and sports genre is enriched with the wrestling champion Undertaker.”He is in the Olympus of ring legends in a beloved and transgenerational sport.”Fans absolutely love Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘fan boy moment’ as WWE legend The Undertaker makes shock Saudi appearanceReacting to the new kit, one social media user said: “Is Genoa trying to recruit me as a fan? I can feel it.”A second said: “No idea how this crossover happened but what a kit!”A third added: “A collaboration we didn’t know we needed.”Another said: “Things I never thought I really needed to see for 1000.”The Undertaker – real name Mark William Calaway – retired from wrestling in November 2020 but has made the odd cameo comeback appearance much to fan’s delight.It is not the first time he has collaborated with football either.The WWE icon left Cristiano Ronaldo starstruck as he made a shock appearance at a pre-season friendly between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.The Genoa kit is the latest in their “Golden Dark Side of Genoa” campaign, which began last December with Rita Ora as the face of a Golden kit launch for the club’s 130th anniversary.Genoa stands as the oldest existing club in Italian football and have nine championships to their name, but none since 1924.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey currently sit 17th in the Serie A, having won just two of their 12 matches in the league this season.Former Manchester City and Liverpool star Mario Balotelli signed for the club last month in a free transfer. More

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      Five potential new careers for Gary Lineker after quitting MOTD including politics and celebrity chef

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      GARY LINEKER’S decision to quit Match of the Day has sent speculation soaring over his next career move.The BBC’s best-paid presenter, 63, has fronted British football’s most famous highlights show for 25 years.Gary Lineker is looking for something new after MOTDCredit: BBCLineker’s rising interest in cooking included becoming ‘ Chef Gaz’ for fellow presenter Piers MorganCredit: Instagram/piersmorganLineker will step down as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the campaign, although he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season before hosting at the World Cup and then stepping down.He will take a pay cut and could focus on his interests outside of the BBC, namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is proving to be a hit.A BBC source told The Sun: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.“Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”However there are plenty of possible options for the England legend to pursue as his wry, relaxed manner has won millions of admirers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his willingness to speak out on controversial matters in recent years has divided opinion.All that, however, only makes Lineker even more marketable – in broadcasting and beyond.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The former Barcelona striker has also hinted at new interests, such as cooking.So what’s the £1.35million-a-year broadcaster got next in his pot?  Here we look at four potential options – with offers sure to flood in.POLITICSLineker has insisted he speaks out on “humanitarian issues” rather than making party-political comments. But he frequently irked the previous Conservative Government with several cutting social media posts.And he might appreciate the freedom to have a voice completely free from BBC guidelines for presenters.Lineker has often stirred national debate, most notably in March 2023 with comments on the UK’s asylum policy – a row which even forced a re-think of Beeb rules.He was briefly taken off air at the time, with fellow BBC commentators backing him by refusing to work.The corporation insist Lineker is “free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments”.But with the ex-Tottenham ace determined to use his large following “as a power for good,” is he ready to become a new type of frontman?CELEBRITY CHEFLineker has emerged as a kitchen connoisseur – after telling the Beeb in the spring he “only started cooking about eight years ago”.Lineker could put his feet up, but will he become a TV cook?Credit: Instagram/piersmorgan“Gambas al ajillo” – Spanish garlic shrimp, to you and me – is his speciality.Such is his devotion to learning, he even cooked “three or four meals a day” during the Covid lockdown “not to eat but to practise”.Piers Morgan labelled Lineker “Chef Gaz” after the MOTD star served what the celebrity Arsenal fan called a “quite delicious feast” in front of the cameras.And don’t forget the 48-goal ex-Three Lions’ marksman has a far better footballing pedigree than Britain’s best-known TV chef – Gordon Ramsay!The Scot briefly trialled for his dream club Rangers aged 15 – but a serious knee injury ruined his playing hopes.JOINING A RIVAL BROADCASTERRecruiting Lineker would certainly be a coup for ANY Beeb rival.The Daily Mail even claimed he approached ITV at one stage over the past two years to assess if they were interested in him.But there’s been little talk of a move from fellow broadcasters like Sky Sports or TNT Sports.And Lineker, whose MOTD contract expires at the end of the season, has regularly stated his strong backing for the BBC.HOSTING OWN TALKSHOWLineker appears to love the laidback style of The Rest is Football podcast – alongside MOTD team-mates Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.Lineker clearly enjoys his podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: YouTube/ The Rest Is FootballAnd his willingness to dip his oar into many issues means he’d be in demand for all sorts of shows.He also did longer, more in-depth interviews in front of cameras for the Beeb’s “Gary Lineker Meets” series.But the ex-Leicester City hero has so far not expressed much keenness to branch out into a wider talkshow format.REALITY STARTV bosses would lap up the chance to sign top-target Lineker to just about any show.The renowned presenter has previously been tipped to sign-up for BBC flagship show Strictly Come Dancing.When previously asked by judge Shirley Ballas on Sport Relief if he was keen, Lineker said: “Sorry, I’ve got a Saturday job.”But with his Saturday night’s now free for the first time in 25 years, Lineker is finally free to sign up.READ MORE SUN STORIESOr he could be offered to front up another show away from sport.He previously hosted ITV quiz show Sitting on a Fortune from 2021-2023.Lineker could be getting top marks on a new Saturday evening showCredit: BBC More

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      Fans say ‘game’s not gone’ as hilarious video emerges of sad-looking Barcelona fan surrounded by rivals doing the Poznan

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      FOOTIE fans have joked maybe “the games not gone” after a hilarious video emerged from Real Sociedad’s shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Live footage showed a deserted Barca fan stuck in the middle of Real Sociedad supporters doing the Poznan in the 33rd minute.Fans were overjoyed to see that the ‘games not gone’After one lonely but loyal Barcelona fan was hilariously caught in the middle of the PoznanSheraldo Becker’s first half match winning strike triggered utter euphoria in the stands at the Estadio Reale Arena.Eager fans were quick to whip out the Poznan – the famous celebration that involves the crowd standing with their backs to the pitch.Television cameras panned the thousands of home supporters linking shoulders side-by-side and jumping on the spot in unison. But one loyal Barcelona fan, who was caught in the middle of the link, refused to get involved.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSInstead, the young girl stood still, first staring on with a stern look on her face, before looking down to smile at her phone.And fans at home absolutely loved it, with one writing: “GAMES NOT GONE.”A second wrote: “This is hilarious. It’s like something out of a skit, especially the zooming out.”A third said: “Wow. What a perfect meme template.”Most read in FootballBarcelona suffered their second defeat of the seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother replied: “Every fans worst nightmare. She took it like a champ.”While one more wrote: “This is football cinema.”Awkward Matt O’Riley moment has fans convinced ‘he thinks he’s still at Celtic’The Poznan has made its way to the Premier League as well.Manchester City supporters often form into the crazy dance when Pep Guardiola’s men are dominating teams.City fans adopted the Poznan after copying the celebration during a Europa League clash with Polish side Lech Poznan in 2010.Several sides in Eastern Europe claimed to have founded the celebration but reports suggest it was indeed Lech Poznan.Its first use is thought to have been as a protest against club management while supporting the team.Meanwhile, Barca, who missed Lamine Yamal through injury, suffered their second LaLiga loss of the season.Hansi Flick’s lead has been cut to six points with chasing Real Madrid enjoying a game in hand. Man City fans did the Poznan during their huge win over Real Madrid two years agoWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd fans gush ‘he’s the one’ and compare Ruben Amorim to Sir Alex Ferguson after spotting how Sporting reign ended

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gushing after Ruben Amorim’s final game as Sporting Lisbon manager.The Portuguese gaffer official takes charge of the Red Devils today, replacing the recently-axed Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.Ruben Amorim’s reign as Sporting Lisbon manager almost ended in defeatCredit: APHis now former troops were on course to suffer a 2-1 defeat before an incredible turnaround late in the second halfCredit: AFPAmorim signed off with a stunning 4-2 winCredit: REUTERSManchester United fans likened Amorim’s Houdini act to a Fergie Time winCredit: GETTYAmorim bid an emotional farewell to Sporting on Sunday night after a late comeback United legend Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of.The Amorim era was set to end with a 2-1 defeat to Braga before his troops – his second-half subs in particular – performed an incredible 13-MINUTE turnaround.Sporting ran out 4-2 winners thanks to a wonder strike from Morten Hjulmand in the 81st minute and a late brace from Conrad Harder, who struck in the 89 and 94th minutes.Footage of Amorim’s Houdini act in his final game in charge of Sporting spread like wildfire on social media.READ MORE ON AMORIMAnd it further excited the Old Trafford faithful about his imminent arrival.One wrote on X: “Amorim got that Fergie Time juice. OT will love him.”Another said: “Comeback from Sporting after being 2-0 down away from home, Amorim has Fergie gene.”And another said: “Amorim’s got that Fergie time gene.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.One remarked: “Ruben Amorim has started winning games in Fergie Time.”And he requests not to be compared to the great man.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “It’s a battle you will not win, Ruben. Especially with this hyperbolic fanbase.”Another chimed in: “Amorim clinching his final win in Fergie time. How poetic. He’s the one!”Amorim, 39, was set to fly to Manchester today to begin his reign as United manager but reportedly has yet to acquire a work visa.Speaking after his side’s dramatic comeback, he said of his new job: “It’s going to be difficult, I’m not under any illusions.“I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult.”I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”Ruben Amorim bid an emotional farewell to Sporting LisbonCredit: AP More

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      Man Utd slammed for selling burnt pie at Old Trafford as sickened fans say ‘fitting for the season they’re having’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been used to half-baked performances this season.This time they got a performance at full heat on the pitch – but a burnt pie off it that was as dark as any display under Erik ten Hag.Supporters responded with scorching comments to this grim fareBruno Fernandes was the main man as Man Utd beat Leicester 3-0Credit: GettyOld Trafford supporters loved Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester, with Bruno Fernandes notching a goal and an assist.But they found one fan’s shocking picture of an overdone offering from the catering department too tough to chew. Perhaps United only “singe when they’re winning” – as the crusty calamity in the stands coincided with a tasty triumph out in the middle.And caretaker chief Ruud van Nistelrooy certainly got a rousing response at the end, after bowing out with three wins and a draw before incoming boss Ruben Amorim jets in this week.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBut United supporters were animated with anger rather than approval when seeing a snap of the BLACK-CRUSTED pie, which was sold for £4.80.Meanwhile, rival fans pounced on the chance to troll the Red Devils, who still sit just 13th in the Premier League.One said: “A bit like Ten Hag… well fired.”Another added: “Typical United. An overcooked, over priced mess.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third observer warmed to the theme with: “It’s fitting for the season they are having to be fair.”A fourth kept the insults sizzling by claiming: “Looks as good as their title chances this season.”Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureAnd a fifth fan maintained the culinary comparisons as he posted: “Burnt offerings, bit like what they serve up on the pitch.””Absolute shambles,” was a more blunt reaction from another supporter after the pie was spotlighted on Sports Scran, a social media site featuring the best and worst “cuisine” available for fans.It came after Ten Hag was toast following only four wins in 14 games, leading to Van Nistelrooy’s short and sweet stint in charge.Now Amorim will arrive from Sporting Lisbon hoping to give United fans something to savour after a raw deal for years.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Ipswich’s pink kit divides fans as some blast ‘Ed Sheeran disasterclass’ after pop star helped design third shirt

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      IPSWICH fans have been left divided as the club debuted its Ed Sheeran collaboration third kit.Before the season began, Town announced they would have a special third kit for the season designed with musician and Tractor Boys superfan Sheeran.Ipswich debuted their pink third kit for their trip to TottenhamCredit: ReutersIt was designed in collaboration with Ed Sheeran, who was in attendance at the gameCredit: Sky SportsThe kit finally saw the light of day as Ipswich paid a visit to Tottenham in the Premier League, with Sheeran in attendance in North London.However, the pink colour scheme inspired by “Suffolk Pink” left fans divided.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Ed Sheeran disasterclass.”A second said: “[It] Hurts my eyes.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “That Ipswich kit is so clean.”A fourth added: “That Ipswich kit is gorgeous.”A club statement when the kit was revealed in the summer said: “Inspired by ‘Suffolk Pink’, representing the iconic cottages scattered across the county, the new shirt features the silhouette of Framlingham Castle, made famous by Ed’s track ‘Castle on Hill’. “The Wolsey Gate, which inspired the turrets at the top of the Town crest, is also included in the design.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Ed Sheeran x Ipswich Town’ appears inside the neck whilst an Ipswich Town heart motif takes its place on the back of the shirt.”Soundwaves created from the cheer of the crowd as players run out of the tunnel also appear on the front of the shirt, along with a representation of the 60 miles of Suffolk coastline, running from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.”Inside the luxury hotel owned by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna’s familyBefore the Spurs game, Kieran McKenna’s side were winless in the Premier League, having racked up five wins and five defeats from the opening ten games.Two of those draws had come away from home. More

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      Non-league clash abandoned as stadium plunged into darkness and fans turn game into a CONCERT

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      A NON-LEAGUE clash was abandoned after darkness descended over the pitch.And fans took the opportunity to have a bit of fan and turn the game into a CONCERT.Gosport Borough FC enjoyed a mini concert after their game was abandonedIt came after a power cut occurred in the surrounding area of Gosport, HampshireIt came after Hampshire semi-professional side Gosport Borough experienced a power cut on Friday night at the AEI Stadium.Their match against Totton was abandoned with the visitors 2-0 up just before at half-time.In fact, the entire surrounding area of Gosport suffered the power cut as nearly 900 homes lost electricity. After initial confusion, the referee was forced to call off the rest of the game as players were ordered to get changed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the band from the Remembrance Day service began playing moments after the lights went out. Fans stayed behind in the November cold to sit in the stands and whipped out their phone torches to see each other.The sounds of trumpets and drums could be heard in the background of a video shared on Gosport’s team X account.The caption read: “Music playing, lights out. Phones are glowing around the stadium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSomehow this football game has turned into some sort of concert 🤣. Only in non-league 🤷‍♂️.”The heartwarming procession was there to honour Remembrance Sunday this weekend.My flat overlooks a Premier League stadium – men try to go on dates with me just to watch footballGosport play in the BetVictor Southern League Premier Division South.It’s the second time in as many months that Gosport have been forced to abandon a game after a blackout.But this time the initial talk of a floodlight failure was inaccurate.A statement from a local energy provider read: ” We’re aware of a power cut in the area shown, affecting 935 homes.”We have had reports of damage to our network. When this happens, the power will automatically turn off to keep everyone safe.” More