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Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ella Toone breaks down in tears as Lionesses star receives message from teammate's dad ahead of Euro 2025
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ELLA TOONE broke down in tears after receiving a heartfelt message from the dad of England teammate Alessia Russo. Both players are preparing to turn out for the Lionesses this summer as Sarina Wiegman's team look to defend their Euro crown. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Ella Toone was left in tears after receiving a heartfelt message Credit: X/BBCMOTD 4 The England ace was emotional as her late father Nick was fondly remembered Credit: X/BBCMOTD England start their campaign next month against France before further tricky group tests against the Netherlands and Wales. Russo and Toone will both be hoping to make a major impact, with the latter netting in England's 2022 final win over Germany. But the Manchester United star has been forced to endure heartbreak this season after dad Nick Toone passed away in September He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after the Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GAME STOPPED Club World Cup clash suspended as fans and commentators told to 'get inside' And Nick sadly died three days before his 60th birthday, with Toone recently revealing she 'didn't properly grieve' his passing. But ahead of this summer's continental competition, Toone was left in tears as the father of England teammate and Arsenal star Russo paid tribute to Nick. Mario Russo appeared on his daughter's podcast, which she co-hosts with Toone. And as Mario hailed Nick, Arsenal ace Toone immediately became emotional. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS He said: 'As this is a Toone and Russo podcast, it's only right that I should also say that Nick, Ella's dad, was one of my best friends in football. 'We met many years ago when the girls were playing at England youth together and we were fortunate enough to travel around Europe watching them play. England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after THREE withdrawals 4 Alessia Russo's father Mario paid tribute to Toone's dad Credit: X/BBCMOTD 4 Both Toone and Russo were left in tears after Credit: X/BBCMOTD 'Which culminated in Nick and I having to spend many hours in some, quite frankly, dodgy establishments, mulling over every minute of every game that we watched our daughters play. 'I've got some fantastic memories of those times. I know that Nick's values and the qualities that he taught Ella will hold her in good stead and guide her through her career and off the pitch as well. 'And I know that Nick's watching from above and he's sorely missed by everybody that knew him.' Teary-eyed Toone was all smiles as she responded: 'Oh my god, now I am crying. 'Nice one Mario, this is meant to be a fun pod, now we're all crying. It was all good until then. That's so nice, bless him.' Fans were quick to react to the heartwarming incident, with one saying: 'Love that.' Another declared: 'Aww, that was pure emotion.' One added: 'An example of a real man.'
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ella Toone breaks down in tears as Lionesses star receives message from teammate's dad ahead of Euro 2025
ELLA TOONE broke down in tears after receiving a heartfelt message from the dad of England teammate Alessia Russo. Both players are preparing to turn out for the Lionesses this summer as Sarina Wiegman's team look to defend their Euro crown. Advertisement 4 Ella Toone was left in tears after receiving a heartfelt message Credit: X/BBCMOTD 4 The England ace was emotional as her late father Nick was fondly remembered Credit: X/BBCMOTD England start their campaign next month against France before further tricky group tests against the Netherlands and Wales. Russo and Toone will both be hoping to make a major impact, with the latter netting in England's 2022 final win over Germany. But the He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after the Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And Nick sadly died three days before his 60th birthday, with Toone recently revealing she 'didn't properly grieve' his passing. But ahead of this summer's continental competition, Toone was left in tears as the father of England teammate and Mario Russo appeared on his daughter's podcast, which she co-hosts with Toone. And as Mario hailed Nick, Arsenal ace Toone immediately became emotional. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS He said: 'As this is a Toone and Russo podcast, it's only right that I should also say that Nick, Ella's dad, was one of my best friends in football. 'We met many years ago when the girls were playing at England youth together and we were fortunate enough to travel around Europe watching them play. England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after THREE withdrawals 4 Alessia Russo's father Mario paid tribute to Toone's dad Credit: X/BBCMOTD Advertisement 4 Both Toone and Russo were left in tears after Credit: X/BBCMOTD 'Which culminated in Nick and I having to spend many hours in some, quite frankly, dodgy establishments, mulling over every minute of every game that we watched our daughters play. 'I've got some fantastic memories of those times. I know that Nick's values and the qualities that he taught Ella will hold her in good stead and guide her through her career and off the pitch as well. 'And I know that Nick's watching from above and he's sorely missed by everybody that knew him.' Advertisement Teary-eyed Toone was all smiles as she responded: 'Oh my god, now I am crying. 'Nice one Mario, this is meant to be a fun pod, now we're all crying. It was all good until then. That's so nice, bless him.' Fans were quick to react to the heartwarming incident, with one saying: 'Love that.' Another declared: 'Aww, that was pure emotion.' Advertisement One added: 'An example of a real man.'
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's colleague sends Match of the Day goodbye message after final show
Gary Lineker finally said goodbye to Match of the Day, but not long after the ex-Tottenham star's farewell, one of his BBC colleagues also had their own message Not long after Gary Lineker said farewell to Match of the Day, BBC commentator Guy Mowbray send his thanks to the departing star and issued his own "goodbye" message – until the summer. After the Premier League season came to an end, Lineker, while holding back the tears, bowed out of the iconic Premier League highlights programme. He did so after presenting the flagship show for more than 25 years. But barely 24 hours after the ex-Tottenham Hotspur star left the show for good, Mowbray, who has worked for the BBC since 2004, had a message for his own social media fanbase. However, the experienced commentator, who has also been narrating the BBC's Champions League highlights programme this year, will only be away from Match of the Day screens until the start of next season. Thanking Lineker on X, he wrote: "Time to say goodbye (until August) Thanks Gary. Thanks to the whole @BBCMOTD team for another incredible end of season montage that worked on every level. Nobody does it better. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer." Mowbray, who is a commentator rather than a pundit who worked alongside Lineker, stood by the now ex-MOTD host two years ago amid the former Leicester striker's brief suspension from BBC duties. In March 2023, Mowbray was among those who boycotted the show after Lineker was stood down by the Beeb for one episode, following his criticism of the Conservative party's asylum policy. When a similar demonstration was going to take place for Match of the Day 2 the following day – after the previous days' boycott of the main show – Mowbray acted as a spokesperson for other colleagues. He wrote: "Update: As yesterday, there will be no 'normal' MOTD(2) programme tonight. "The scheduled commentary team are in full agreement with our BBC Sport colleagues. We hope that a resolution can be found ASAP." Around 18 months later, Lineker decided to step down from his position after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included a picture of a rat, which he later deleted and apologised for. Lineker was going to continue presenting live FA Cup coverage for the BBC as well as that of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, before stepping down. However, he chose to walk away at the end of this campaign, bringing his 26-year career with the BBC to an earlier than anticipated end. In his final Match of the Day monologue, Lineker said: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you've made my job so much easier. "Also, a huge thank you to those you don't see at home: the work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors, to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs, thank you all, you're the very best. "Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous. I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly for when they sit in this chair - the programme is in the best of hands. "And my final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all of your love and support over the years. It's been so special - and I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye. Goodbye." 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.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lineker delivers emotional farewell as MOTD era ends at the BBC
There are farewells, and then there are reckonings. Gary Lineker's final appearance on Match of the Day felt like a reluctant blend of both, a parting scripted not just by personal reflection but by political backlash, institutional caution, and the inevitable pressure of public scrutiny. It wasn't supposed to end like this, but then nothing at the BBC quite does anymore. Gary Lineker says goodbye to #MOTD after 25 years. — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 25, 2025 After more than 25 years as the defining voice of the BBC's Premier League coverage, Lineker bid goodbye to his role with a wry quip and a heavy heart. 'It wasn't meant to end this way,' he said, opening his final show. 'But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.' Except, of course, the subtext was about far more than football. It was about tone, timing and a misjudged social media post that collided with the long-brewing culture wars that have increasingly engulfed British public life — and which ultimately cost one of the country's most recognisable broadcasters his seat at the heart of its sporting tradition. Lineker's last appearance on MOTD was a mix of poignancy and performative farewell. The BBC, in a gesture both generous and polished, rolled out a farewell montage that stitched together highlights from his 26-year tenure. Messages poured in — Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Pep Guardiola, Virgil van Dijk, even Andrea Bocelli — in a tribute that managed to be moving without ever entirely masking the discomfort that preceded it. 'I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair,' Lineker said of his successors — Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates. 'The programme is in the best of hands.' Joined by Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker ended with familiar humour and humble appreciation: 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It has been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It has been utterly joyous.' He was handed a MOTD cap, a golden boot and a standing ovation. But beneath the warmth lingered the unmistakable awkwardness of a departure shaped by digital outrage and institutional risk aversion. It is worth revisiting the moment that prompted this final act. On 13 May, Lineker reposted an Instagram video from a group called Palestine Lobby, captioned 'Zionism explained in two minutes'. It also included a cartoonish image of a rat — a symbol with undeniable antisemitic connotations. Lineker later deleted the post and issued an unreserved apology. 'I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic,' he said. 'It goes against everything I believe in.' He added: 'It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.' But the storm had already formed. The Campaign Against Antisemitism called his position 'untenable' and launched a petition for his dismissal. Figures from across the political spectrum weighed in. The BBC — already battered from previous Lineker controversies — quickly moved from planning to retain him for FA Cup and World Cup coverage, to letting him go entirely. As Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, noted: 'Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.' What remains striking in this whole affair is the BBC's delicate dance between impartiality and integrity, between freedom of expression and the demands of public neutrality. Lineker has long been more than a football presenter. He has been a political voice, a humanitarian commentator, and at times, an avatar for the BBC's internal contradiction — outspoken, popular and uncomfortable. His previous run-in with the broadcaster in 2023, when he compared the government's immigration rhetoric to 1930s Germany, had already tested the limits of what was permissible for a public figure on a public salary. Then, he was suspended and reinstated amid backlash. This time, the red lines were crossed more definitively. And yet, as Lineker said: 'Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember — both on the pitch and in the studio.' His affection for the game and its culture never waned. But this latest controversy exposed a deep tension between those personal convictions and a media environment increasingly allergic to ambiguity. Lineker's exit should still be noted for what it symbolised. He changed how football was talked about on television — smart, sharp, unafraid to laugh, but also serious when needed. He was a bridge between generations, between dressing rooms and studio lights. At a time when the sport became hyper-commercialised, Lineker's presence retained a kind of levity and sincerity that grounded Match of the Day in something recognisable. His departure ends an era, not just of broadcasting, but of how sport sits within culture. MOTD will carry on, but the voice that once linked Shearer's analysis with a joke about zonal marking is gone. And with it, perhaps, a small part of the BBC's soul too. Lineker's final message was one of grace, reflection and, in spite of it all, accountability: 'I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years… Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.'
The Journal
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Gary Lineker fights back tears as he signs off from Match of the Day for final time
The 42 GARY LINEKER FOUGHT back tears as he hosted Match of the Day for the final time and brought his BBC career to an end on Sunday evening. The former England striker stepped down from presenting duties at the corporation after the airing of the highlights programme on the final day of the Premier League season. The 64-year-old had long intended Sunday's show to be his last Match of the Day but he was planning to stay on to front the BBC's live coverage of the FA Cup and 2026 World Cup. Gary Lineker says goodbye to #MOTD after 25 years. — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 25, 2025 He announced last Monday he was bringing forward his departure following a social media row in which he shared a post about Zionism featuring a depiction of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic trope. Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter and host of Match of the Day since 1999, apologised unreservedly for the post but said it was 'best for all concerned' if he left completely. He appeared to allude to this as he opened Sunday's programme, which featured the final games in the race for top-five places in the Premier League, with a joke at his own expense. Lineker said: 'It wasn't meant to end this way… but with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about about.' Gary Lineker's opening as he presents the BBC's Match of the Day programme for the final time after 25 years #MOTD — Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) May 25, 2025 The programme was preceded with a montage of Lineker's on-field footballing highlights, and an archive clip of him as a presenter saying 'the end of an era', before the regular opening credits. The show concluded with a lengthy tribute to Lineker's successful careers in both football and broadcasting, featuring punditry colleagues past and present including Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Alan Hansen and Ian Wright. Advertisement There were also comments from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Claudio Ranieri, who guided Lineker's hometown Leicester to Premier League glory in 2016 – prompting Lineker to deliver on a promise to present the show in his underpants. Paul Gascoigne, Alan Smith and Peter Shilton were among the former team-mates to feature, as well as members of his family. Lineker was teary after the tribute, but composed himself to wrap up the programme by thanking team members involved in the 'iconic show', describing them as 'the very best'. He said: 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. 'It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous.' He went on to say his Match of the Day replacements Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will share presenting duties from next season, will ensure 'the programme is in the best of hands'. There was also a congratulatory message during the programme from Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whom Lineker interviewed about his side's title success. Lineker moved into the media after a playing career that included stints at Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham. He also scored 48 goals in 80 appearances for England. As well as football, he also hosted coverage of other major sporting events including the 2012 London Olympics. In March 2023 he was temporarily suspended from BBC duties amid an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government's new asylum policy. The latest controversy brought renewed pressure on his position and he decided to leave the BBC completely after Sunday's Match of the Day. Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
