Latest news with #MatchoftheDay
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Paolo Nutini calls for suspension of arms sales to Israel
The letter, first published last month and organised by Choose Love, has now been signed by more than 400 people, including former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and stars Dua Lipa and Benedict Cumberbatch. READ MORE: Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' pregnancy loss guidance It calls on the Prime Minister to 'use all available means' to ensure humanitarian aid gets into Gaza and 'make a commitment to the children of Gaza' that he would broker an 'immediate and permanent ceasefire'. Other public figures who have since signed the letter include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, author Michael Rosen and actors Florence Pugh and Stanley Tucci. Josie Naughton, CEO of Choose Love, said: 'Since we urged the Government to end its complicity in the horrors of Gaza, more people have added their voice to our call. 'We cannot be silent while children are being killed and families are being starved.' Following publication of the initial letter in May, Choose Love staged a vigil outside Parliament in which a number of signatories read out the names of 15,613 children killed in Gaza. In September, the UK Government suspended around 30 of 350 licences to Israel amid concerns the equipment would be used to breach international law in the country's brutal assault on Gaza. Last month, The National reported how the Labour Government has licensed exports of more military equipment to Israel in the final three months of 2024 than the Tories did for all of 2020-2023. Labour are being urged to impose a complete ban on arms sales to Israel, including on parts for the F-35 jet, which is used by Israel to bombard Gaza. READ MORE: David Lammy heads to US as Donald Trump considers whether to strike Iran However, the UK Government has previously insisted that halting the export of spare F-35 parts is not possible because the UK is part of a global supply chain, claiming it has no control over where the parts end up. Naughton added: 'The situation is changing by the second, but until the UK Government has halted all arms sales and licences to Israel, ensured that humanitarian aid can reach people starving inside Gaza and stopped the killing, they will not have done enough.' A UK Government spokesperson said: 'We strongly oppose the expansion of military operations in Gaza and call on the Israeli Government to cease its offensive and immediately allow for unfettered access to humanitarian aid. 'The denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law. 'Last year, we suspended export licences to Israel for items used in military operations in Gaza and continue to refuse licences for military goods that could be used by Israel in the current conflict. 'We urge all parties to urgently agree a ceasefire agreement and work towards a permanent and sustainable peace.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer speak out on Trent Alexander-Arnold – 'So what'
Trent Alexander-Arnold made the bold decision to conduct his Real Madrid presentation speech entirely in Spanish, dividing opinion among Liverpool fans and pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after being left astonished by his impressive Spanish during his Real Madrid unveiling. Shearer hit out at those criticising the defender for learning Spanish during his time at Liverpool, saying: 'So what?" Alexander-Arnold joined the La Liga giants for a total of £10million – an £8.4m fee plus his remaining wages – after deciding not to extend his contract with boyhood club Liverpool at the end of this season. A move to Madrid was reportedly in the pipeline since the latter stages of the campaign, which only became more evident during his unveiling as a new signing earlier this month. The England full-back stunned fans and media alike by fluently reeling off his entire presentation speech in Spanish, while many others in the past have simply said: 'Hala Madrid." His impressive Spanish speaking skills led to some frustration back on Merseyside, as some Reds supporters were led to believe he had been planning his Madrid move long before this summer and had purposely run down his contract. On the other hand, former Match of the Day presenter Lineker, who spent three seasons playing for Madrid's rivals Barcelona in Spain himself, was left impressed by Alexander-Arnold's speech. He discussed it on The Rest Is Football podcast with Shearer, Micah Richards and Alex Aljoe, saying: 'His Spanish was pretty good, wasn't it boys? 'Quick mention for him by the way. That was genuinely very, very good Spanish. There was pressure on him there as well. He certainly didn't look like he was reading it from some script. And even if he was reading it, his pronunciation was really good, wasn't it?' Spanish speaker Aljoe added: 'It was so good. I just want to defend him because I wrote on social media that I was really impressed and got so many comments below saying, 'Oh he's only been learning for the last five years.' 'But for him to stand up and speak in Spanish… Even speaking in English at one of those things is intimidating, Florentino Perez sat in front looking at you. But he was brilliant. It takes a lot to do that.' Shearer chimed in with: 'Even if he had been learning, so what?! Good for him if he was learning Spanish.' Lineker continued: 'Honestly, the way some people turned on him saying, 'It just shows you he was probably learning for a year or two because he knew he was going.' 'Well, maybe he did have some kind of career plan. That's okay! It's his life. It's his career. I was incredibly impressed. It takes a lot of effort, that.' Alexander-Arnold has since admitted that he had developed a base level of Spanish ahead of his move. He told the Real Madrid YouTube channel: 'The meetings and the tactical talks are all in Spanish so they take some getting used to. But in terms of day to day conversations, it's easy. 'I have a decent base level of Spanish so I can hold a decent conversation with the lads and likewise they have a very good understanding of English so it's easy to communicate.' The 26-year-old has been training under new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and could play his first game for Los Blancos against Al-Hilal on Wednesday evening at the Club World Cup. Real paid Liverpool around £8.4million up-front to allow Alexander-Arnold to represent them in the competition sooner than his contract expiry on June 30.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker issues special message on Rest Is Football after losing his wallet
Gary Lineker kicked off the most recent instalment of The Rest Is Football with a special shoutout to a London cabbie. The 64-year-old presenter and pundit left his wallet in the back of a black taxi around three months ago, fretting overnight as to whether or not to cancel his credit cards. However, much to Lineker's delight, the very next morning he went downstairs to see that his wallet had been returned through his letterbox. And speaking on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, alongside co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards plus guest Alex Aljoe, Lineker detailed the incident. He said: "Before we get into all the action though, and I'm going to ask you all how you're doing in just a sec, but I just need to do something quickly. About three months ago I left my wallet in the back of a black taxi and I thought overnight, left it and left it. "And then I thought, 'I'll wait until the morning before I cancel my cards.' And I woke up the next morning, came down the stairs and my wallet had been pushed through the letterbox. So that was, 'Yes! Thank you very much.' "So three months later my son George orders a taxi from home, and he comes outside. I see George out there and the taxi driver goes, 'Hey Gary, did you get your wallet back?' I went, 'It was you?!' "I said, 'I was trying to find out who it was on the history and all of that sort of stuff but I couldn't, I just wanted to say thank you.' [He was like], 'No, I don't want anything, I don't want anything!' "I said, 'Okay, well you're taking George now, let me give him something to give you a big tip with.' He went, 'No, absolutely not. All I want is a mention on The Rest Is Football.' So Jim, the Fulham fan, thank you very much indeed." Never one to miss a beat, Shearer replied: "What I would say to Jim is that he's seen more than we have because we've never seen your f***ing wallet." Laughter erupted from Richards and Aljoe before Lineker replied: "Very good form!" Lineker parted ways with the BBC after a tenure stretching back to when he took over hosting duties of Match of the Day in 1999 from Des Lynam. The former Leicester City star announced late last year that he would be stepping back from the flagship football highlights show but continuing to work with the BBC for their FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverage. However, plans changed last month when Lineker announced that he would cut ties with the broadcaster completely following upset caused on social media. Lineker shared a post on zionism online which included a rat emoji - something that is historically tied with anti-Semitism. And although he claims he did not see the illustration, and says that he would never have shared it should he have, he decided that it was the right time to step away from the BBC. He explained: "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
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga Munchetty & Charlie Stayt spiral & boss branded tyrannical
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BULLYING investigation has rocked the BBC's flagship morning show. It follows claims the atmosphere on BBC Breakfast has become toxic, with hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt falling out. 3 Hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty have fallen out, it is claimed Credit: PA 3 Tensions between between Charlie and Naga have been described as 'rife' Credit: BBC 3 Boss Richard Frediani proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award Credit: Getty And boss Richard Frediani has been accused of 'tyrannical' behaviour. A source said: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. 'But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture.' It is just the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros come under investigation and Match of the Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for inappropriate behaviour. Just a month ago, Frediani, known as Fredi, was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. But, away from the cameras, the source revealed all was not well, saying: 'Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. Source 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. "There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' Other presenters including Sally Nugent and John Kay are said to have been asked for their views. The show's deputy editor Liam Blyth has been conducting sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The sessions are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One of them led to a formal grievance last year. 'Believes he will be vindicated' Complainants alleged they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. It was investigated by the BBC and the woman's complaint was upheld. Another BBC insider defended Frediani, saying: 'Yes, he is a bit of perfectionist but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' It was also reported Naga and Charlie, who present from Thursdays to Saturdays, had fallen out. But in a recent interview Naga insisted they were 'good friends'. The BBC said it would not comment on HR issues. However another BBC insider added: 'The welfare of employees takes priority and the BBC's code of conduct sets out clear expectations.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga Munchetty & Charlie Stayt spiral & boss branded tyrannical
A BULLYING investigation has rocked the BBC's flagship morning show. It follows claims the atmosphere on BBC Breakfast has become toxic, with hosts Advertisement 3 Hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty have fallen out, it is claimed Credit: PA 3 Tensions between between Charlie and Naga have been described as 'rife' Credit: BBC 3 Boss Richard Frediani proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award Credit: Getty And boss Richard Frediani has been accused of 'tyrannical' behaviour. A source said: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. Advertisement 'But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture.' It is just the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw disgraced newsreader investigation and Match of the Day star Just a month ago, Frediani, known as Fredi, was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. But, away from the cameras, the source revealed all was not well, saying: 'Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy. 'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Advertisement Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. Source 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom. "There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' Advertisement Other presenters including The show's deputy editor Liam Blyth has been conducting sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review . The sessions are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One of them led to a formal grievance last year. 'Believes he will be vindicated' Complainants alleged they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a bin. Advertisement In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. It was investigated by the BBC and the woman's complaint was upheld. Another BBC insider defended Frediani, saying: 'Yes, he is a bit of perfectionist but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' It was also reported Naga and Charlie, who present from Thursdays to Saturdays, had fallen out. But in a recent interview Naga insisted they were 'good friends'. The BBC said it would not comment on HR issues. Advertisement However another BBC insider added: 'The welfare of employees takes priority and the BBC's code of conduct sets out clear expectations.'
