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☆ An elite soccer player criticized Elon Musk as 'some crazy dude' after Twitter took away his blue checkmark
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Twitter removed the blue checkmarks on Thursday for all users who didn't subscribe to Twitter Blue. That included several of the English Premier League's elite soccer players, who hit back at Elon Musk. Elite soccer players from England's Premier League took aim at Elon Musk after their blue checkmarks were taken away on Thursday. Twitter Blue led to several trolls impersonating high-profile accounts, while those who've paid for the blue checkmark have been mocked. Meanwhile, Gary Lineker — a former England soccer player who now hosts the BBC's "Match of the Day" — said he had subscribed to Twitter Blue.

☆ Former Wales forward Robson-Kanu offers his services to Wrexham
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 19 (Reuters) - Former Wales forward Hal Robson-Kanu has offered to come out of retirement and play for Wrexham, the fifth tier club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with his salary donated to charity. Wrexham are four points clear of Notts County at the top of the National League with two games remaining after beating Yeovil Town 3-0 on Tuesday. "I’ll come out of retirement and come and play for @Wrexham_afc next season. I’ll also give my salary to the charity of the fans choosing," Robson-Kanu wrote in reply to an Instagram post by Reynolds after the Yeovil match. Robson-Kanu, now 33, was capped 46 times by Wales and scored a famous goal in a 3-1 win over Belgium in the 2016 European Championship quarter-finals.

☆ Ballance retires from all forms of game
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 19 (Reuters) - Former England batter Gary Ballance announced his retirement from cricket on Wednesday, four months after leaving Yorkshire following the racism scandal involving Azeem Rafiq. Yorkshire released Ballance from his contract in December after the 33-year-old Zimbabwe-born player spent a year on the sidelines to deal with mental health issues. Ballance admitted in 2021 to using racist language against former team mate Rafiq, whose allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire rocked English cricket. Ballance signed a two-year deal to play for Zimbabwe last year. "After much thought, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect," Ballance said in a statement released by the Professional Cricketers' Association.

☆ England's Houghton will keep 'knocking the door' for the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 9 (Reuters) - Former England captain Steph Houghton has said it has been tough to deal with her omission from the national team as she aims to reach this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Anything can happen so I just need to make sure I stay professional and I'm ready. Houghton featured in and scored at major events such as the 2012 Olympic Games, and the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. As another World Cup approaches, the Durham native feels ready to contribute to the success of Wiegman's team, who also just won the Finalissima against Brazil at Wembley. "I'm proud of all the girls and what they've achieved, but as a professional footballer you want to be playing in the best teams and tournaments and the World Cup is certainly that."

☆ Lineker wins appeal over 4.9 million pounds tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 28 (Reuters) - Sports presenter Gary Lineker won his appeal against Britain's tax authority (HMRC) on Tuesday over a bill that totalled 4.9 million pounds ($6.03 million). Lineker, who presents BBC's 'Match of the Day' and also worked on BT Sport's coverage, was pursued by the HMRC over taxes on income from both broadcasters from 2013-14 to 2017-18. The HMRC said he was an employee of both BBC and BT Sport at the time but a judge ruled the 62-year-old was a freelancer and had contracts with both broadcasters. "The effect of my conclusions is that because there were direct contracts, between the BBC and Mr Lineker and BT Sport and Mr Lineker, the intermediaries legislation (IR35) does not, and cannot as a matter of law, apply," Tribunal Judge Brooks said in a statement. "Accordingly, and notwithstanding GLM (Gary Lineker Media)being a partnership, that is the end of the matter and the appeal succeeds."

☆ Lineker off BBC's FA Cup coverage after losing his voice
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 19 (Reuters) - Gary Lineker will not be on the BBC for their FA Cup quarter-final coverage on Sunday because he has lost his voice, the corporation said, with Alex Scott taking his place. Lineker was struggling with his voice during live coverage of Manchester City's 6-0 thrashing of Burnley on Saturday and it did not improve. The 62-year-old presenter was set to be at Sunday's quarter-final between Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion and fourth-tier Grimsby Town. "I've been silenced... literally, by a nasty cold so, annoyingly, won't be working at Brighton this afternoon," Lineker wrote on Twitter. loadingThe former England captain had returned to host BBC's soccer show coverage a week after his suspension for criticising government immigration policy caused a row over the broadcaster's impartiality rules.

☆ BBC soccer commentator Lineker returns after suspension for criticising government
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Former England football captain Gary Lineker returned to host the BBC's flagship soccer show on Saturday, a week after his suspension for criticising government immigration policy caused a row over the broadcaster's impartiality rules. loadingBBC managers reversed their decision to suspend Lineker, the broadcaster's highest-paid presenter, after his colleagues refused to work in solidarity last weekend, forcing it to air soccer matches without normal commentary. So it's good to get back to some sort of normality and be talking about football again," Shearer said. After reinstating Lineker, the BBC said it would review how its impartiality guidelines applied to freelance presenters' use of social media. Interior minister Suella Braverman has described these arrivals as an "invasion" and is seeking to deport thousands of migrants to Rwanda.

☆ Britain's BBC battles mutiny in its sports department after social media clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Hannah Ward-Glenton | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gary Lineker's tweets and the BBC's response caused public backlash and a weekend of disrupted sports programing as fellow presenters walked out in protest. LONDON — The BBC, Britain's public service broadcaster, is trying to navigate itself out of crisis mode following a mutiny within its sports department regarding social media usage. The BBC suspended Lineker, who is employed by the broadcaster on a freelance basis, on Friday. "We consider [Lineker's] recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines," a BBC statement read. The BBC's response led to walkouts among Lineker's colleagues, which disrupted sports programing across Saturday and Sunday.

☆ Lineker row grows as another BBC soccer presenter pulls out
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Other presenters have also pulled out of BBC appearances after former England soccer captain Lineker, who presents the flagship "Match of the Day" soccer highlights programme, was taken off air by the BBC on Friday. Jason Mohammad, who presents the BBC's "Final Score", also said on Saturday that he has pulled out of his programme. "As you know, Final Score is a TV show very close to my heart," Mohammad wrote on Twitter. Presenter Kelly Sommers, who has appeared on a number of BBC shows, wrote on Twitter on Saturday: "just to confirm I won't be on BBC television today." The BBC said that neither "Football Focus" nor "Final Score" would air on Saturday.

LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - Former England soccer captain Gary Lineker will step back from his role at the BBC following his criticism of the country's migration policy that has sparked a furious row between the government and the corporation's highest paid presenter. Lineker recently likened the government's language on asylum seekers to that used by Germany in the 1930s. Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for more than 20 years and the charismatic 62-year-old has never been afraid to voice his opinions about political issues. The BBC said it considered Lineker's recent social media activity to be a breach of its guidelines. Reporting by James Davey; writing by Kate Holton; editing by Muvija MOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The row overshadowed a migration deal struck between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the BBC accused of bowing to political pressure. "Gary Lineker off air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure," the opposition Labour party said, calling for the BBC to re-think its decision. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Individual cases are a matter for the BBC." MOTD commentator Steve Wilson later tweeted that the show's commentators had also pulled out from Saturday's broadcast, leaving BBC management reliant on World Feed commentary. But the BBC said it considered his recent social media activity to be a breach of its guidelines.

☆ Reaction to Lineker being pulled from presenting by the BBC
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But the decision to take Gary Lineker off air is indefensible. LABOUR PARTY LEADER KEIR STARMER"The BBC is not acting impartially by caving in to Tory MPs who are complaining about Gary Lineker." FORMER LABOUR LEADER JEREMY CORBYN"Well done Gary Lineker for standing up for refugees. FORMER CULTURE SECRETARY NADINE DORRIES"News that Gary Lineker has been stood down for investigation is welcome and shows BBC are serious about impartiality." "The perception out there is going to be that Gary Lineker, a much-loved television presenter, was taken off air after government pressure on a particular issue."

☆ Britain denies plan to expel asylum seekers breaks law
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Andrew Macaskill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We are confident that we are complying with the law, domestic and international," she told the BBC. Under the government's plans, almost all asylum seekers who reach Britain in small boats will be detained without bail before they are deported to their home country or, if this is not safe, another destination such as Rwanda. They will also lose the right to challenge their deportation while in Britain, and once deported will be automatically banned from returning. Last year, a record 45,000 people came to Britain in small boats across the Channel, mainly from France. If everyone who arrived in small boats last year were detained, this would be equal to about half of Britain's total prison population.

☆ BBC's Lineker refuses to budge in conflict of ideals over refugees
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

As the BBC's highest-paid employee, Lineker is the face of its sports coverage. Although the corporation has strict impartiality guidelines, that has not stopped Lineker from airing his views on Twitter where he has over 8.7 million followers. "I have never known such love and support in my life than I'm getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). Lineker played 80 times for his country and his four goals at the 1990 World Cup despite being unwell propelled England to the semi-finals. Midway through the 2015-16 campaign, Lineker went viral on social media when he promised to present Match of the Day wearing just his underwear if his former club Leicester went on to win the Premier League title.

☆ UK commentator John Motson dies aged 77
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton vs Crystal Palace - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - February 10, 2018 Commentator John Motson leaves after the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File PhotoLONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - British soccer commentator John Motson has died aged 77, his family announced in a statement on Thursday. "It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday)," said a statement from Motson's family. "Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died," former England striker and current Match of the Day commentator Gary Lineker said on Twitter. Motson joined the BBC on a full-time basis as a sports presenter on Radio 2 in 1968, having been at BBC Radio Sheffield beforehand. John Motson was an ever present fixture in so many of our lives.

☆ Yorkshire admit four charges after investigation into racism claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 7 (Reuters) - Yorkshire County Cricket Club has admitted liability to four amended charges including a failure to address and take adequate action against racist and discriminatory language, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday. Yorkshire and a number of individuals were charged by the ECB in June after an investigation into racism claims made by former player Azeem Rafiq, who alleged in 2021 that he had been a victim of institutional racism at the club. Ballance has previously apologised to Rafiq in person for using racist language. Both Yorkshire and Ballance will not be required to attend a hearing in London following the acceptance of the charges. "Today's announcement is an important step forward for Yorkshire County Cricket Club as part of its journey to learn from the past," Yorkshire chairman Kamlesh Patel said in a statement.

☆ Everton name former Burnley boss Dyche as new manager
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LIVERPOOL, England, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Everton have named former Burnley boss Sean Dyche as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025, replacing Frank Lampard, the Premier League club announced on Monday. "It's an honour to become Everton manager. My staff and I are ready and eager to help get this great club back on track," Dyche said in a statement. He was the longest-serving English top flight manager when he was relieved of his duties as Burnley headed towards relegation last season. Dyche had previously coached Watford for one season in 2011-12 before joining Burnley.

☆ Struggling Everton sack manager Lampard - reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Carabao Cup Second Round - Fleetwood Town v Everton - Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood, Britain - August 23, 2022 Everton manager Frank Lampard before the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed SykesJan 23 (Reuters) - Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard, British media reported on Monday, after a poor run of form that has left the Premier League club in a relegation battle. Lampard was appointed by Everton in January 2022 after he managed Chelsea from 2019-2021 and Derby County in the second tier in 2018-19. The 44-year-old was sacked as Chelsea manager in January 2021, having returned to the west London club where he holds the goalscoring record. He took over at Everton after the Merseyside club parted ways with Rafa Benitez, continuing the managerial revolving door at a club struggling to revive former glories. Everton next host leaders Arsenal on Feb. 4 followed by the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on Feb. 13.

☆ 'All-time classic': Former players blown away by thrilling World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 19 (Reuters) - Former players came together in acclaiming the World Cup final in Qatar as one of the best ever after Argentina beat France on penalties following a pulsating 3-3 draw. Messi, in his 26th World Cup match at his fifth tournament, was finally able to get his hands on the elusive trophy and match his predecessor Diego Maradona. "For our country, we will see a picture of Maradona and Messi, two of the greatest players of all time with the World Cup trophy," former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta told the BBC. If you've watched Lionel Messi play live you are truly blessed," the ex-England international Neville told ITV. Neville added that Argentina's win would inspire a new generation of players, pointing to his own experience of watching Maradona play at the 1986 World Cup.

☆ England manager Southgate to stay on until Euro 2024
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 18 (Reuters) - England manager Gareth Southgate has decided to stay on and lead the campaign for the 2024 European Championship, the Football Association (FA) said on Sunday. "We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign," FA CEO Mark Bullingham said in a statement. Southgate, who previously coached England's under-21s, was appointed manager in 2016 after Sam Allardyce's sacking. His tenure began during a difficult period for England, coming in the aftermath of their shock Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland. Some adverse fan reaction then had upset him and his players, though they were widely praised for their World Cup campaign, performing impressively and losing narrowly 2-1 to France with a missed penalty by captain Harry Kane.

☆ Andrew Flintoff hospitalized after accident during 'Top Gear' filming
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

London CNN —Former England cricket captain Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has been hospitalized after an accident during filming of the popular motoring show “Top Gear.”The incident occurred at the Dunsfold Aerodrome track in Surrey, southern England, which features regularly in the BBC show. “Freddie was injured in an accident at the Top Gear test track yesterday morning – with crew medics attending the scene immediately,” a BBC spokesperson told CNN on Wednesday. Flintoff is not the first “Top Gear” host to be injured during filming. In 2006, Richard Hammond nearly died after losing control of a Vampire dragster that he had been driving at speeds of up to 288 miles per hour. In 2017, he was hospitalized after the electric supercar he was driving crashed and burst into flames.

☆ Kylian Mbappé is reaching speeds of 22 miles per hour at the World Cup. Can anyone stop him?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Ahead of its World Cup quarterfinal against France, England has a problem to solve. But the 23-year-old has showcased more than just clinical finishing at the World Cup, terrorizing opponents with his phenomenal speed and ability to get behind the defensive line. “I do understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him,” Walker told reporters this week. It will be an intriguing encounter at the Al Bayt Stadium, pitting two of the World Cup highest-scoring teams against each other. I’m sure he’s going to be the best midfielder in the world.”With some of the best players of the tournament going toe-to-toe, this quarterfinal has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.

☆ Kylian Mbappé continues record-setting pace in France’s World Cup round of 16 victory
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The team booked its ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Poland. But, the star of the show on Sunday was Kylian Mbappé, who continued his record-setting pace with an emphatic double. France's Olivier Giroud celebrates with Kylian Mbappé after scoring the opening goal against Poland at the 2022 World Cup. Having helped secure the nation’s second World Cup title in 2018 as a 19-year-old, he is continuing his domination four years later. Both Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo have eight World Cup goals to their names.

☆ Bellingham has gone to another level, says Southgate
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - England manager Gareth Southgate already knew Jude Bellingham was something special but even he has been surprised at how the 19-year-old has taken the World Cup by the scruff of the neck. After his goalscoring World Cup debut against Iran two weeks ago, Bellingham drove England into the quarter-finals with a commanding display in Sunday's 3-0 win over Senegal. In the last five months that has gone to another level," Southgate said of the Borussia Dortmund player, who is reported to be a 100 million pounds ($123.41 million) target for Liverpool. England team mate Phil Foden, 22, who set up two goals on Sunday, predicted Bellingham would become the best midfielder in the world. England were struggling to contain Senegal in the first half but Bellingham suddenly seized control of the match, and his first-half statistics said it all.

☆ England cruises past Senegal 3-0 to reach World Cup quarterfinals as Harry Kane makes Three Lions history
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —England reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for a second tournament in a row thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Senegal. Kane’s goal was his 11th for England at a major tournament, the most by any Three Lions player in history. The Lions of Teranga stepped it up once again against England and were undoubtedly the best team of the opening half an hour. Carl Recine/ReutersWith the last kick of the half, England doubled its lead and put one foot into the quarterfinals. The result was put beyond any doubt a little over 10 minutes into the second half, as Saka’s cute finish capped off another wonderful England move.

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