Latest news with #Spursy
Wales Online
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gareth Bale replaces Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports after memorable Europa League jibe
Gareth Bale replaces Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports after memorable Europa League jibe Gareth Bale has been announced as a new pundit for TNT Sports, replacing Rio Ferdinand on the broadcaster's Premier League coverage after the Manchester United legend's departure Gareth Bale is to replace Rio Ferdinand at TNT Sports New TNT Sports pundit Gareth Bale once delivered a witty jibe at Manchester United that seemed to unsettle Rio Ferdinand. This moment of jest occurred during TNT Sports' broadcast of Tottenham's triumph over United in the Europa League final in May and has gained more attention since Bale succeeded Ferdinand as a pundit on the channel's Premier League panel. At Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium, Tottenham celebrated ending their 17-year wait for silverware with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a stroke of luck for Brennan Johnson's goal. Bale, a two-time PFA Player of the Year with Spurs, was analysing the game and took the opportunity to tease United. Bale responded to a Tottenham social media post mocking the term 'Spursy', traditionally used to describe the club's habit of stumbling in important matches. With a cheeky smile, he retorted: "It could be a Unitedy thing now, I'm telling you!" implying that Manchester United might now be branded with the stigma of failing at critical times. Ferdinand, a United great, appeared uncomfortable following Bale's comment. He is said to have muttered: 'Can we get off air now?' clearly not amused by the Welshman's playful dig. The interaction provided a humorous highlight for those watching and showcased the charm and sharp humour that likely made Bale an attractive choice for TNT Sports as the 36-year-old joins their team, reports the Mirror. Article continues below Gareth Bale enjoyed aiming a cheeky jibe at Rio Ferdinand after Spurs' Europa League final victory (Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) The broadcaster formally confirmed Bale's appointment on Monday, alongside four other fresh faces: former West Ham striker Michail Antonio, ex-Lionesses stars Fara Williams and Anita Asante, plus former Scotland women's player Jen Beattie. Bale stands out as the jewel in the crown, with the five-time Champions League winner from Wales bringing his world-class footballing credentials to the studio. His remarkable career - featuring a memorable eight-year stint at Real Madrid - two spells at Tottenham, and a crucial part in guiding Wales to the 2016 European Championship semi-finals - provides him with unparalleled authority. In contrast to Ferdinand, whose punditry frequently drew upon his defensive knowledge and Manchester United-focused viewpoint, Bale provides a wider perspective, informed by his time at elite clubs across different nations. His cheeky dig at United demonstrated he's willing to provoke debate, a quality that could endear him to viewers in the studio. Spurs' triumph and Bale's following analysis also underlined his lasting bond with the north London club. He commended then-boss Ange Postecoglou's approach, giving the Australian credit for securing silverware despite a disappointing Premier League campaign. The Real Madrid great posed alongside his former Wales team-mate Ben Davies after Spurs' victory (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.) Article continues below "I like the football he plays," Bale stated, though he playfully noted that Postecoglou "lacks a bit of a plan B." This honesty, combined with his innate charisma, indicates Bale will inject fresh energy into TNT Sports. Ferdinand has been a familiar face on TNT, providing analysis for Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches since 2015, when he joined the channel, then known as BT Sport. The 46-year-old opted to seek pastures new, focusing on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, along with his other business ventures. Meanwhile, Bale will join an impressive line-up of pundits still associated with the broadcaster, including his former Spurs colleague Peter Crouch, Chelsea legend Joe Cole, Liverpool stalwarts Michael Owen and Steve McManaman, and Scottish football icon Ally McCoist.
Daily Mirror
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bale's brutal dig that irritated Ferdinand before replacing him on TNT Sports
Gareth Bale made Rio Ferdinand feel uncomfortable before taking the Manchester United legend's job (Image: Getty Images) Gareth Bale has never been one to shy away from a bit of banter, and his cheeky swipe at Manchester United earlier this year left Rio Ferdinand visibly rattled. The incident, which took place during TNT Sports' coverage of Tottenham's win over United in the Europa League final back in May, has taken on new significance now that Bale has officially replaced Ferdinand as a pundit on the broadcaster's Premier League panel. Back in Bilbao's San Mames stadium, Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a fortuitous Brennan Johnson goal. Bale, who won the PFA Player of the Year twice while at Spurs, was on punditry duty and couldn't resist a dig at United's expense. Commenting on Tottenham's social media post poking fun at the term 'Spursy' - often used to describe their historical tendency to falter in big games - Bale flipped the script. "It could be a Unitedy thing now, I'm telling you!" he quipped with a grin, suggesting the Red Devils had inherited the unwanted label of underperforming in crucial moments. READ MORE: TNT Sports unveil line-up for new season with two huge names joining after Rio Ferdinand exit READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand issues three-word response after Man Utd make 'unrealistic' transfer move The remark left Ferdinand, a United icon, squirming. "Can we get off air now?" he reportedly muttered, clearly unimpressed by Bale's jab. The exchange was a light-hearted moment for viewers and offers a window into the charisma and quick wit that may have drawn TNT Sports to the 36-year-old. The broadcaster officially announced Bale's appointment on Monday, along with four other newcomers: ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio, former Lionesses Fara Williams and Anita Asante, and ex-Scotland women's ace Jen Beattie. Bale, pictured here with former Wales team-mate Ben Davies, couldn't resists taking a swipe at Man Utd following Tottenham's Europa League final win (Image: Getty Images) Bale sticks out as the cream of the crop, with the five-time Champions League-winning Welshman able to bring his global football pedigree to the studio. His illustrious career - which included a legendary eight-year spell at Real Madrid, two stints at Tottenham and a pivotal role in leading Wales to the 2016 Euros semi-finals - gives him unmatched credibility. Unlike Ferdinand, whose analysis often leaned on his defensive expertise and United-centric perspective, Bale offers a broader lens, shaped by his experiences across top clubs and different countries. His playful jab at United showed he's unafraid to stir the pot, a trait that could make him a fan favourite in the studio. Tottenham's victory and Bale's subsequent commentary also highlighted his enduring connection to the club. He praised then-manager Ange Postecoglou's tactics, crediting the Australian for delivering a trophy despite a shaky Premier League campaign. Bale has joined TNT Sports' punditry team full time (Image: Getty Images) "I like the football he plays," Bale said, though he cheekily added that Postecoglou "lacks a bit of a plan B." Such candidness, paired with his natural charm, suggests Bale will bring a fresh dynamic to TNT Sports. Ferdinand has been one of their most recognisable faces on TNT during Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches and has been an ever-present since joining in 2015 under the channel's previous name BT Sport. The 46-year-old said he wanted to experience a new chapter and focus on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, as well as his other business interests. Bale, meanwhile, will join a host of famous names still with the broadcaster, including his former Spurs team-mate Peter Crouch, Chelsea icon Joe Cole, Liverpool greats Michael Owen and Steve McManaman and Scottish legend Ally McCoist. 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.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Absolutely beautiful' hail fans as Shay Given left 'emotional' by daughter's tribute on ‘people who inspire you' day
SHAY GIVEN was left emotional after his daughter's paid tribute to him on "people who inspire you" day in school. The Republic of Advertisement 2 Shay Given revealed his daughter dressed up as him for school 2 He shared a photo of her to Instagram Credit: Instagram/no1shaygiven And in a moment that caught her dad off guard, she donned a jersey with 'Given 1' on the back, as well as a pair of goalkeeper gloves. He shared a photo of his daughter to The Donegal-native said: "An emotional morning for me today when my daughter came down dressed as me for 'people who inspire you' day at school " In the comments, fans were similarly blown away by the gesture. Advertisement Read More on Shay Given Aisling O'Reilly said: "Shay that's unreal 🥹🤍" A second follower posted: "Absolutely beautiful." while a third hailed: "Brilliant mate! An inspiration to more than just your daughter too!" A fourth commented: "Love this Shay, proud moment ☺️….Aryana saw this and now wants to be a keeper…." The former Toon goalkeeper was similarly emotional when he Advertisement Most read in Football In his final game in charge, engineered the North London side to their first major trophy in 17 years over an abject United. 'New Match of the Day host' Mark Chapman stunned by Shay Given's bizarre analysis on MOTD2 Speaking on Premier Sports, former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper He said: "You imagine how his head is right this second. Advertisement "Twenty six years as a manager, he hasn't fluked his way to winning a trophy in Europe . "He has been around the block. He's been all over the world managing, obviously in Glasgow. "He has come to London and the "Yes, it has been disappointing, there is no getting away from that. Advertisement "He won't shy away from that but he has got a European trophy for these Tottenham fans." 'LAUGHING STOCK' Among the thousands of Spurs fans celebrating a historic night will have been Shay's own brother who, Given revealed, is a lifelong Tottenham fan. Not only that, but the Donegal-native revealed that Spurs goalkeeper Given added: "They have been a laughing stock in terms of 'very Spursy', 'Tottenham will never win anything.' Advertisement "My brother is a Tottenham fan. My brother is in the middle of all of that actually. "Fraser Forster got me a ticket for my brother. "He has been a Tottenham fan all of his life. He will be in there and in tears. "It is a special night for him because he is usually the butt of the joke in the family group chat because they get a lot of grief, the Tottenham fans." Advertisement
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Year the Sporting Curse Ended: How South Africa, RCB, Tottenham Hotspur, and PSG broke their trophy droughts
The Year the Sporting Curse Ended: How South Africa, RCB, Tottenham Hotspur, and PSG broke their trophy droughts There are curses—and then there are decades-long emotional torture chambers disguised as sports fandoms. In 2025, four of the world's most tormented sets of supporters—Tottenham Hotspur romantics, South African cricket loyalists, PSG dreamers, and RCB devotees—finally tasted the rarest of flavours: victory after a generation of failure, heartbreak, and humiliation. This was no mere collection of wins—it was a collective spiritual cleansing. Each fan base had, in its own way, made peace with despair. Spurs fans could quote Sol Campbell's betrayal and Lasagne-gate with the fluency of scripture. South Africans had seen their golden generations crumble in ICC knockouts with existential regularity. PSG ultras endured more memes than medals, mocked for bottling Europe's biggest prize despite petro-billions. And RCB? RCB had become a punchline so popular it transcended cricket—'Ee Sala Cup Namde' becoming both slogan and satire. But in 2025, the gods of sport blinked. The underachievers became champions. And the hopeless dared to believe again. Tottenham Hotspur – When 'Spursy' Died in Bilbao On 21 May 2025, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1–0 in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao. Brennan Johnson's deflected strike in the 42nd minute was the sort of goal that normally happens to Spurs—not for them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 年最紓壓的農場遊戲！無需安裝 東加：島嶼農場 立即播放 Undo But this time, the footballing universe cracked open. It was their first major silverware in 17 years. Their first European trophy since 1984. And they had done it while finishing 17th in the Premier League. Ange Postecoglou, the relentlessly optimistic Aussie, engineered a European campaign that was equal parts desperation and defiance. Son Heung-min, now club captain and cult deity, summed it up with quiet satisfaction: 'Let's say I'm a legend.' The bottle jobs had finally bottled the right thing. South Africa – Test Cricket's Ultimate Redemption Story South Africa's sporting trauma is well-documented. From the '99 semi-final run-out to Duckworth-Lewis disasters, they have been cricket's perennial heartbreakers. But at Lord's in June 2025, they rewrote history. Aiden Markram scored 136. Kagiso Rabada ripped through Australia with 5 wickets. And Temba Bavuma, injured and unyielding, guided them to victory in the World Test Championship final. It was their first ICC title since 1998. But more than that—it was the moment the word 'chokers' was put to rest, not with a whimper, but with five days of clinical, purposeful cricket. Paris Saint-Germain – More Than Just Oil and Illusion For years, PSG were the bloated cartoon villain of European football. Too much money. Too little heart. Neymar rolled. Messi wandered. Mbappé ran. But in May 2025, they demolished Inter Milan 5–0 in the Champions League final. Not with galácticos, but with a coherent, hungry squad led by Désiré Doué and Senny Mayulu—homegrown talent replacing high-priced ego. Luis Enrique deserves credit for turning a vanity project into a functioning team. PSG weren't just winning—they were playing as if the badge finally meant something. This wasn't bought. This was built. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – The Joke That Became Justice RCB fans are made of tougher stuff than most. Since 2008, they've watched their side flirt with glory and fall apart like a Netflix series in its third season. The IPL trophy was always somewhere else—never in Bengaluru. Until 3 June 2025. Virat Kohli, after 18 years of being Indian cricket's lightning rod, lifted the trophy at last. RCB beat Punjab Kings in a nervy final, sealed by Krunal Pandya's tight death overs and a disciplined team performance. The viewership broke records—169 million watched RCB's pain finally pay off. For once, 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' was not a meme. It was fact. What Tied the Triumphs Together What ties these four unlikely triumphs together isn't luck—it's the slow, brutal process of rebuilding under pressure, mocked all the way. Each team had suffered for years, sometimes decades, with fan bases more familiar with memes than medals. But in 2025, they didn't just show up—they matured. Structural patience paid off: Spurs moved past their inferiority complex, South Africa stopped choking when it counted, PSG stopped buying stars and built a system, and RCB finally played like a team rather than a collection of YouTube highlights. These weren't flukes. They were the result of coherent leadership, balanced squads, and the rarest thing in sport—composure when it actually matters. Each of them rewrote their narrative in the one place their ghosts always emerged: the final. The Verdict 2025 was the year failure took a holiday. The year the memes were buried and the tears finally turned into beer showers. Spurs, South Africa, PSG, RCB—teams with cursed histories, mocked fan bases, and scarred legends—finally got their happy endings. Not because the universe owed them. But because they all, somehow, got their act together when it mattered most. And maybe, just maybe, hope is a better strategy than it gets credit for.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Spurs skipper Son gets what was missing as Tottenham see final error put right
Around 80,000 Manchester United and Spurs fans headed to Bilbao and police say there were just seven arrests as Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham won the Europa League and booked their place in next season's Champions League Tottenham's ecstatic players were spotted leaving their hotel on Thursday morning - their delight clear for all to see after securing Europa League glory in Bilbao. Captain Son Heung-min was smiling from ear to ear as he hopped onto the team coach before being whisked to the airport. And the Spurs skipper, who hoped finally bringing silverware to North London would make him a "legend" in the eyes of fans, finally had a medal around his neck after UEFA's final faux pas. Manager Ange Postecoglou was cheered by fans singing 'we're not Spursy anymore' as he left the hotel, with his long-term future at the club still in question. The team ended a 17-year trophy drought after beating Manchester United 1-0 in a scrappy game on Wednesday night. Winger Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game scrambled the ball home in the 42nd minute for the North London club. The win also secured Spurs a place in the Champions League next season - despite their dismal Premier League campaign which currently sees them sitting 17th in the table with just one game to go. A seat back at Europe's top table could be worth up to £100million in extra revenue. An estimated 80,000 supporters from both clubs had travelled to northern Spain, where the country's biggest match is Real Madrid v Barcelona, known worldwide as "El Clasico". But with United sitting 16th in the Premier League and Spurs one place below, cruel critics had dubbed this match "El-Crapico" due to both team's dire form. A final that was largely devoid of quality did little to make light of that narrative. Not that it mattered to Postecoglou, who kept up his record of winning a trophy in his second season. Postecoglou made headlines at the start of the season when he declared that he 'always wins things' in year two of a job – a feat achieved at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama, Celtic and Australia 's under-17, under-20 and senior sides. The bold remark came after a slow start to the Premier League campaign and has been regularly referenced since. Despite the huge numbers of English fans, police said they were mostly well behaved as just seven arrests were made. A spokesman for the Basque regional force, the Ertzaintza, said five of the detainees had already been released - but would be summoned to appear before a judge at a later date - and two remained in custody. They are expected to be allowed to leave later today. Just a handful of incidents marred what was otherwise a good-natured, but very boozy celebration, in Bilbao. Small kirmishes broke between Tottenham and United fans with one Brit filmed being pinned to the ground by police with batons and guns before being marched away in handcuffs. An Ertzaintza spokesman said they did not have to deal with any major incidents: 'We have made seven arrests linked to incidents arising from the Europa League final. All are foreigners but I can't confirm if they are all British. 'The arrests were for fighting, criminal damage, disobedience and assaulting a police officer.' At least three British nationals who had travelled to Bilbao for the game are said to have had expensive designer watches stolen from them. One was worth £42,000, another £33,000 and the third £21,000 according to local reports. The crimes have been linked to the 'state of drunkenness' the Brits were in. 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.
