HARRY KANE 'TURNS INTO MICKEY MOUSE'

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Harry Kane scored the winning goal as England beat Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the World Cup quarter-final, but the England captain was forced to end his BBC interview early

England hero Harry Kane was forced to cut short a post-match interview with the BBC after losing his voice following the rollercoaster 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico.

The England skipper netted what proved to be the decisive goal in a thrilling triumph over the tournament's co-hosts at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 10-man Three Lions secured their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to the victory. They are now set to face Norway on Saturday evening.

But in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, following celebrations with supporters, Kane participated in an interview with the BBC. However, it soon became clear that he had lost his voice, resulting in his responses sounding somewhat more high-pitched than usual and leaving everyone in stitches,

Kane admitted: "My voice has gone!" Coughing and clearing his throat, he said: "It was a crazy game... we had to fight haha, we had to find something, I've just been singing there, I can't really talk but..."

He continued: "All the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way."

As he brought the interview to an end, he said: "Incredible, unbelievable support, speechless, I can't even talk!" Before the BBC interviewer said: "Go and rest that voice Harry."

One fan joked: "90 mins at the Azteca Stadium and Harry Kane turned into Mickey Mouse!" A second said: "Harry Kane turns into Mickey Mouse after England's win over Mexico." A third laughed: "Harry Kane channels his inner Mickey Mouse!"

Meanwhile, back in the BBC studio, Kane's former team-mate, Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, couldn't contain his laughter. He said: "It's the best interview ever!"

England had overcome hostility, altitude and Jarell Quansah’s red card as Thomas Tuchel's side edged the contest. England started well 2,200 metres above sea level when the last-16 tie eventually got under way an hour late because of bad weather.

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace silenced the home supporters whose hopes would be revived by Julian Quinones before the break. Mexican belief grew further when right-back Quansah was sent off for a clumsy challenge early in the second half, only for Tuchel’s team to immediately respond through skipper Kane’s spot-kick when Anthony Gordon was brought down.

Raul Jimenez added a penalty of his own to increase English nerves, after Kane accidentally booted Brian Gutierrez in the box, yet the visitors showed defensive nous and togetherness to win on a wild night in Mexico City.

A date with Norway in Miami is the reward as England kept their quest for World Cup glory alive and helped avenge Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ on their return to the Azteca after 40 years.

- Amie Wilson and Neil Docking

GARY LINEKER QUITS BBC AND WILL NOT REPRESENT AT WORLD CUP AFTER ANTI-SEMITISM ROW

Gary Lineker is reportedly expected to announce he will leave the BBC on Monday.

His final show will be next Sunday's Match of the Day and he will not present the broadcaster's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lineker will depart the BBC earlier than scheduledCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The Sun reports Lineker will bring an early end to his BBC tenure via mutual agreement, days after he apologised for sharing a post which led to accusations of anti-semitism.

"It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career," a source told the publication.

Lineker came under fire for re-sharing a pro-Gaza video which likened supporters of Israel to rats.

The image of rats has historically been used as part of anti-semitic propaganda, including in Nazi Germany during the 1930s.

The post was soon deleted but not before it was widely viewed and sparked calls for the BBC to part ways with Lineker.

The 64-year-old issued an apology the following day and said: “On Instagram I re-posted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.

“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything anti-semitic. 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.”

Lineker's post on social media sparked major backlashCredit: Alamy

But Lineker has now taken the step of leaving his position earlier than scheduled.

A source told The Sun: “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.”

It was announced last October Lineker would depart flagship show Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Lineker was the highest earner among the BBC's presentersCredit: Getty

The former England international had presented the highlights show since 1999.

In the announcement, it was revealed Lineker would remain part of the BBC's football coverage for a further 18 months before cutting all ties with the broadcaster.

He had agreed a contract extension to stay on and present next season's FA Cup coverage along with the 2026 World Cup.

But that will be no longer following the expected announcement on Monday.

Lineker's future at the BBC was a hot topic earlier in the season given his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 64-year-old also commanded a salary more than £1.3million-a-year at the BBC, the broadcaster's highest declared salary for a presenter.

Lineker had previously come under fire for his social media usage.

In March last year, Lineker was briefly suspended from hosting Match of the Day after a Twitter post about the British government's asylum policy prompted a row about BBC presenters expressing political views on social media.

Lineker's fellow presenters and pundits, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, refused to appear on the show in solidarity with Lineker and it was reduced to a 20-minute highlights package, which contained no hosts, pundits or commentary.

The ex-Everton, Leicester, Barcelona and Tottenham star was reinstated to the programme just over a week later.

The 64-year-old replaced Des Lynam in the MOTD role in 1999 after moving into punditry and presenting following his playing career.

- Alex Conrad

WHY JAKE PAUL VS. MIKE TYSON VIEWERS WITH NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTIONS COULD STILL BE FINED £1,000

Jake Paul faces Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated showdown on Friday, but Netflix customers in the UK have been warned they could still face a huge fine for tuning into the fight

Adam Davis

Viewers planning to watch Jake Paul face Mike Tyson have been warned they may face a substantial fine, even if they have a Netflix subscription.

Tyson's first professional boxing bout since 2005 is set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000. In a unique situation for UK fans, the fight will not be available on pay-per-view through Sky Sports or TNT.

Instead, it will be accessible to all new and existing Netflix subscribers, allowing them to watch on various devices, including iPads, mobile phones, and televisions. However, the Daily Express reported those planning to tune in will still need to exercise caution after the BBC warned fans will still require a valid TV licence.

In a statement released earlier this year, the network reiterated its rules regarding streaming services, specifically mentioning UK residents using Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube to watch live programme coverage. And it's enough to put potential spectators on alert.

"A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer," read the statement. "Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries."

Those who risk watching the fight live without a TV licence could face a fine of up to £1,000. This comes despite the Government's promise in October to review the enforcement of licence-related penalties.

It remains uncertain how many viewers will subscribe to watch the bout, especially as organisers have reduced ticket prices in an attempt to fill the arena. According to Gametime, the lowest ticket price is now approximately £55, a decrease from £72 last week.

The cheapest seat was reportedly valued at around £103 in October. When the contest was initially planned for July, the best available price was more than £329.

That first date was postponed after Tyson, 58, experienced an ulcer flare-up on a plane. This sparked concerns about whether 'Iron Mike', who is 31 years older than his YouTuber opponent, was fit enough to return to the ring.

The fight is set for eight two-minute rounds, and knockouts are allowed. The pair participated in an open workout with fans on Tuesday, where the former undisputed heavyweight champion seemingly surprised spectators with his intense approach to the bags.

- Rosina Butcher

SACKED BBC PRESENTER

 

'I'M NOT HAPPY': JERMAINE JENAS SACKED BY BBC WHILE LIVE ON AIR AT talkSPORT

BBC

Former footballer Jermaine Jenas says he is "not happy" with his sacking from the BBC over claims of inappropriate behaviour.

The broadcaster earlier confirmed Jenas is "no longer part" of The One Show's "presenting line-up".

The news of Jenas's sacking broke as he started presenting a three-hour drive-time programme on talkSPORT radio with fellow former footballer Jermaine Pennant.

Jenas, 41, has also been dropped from his punditry and presenting duties on the BBC's flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day, as well as Match Of The Day 2 and Radio 5 Live.

BBC News reported his contract was terminated earlier this week due to alleged issues relating to workplace behaviour.

It also reported the termination followed allegations involving digital communications, such as texts, which were raised with the corporation a few weeks ago.

Speaking to a talkSPORT reporter on Thursday evening, Jenas said: "I can't really talk about it. As you can probably see, I'm not happy about it. But currently as it stands I'm going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.

"There's two sides... that's all I can say now."

He added: "I'm not happy about this situation. I'm going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now."

Jenas said he couldn't talk about the subjects of most questions asked by the radio station but agreed with the interviewer when the latter said: "I can see you're fuming."

The former footballer also declined to say whether he has begun legal proceedings.

In an email to employees, seen by Sky News, the BBC said: "I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC."

A spokesperson for talkSPORT said the station was "made aware of a breaking news story involving Jermaine Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot on talkSPORT Drive".

A statement added: "We made a decision - with Jermaine - that he should continue to present the show.

"Given the array of serious allegations being reported as the story continues to evolve, it's for Jermaine as a private individual to address them in the way he chooses.

"There are no plans for Jermaine to broadcast as a presenter on talkSPORT in the immediate future."

Jenas last presented The One Show in mid-July, and last appeared on Match Of The Day in May.

Jenas, who earned between £190,000 and £194,999 at the BBC for his work on the FA Cup, Match Of The Day and the World Cup in 2022/23, also works for TNT Sports.

His salary for presenting The One Show has not been made public as the show is made by BBC Studios, the BBC's commercial production company.

Jenas made his footballing debut aged 17 for Nottingham Forest and went on to play for Newcastle United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers during his career.

Jenas also made 21 appearances for England, scoring one goal.

The midfielder moved into punditry and presenting on the BBC and BT Sport after retiring from professional football in 2016.

The father-of-four joined The One Show in 2020 as a stand-in co-host following the departure of Matt Baker, and he was made a permanent fixture the following year.

His agency MC Saatchi also said it no longer represents him following the news of his sacking.

TNT Sports said it would not comment on Jenas's employment with the BBC but it is understood that he is not scheduled to appear on the platform's channels for a number of weeks.

Jenas was a co-commentator on the Ipswich v Liverpool match on TNT last Saturday as the Premier League returned.

It is believed that TNT Sports was unaware of the status of Jenas's employment with the BBC.

talkSPORT did not immediately respond to Sky's request for comment.

- Sky News 

ELITE UK SPORTSWOMEN SURVEY FINDS MAJORITY UNEASY WITH TRANSGENDER ATHLETES IN FEMALE CLASS

Reuters 

 An anonymous survey of elite British sportswomen has found more than 70% are uncomfortable with transgender athletes competing in the female class in sport, while 67% feel uncomfortable about speaking publicly on the issue.

The BBC survey was sent to 615 athletes, including "any applicable transgender athletes", in 28 sports and 143 responses were received.

Of the athletes who responded, 104 said they felt uncomfortable or very uncomfortable about transgender athletes competing in the female class in their sport. Eleven said they felt comfortable or very comfortable.

On speaking about the subject, 96 said they felt uncomfortable or very uncomfortable addressing it in public with some elaborating to the BBC their fears of abuse or being considered discriminatory.

Global governing bodies for cricket, cycling, athletics, swimming and chess have tightened their participation rules for transgender players in elite women's competitions over the last couple of years for reasons of fairness.

Some sporting bodies allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sport if they can show reduced levels of testosterone, as suggested in the 2015 guidelines issued by the influential International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Critics of transgender inclusion in women's sport say going through male puberty imbues athletes with a huge musculo-skeletal advantage that transition does not mitigate.

LGBT advocacy groups say excluding trans athletes amounts to discrimination and that not enough research has been done into the impact of transition on athletic performance.

A group of academics last week published a paper challenging the most recent IOC framework on the inclusion of transgender athletes in sport, saying it did not protect fairness for women nor align with scientific or medical evidence.

- Reuters 

EGYPT FOUGHT BACK TWICE TO DRAW 2-2 WITH GHANA AT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS AFTER A LIVELY SECOND HALF ON ABIDJAN

Getty

Egypt fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations after a lively second half in Abidjan.

Mohammed Kudus blasted in to put Ghana ahead in first-half stoppage time, a minute after Pharaohs captain Mohamed Salah was forced off through injury.

Omar Marmoush levelled but West Ham's Kudus quickly restored the Black Stars' lead with a deflected effort.

However, Mostafa Mohamed stabbed in to give Egypt their second point and leave Ghana winless after two Group B games.

There were late chances at either end to win it, with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori saving Emam Ashour's shot before Pharaohs keeper Mohamed El Shenawy failed to clear a corner which Iddrisu Baba could not divert goalwards.

Chris Hughton's Black Stars lost their opening game against Cape Verde and the four-time continental champions are on the brink of a second successive group-stage exit from the Afcon finals.

Cape Verde will secure top spot in Group B if the islanders beat Mozambique on Friday (14:00 GMT), with both Egypt and Ghana waiting to find out what they will require from the final round of games on Monday.

The 24-team format means three points may be enough to qualify as one of four best third-placed sides.

FRENCH OPEN: UKRAINIAN MARTA KOSTYUK BOOED AFTER AVOIDING ARYNA SABALENKA HANDSHAKE

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk said "people should be embarrassed" after she was booed off court following her first-round defeat by Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open.

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LIVERPOOL LEGEND JOHN BARNES ON BLUNDER BY BBC ON GARY LINEKER FREE SPEECH

 

EXPLAINED: WHY GARY LINEKER WAS SUSPENDED BY BBC?

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JURGEN KLOPP SHOCHED BY GARY LINEKER REMOVAL

 

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