Latest news with #Ex-England
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rio Ferdinand to leave TNT Sports as Man Utd icon confirms reasons for exit
Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he will leave TNT Sports after a decade with the broadcaster - and this weekend's Champions League final will be his final assignment as a pundit Rio Ferdinand is stepping down from his job with TNT Sports. The Manchester United legend has announced the Champions League final in Munich on Saturday will be his last after ten years with the broadcaster. Ferdinand says it his decision and he is parting on good terms but wants to spend more time with his family after years travelling doing Premier League games for BT Sport and now TNT. Ex-England defender Ferdinand also says 'stepping away' from the hectic schedule will allow him to work with his management firm New Era and his blossoming production company which makes podcasts and interviews. It is understood that Ferdinand and TNT Sports remain on very good terms and, with the broadcaster set to take over FA Cup rights next season, there may still be opportunities for him to come back as a special guest in the future. Ferdinand is a huge name and will be a big loss for TNT and they are likely to recruit again. Ex-Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was a big hit after his input in the Europa League final. It has been all change in TV after Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day on Sunday. Ferdinand said in a statement on social media: 'I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT sports after the Champions league final. Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sport and TNT Sports. 'I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success. To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals. 'The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever. I know I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. Lastly I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. They have supported me to travel all over Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. "For a football fan like me it's been a dream come true as I turn the page to the next chapter I carry with me countless memories. I'm excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests. I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Urgent warning after lad dies in viral 'rugby collision' challenge
Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, went "downhill" after a collision in a viral rugby game that is sweeping social media. It has sparked a wave of warnings for any youngsters who want to try it An urgent warning has been issued to British youths after a teenager in New Zealand died after taking part in a viral 'rugby collision' challenge. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, suffered what turned out to be a fatal head injury after playing a game which sees participants deliberately run into each other without protective gear. The 'run it straight' challenge has been shared widely on social media, and is even said to have been promoted by former professionals. But tragically Ryan's family were forced to turn off his life support. He had been rushed to hospital after friends said he started going "downhill", an never woke up again. Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed Ryan was playing the game when the devastating injury occurred. Inspector Grantham said: "This young man's death is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends. "While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity. "We would urge anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks." The tackling game has gone viral in recent months. During games, two players charge at each other on a 65-foot "battlefield" with no protective equipment or kid. Organisers even hail it as the "world's fiercest new combat sport". To win, players try to tackle their opponent and take a rugby ball their opponent is holding. According to the rules: "Victory belongs to the one who dominates the collision." Ex-England rugby player George Burgess, 33, won £9,000 after competing in a collision tournament in Australia. Burgess previously competed in the NRL for St George Illawarra three years ago and also won 15 caps for England between 2013 and 2018. He took on giant ex-winger, Nadolo, who weights around 136kg and stands at 195cm. The game has also been slammed by neuroscientist, Dr Helen Murray. She told the NZ Herald: "There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it. Professor Patria Hume added: "This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle. The science is clear, repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage."
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker named three biggest clubs in the world with Liverpool missing out
Ex-England striker and Premier League pundit Gary Lineker won't have had Liverpool supporters onside with his stance on who he believes are the biggest clubs in the world Gary Lineker controversially left Liverpool out of his list of the world's top three football clubs, instead naming Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United as the elite trio. The Reds have a long-standing rivalry with United and have had their hearts broken by Barcelona and Real Madrid on multiple occasions. Los Blancos have triumphed over Liverpool in two Champions League finals since 2018. Meanwhile, both Barcelona and Madrid have lured key players away from Anfield, including Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to arrive at the Bernabeu on a free transfer. Despite Liverpool boasting six major European titles – more than Barcelona's five and United's three – Lineker, believes all three sides are larger than Liverpool. While speaking to La Liga TV in 2023, he said: "I think in the world's big three football clubs, it's probably Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of stature. "We all know Real Madrid is a proper football club. I'm biased towards Barcelona [as a former player], we don't love Real Madrid in Barcelona to put it mildly. "But they are a sensational football club and an incredibly successful football club that play brilliant football." This weekend marks Lineker's final appearance presenting Match of the Day. Originally, he was set to bow out only from Premier League highlights duties, but continue with live FA Cup games next season and the 2026 World Cup, before walking away from the BBC. However, he announced he would leave the BBC after this weekend for good. He made the decision himself following a social media post he shared about Zionism, which included a rat emoji. On a video he posted online, he said: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. "Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology. "I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that. " Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. "As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-semitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Ex-England footie star, 42, banned from driving for speeding for FOURTH time
Scroll down for more on the footballer's previous bans dating back to 2008 ACE'S ROAD BAN Ex-England footie star, 42, banned from driving for speeding for FOURTH time Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe has been hit with a fourth driving ban for speeding. The ex-Premier League star, 42, was barred for a year after being clocked at 82mph in a 70mph zone last October. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Former England star Jermaine Defoe was barred from driving for a year after being clocked at 82mph in a 70mph zone last October Credit: Getty 2 The former Spurs and Sunderland striker was fined £660 plus £90 costs and a £266 victim surcharge Credit: Alamy Defoe, who played 57 times for England, was driving a Land Rover in Wormley, Herts, JPs in St Albans were told. His barrister said the ex-Spurs ace deserved credit for pleading guilty. Defoe, who was not in court, was fined £660 plus £90 costs and a £266 victim surcharge. He also got three points to add to the nine already on his licence. Defoe was previously banned from the road for six months in July 2008 for speeding. He received another six-month ban for the same offence the following year. He later admitted driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone in Portsmouth in May 2008. He was given an additional four points on his license. The star ended up in court again in October 2010 after being caught with a phone behind the wheel while driving in Loughton. He was handed three points - narrowly avoiding another ban - and fined £800. Defoe was then slapped with his third six-month ban two years ago when he was clocked doing 56mph in a 30mph zone in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire in December 2020.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gary Lineker officially QUITS BBC & won't front World Cup after shock anti-Semitism row & says ‘I'm sorry, unreservedly'
GARY Lineker has officially quit the BBC and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row. The former Leicester City and England striker, who has hosted Match of the Day for 26 years, said today: "I'm sorry, unreservedly." 7 Gary Lineker released a video statement on Instagram 7 Lineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBC Credit: Getty 7 It comes after an anti-semitism row with the post involved now deleted Credit: Splash Lineker will make his final appearance on the Beeb's flagship football show on Sunday. He said in a statement released at midday: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable. The Match of the Day host's early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism. Ex-England striker Gary, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat. He also released a video on his Instagram page in which he said: "I would like to say once again I am sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been diligent." The ex-Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City striker steps back after 26 years with the broadcaster, where he was its highest-paid presenter on £1.35million a year. His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses. He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business. 'No offence lads' - Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message Gary had been due to host the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup but his final bow will be on Sunday, we exclusively revealed. A source told The Sun previously: 'Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup. 'He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy. 'He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. "His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won't be back.' Those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely. They added: 'Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong. 'He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over. 'And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.' Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers. The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation. HATE ROW APOLOGY In a statement that day, Gary's agent said: 'Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. 'Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.' On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: 'On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. 'I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in. 'The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue. 'Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.' BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: 'The BBC's reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. 'And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.' Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC's 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup. He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC's impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out. In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government's asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany. His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis. 7 He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on Saturday Credit: Getty 7 A young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 7 Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for a whopping 26 years Credit: Getty
