Stephen Killen

Gary Lineker briefly interrupted BBC Sport’s analysis of England’s 2-1 World Cup win over Norway, surprising the panel during their discussion of a reversed penalty decision. The cameo prompted light‑hearted reactions from Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney before coverage returned to match analysis. Lineker, who left the BBC after the 2024–25 season, is now working on a Netflix series linked to his football podcast. England advanced to the World Cup semi‑final against Argentina following Jude Bellingham’s decisive performance.

Argentina’s football federation reported a cyberattack allegedly carried out by Egyptian hackers who used compromised email accounts to send messages claiming Argentina’s World Cup win over Egypt resulted from corrupt refereeing. The federation issued an urgent statement urging journalists to ignore the messages while investigating the breach. The controversy followed Egypt’s complaints over key officiating decisions in their 3-2 defeat, while FIFA’s refereeing chief rejected allegations against the match officials.

Arthur Fery underwent a nose cauterisation procedure during his Wimbledon run to stop recurring nosebleeds that affected earlier matches. The treatment has helped him compete without issues as he advances to the semi-final against Alexander Zverev, who has complimented Fery’s performances and progress. The 23-year-old Briton remains confident heading into the toughest match of his campaign.

Kylian Mbappe publicly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for directing racist abuse at him following France’s World Cup victory over Paraguay. Amarilla posted multiple offensive messages after her country’s elimination, prompting Mbappe to denounce her comments as shameful and unrepresentative of Paraguay. The French Football Federation condemned the remarks as criminal and submitted the matter to prosecutors. Additional tensions surrounding the match included allegations of abuse toward Didier Deschamps and earlier racially charged comments by former goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert.

Cody Gakpo will continue playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup following the announcement that his unborn son, Elijah, died during pregnancy. Teammates and staff, including Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Koeman, expressed strong support for Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, noting the maturity with which the family has handled the tragedy. The Dutch squad had offered compassionate leave, but Gakpo chose to remain with the team and is available for the upcoming match against Morocco.

Stephen Eustaquio secured Canada’s place in the World Cup last 16 with a stoppage‑time goal against South Africa, dedicating the victory to his parents who passed away in recent years. The midfielder reflected emotionally on his family and the team’s belief heading into the knockout stages, where they will face Morocco or the Netherlands. Head coach Jesse Marsch praised the squad’s discipline, resilience and character, calling them Canadian heroes.

Wrexham begin their Championship season with a challenging run of fixtures, starting away to Welsh rivals Cardiff City on August 17. Their early schedule includes matches against relegated Premier League sides Burnley and West Ham, playoff contenders, and multiple derby clashes. The season’s closing weeks also feature a demanding sequence leading into a final-day home match against Bristol City. Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hope the team can improve on last season’s near miss and push for promotion.

France Pierron was suspended by L’Équipe after calling Jeremy Doku’s decision to leave Belgium’s World Cup squad for the birth of his child “disgusting.” Her comments prompted public criticism and an apology from both Pierron and the broadcaster. England striker Ollie Watkins defended Doku, emphasising the importance of being present for a first child’s birth. Belgium’s progress in the tournament could coincide with the due date in July.

A brief loss of broadcast picture during Scotland’s World Cup match against Haiti forced the BBC to issue an on‑air apology, with the disruption attributed to a global world‑feed fault. The interruption occurred after Scotland had taken the lead through John McGinn, following early chances for both sides and pressure from Haiti’s attack. Other Group C developments included Brazil’s draw with Morocco after a closely contested match in New York.

Gary Lineker publicly apologised to Frank Lampard for a joking remark about his thinning hair made during BBC’s Euro 2024 coverage, an incident that later went viral. The apology was delivered during an episode of Lineker’s Rest is Football podcast, where Lampard appeared alongside Joe Cole and Alan Shearer. Lineker explained that the comment had been misinterpreted and expressed regret for how it came across. Lampard responded light‑heartedly and noted that Lineker had earlier offered support following Coventry City’s Championship play‑off disappointment, ahead of Lampard guiding the club back to the Premier League nearly a year later.

Channel 5 will air daily highlights of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after receiving sublicensed rights from TNT Sports, ending the BBC’s 72-year run with the event. The shift follows a series of recent rights losses for the BBC, including England’s Six Nations matches and the annual Boat Race, now moving to ITV and Channel 4 respectively. Commonwealth Sport leadership welcomed the expanded partnership with Warner Bros Discovery ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games. Wales’ past performances and changes to the Games’ structure due to cost pressures are also noted.

BBC sports presenter Natalie Pirks is leaving the broadcaster after 13 years, prompted by a drawing from her four‑year‑old daughter that made her reconsider her work–life balance. She reflected on decades in broadcasting, including covering multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, and said she now seeks greater balance and presence in her life. Fellow broadcasters publicly supported her decision, praising her career and commitment to her family.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to enter the World Seniors Championship has drawn surprise from fellow professionals, with Barry Hawkins suggesting his participation is likely linked to a significant appearance fee. The event begins just days after the World Snooker Championship, where O’Sullivan is pursuing an eighth title. Hawkins noted the unusual timing but said the seniors’ tournament may offer a more relaxed environment. WSS chairman Jason Francis called O’Sullivan the sport’s most commercially valuable player, highlighting a surge in ticket sales driven by his involvement.

Gary and Wayne Lineker reconciled last year after a 17‑year estrangement that began around 2008, reportedly linked to tensions involving Gary’s then‑partner Danielle Bux. Their rekindled relationship followed family weddings that brought them together, with Wayne describing the reunions as positive and noting there was never jealousy toward his brother’s football success. Wayne also reflected on his struggles with addiction, time in rehab, and his career in the nightlife industry, while emphasising that their bond has now returned to a friendly and supportive place.

Provides broadcasting details, streaming options and kick-off information for the Champions League quarter-final second leg between Arsenal and Sporting CP, along with team news, head-to-head context and explanation of match rules including extra time and penalties if required.

Broadcast details, streaming options and kick-off times are outlined for Bayern Munich’s Champions League second leg against Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena, with additional information on radio coverage, team news and tie permutations.

Liverpool face PSG at Anfield in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit. The match kicks off at 8pm in the UK, with live coverage exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and streaming options available on various platforms. US viewers can watch on Paramount+, while BBC Radio 5 Live offers radio commentary. Liverpool are without Alisson Becker, and PSG arrive with a full attacking lineup. With away goals no longer in effect, a two-goal Liverpool win forces extra time, and a penalty shootout remains possible.

Tiger Woods called President Donald Trump moments after overturning his vehicle in Florida before being arrested on suspicion of DUI and refusing a lawful test. Bodycam footage showed signs of impairment unrelated to alcohol and depicted Woods falling asleep in a police vehicle. He has stepped back from golf, received approval to leave the US for inpatient treatment, and withdrawn from consideration for the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy. Woods passed a breathalyser test but declined a urine sample, and his solicitor argued that public exposure in the US would hinder recovery.

Gerwyn Price played down tensions after Luke Littler and Gian van Veen clashed during the Premier League Darts in Manchester, where heated exchanges on stage continued onto social media. Van Veen criticised Littler for celebrating a missed dart and making a crying gesture, prompting Littler to respond online. Price described such reactions as normal in high‑pressure matches and predicted the controversy would soon fade. Van Veen advanced to the semi‑finals and later defeated Josh Rock before Price secured victory on the night. As competition moves to Brighton, the dispute continues to draw attention.

Judd Trump describes how the Iran War and regional conflict in the Middle East disrupted his living arrangements after relocating to Dubai, forcing him into temporary accommodation and increasing travel demands ahead of the Tour Championship in Manchester. He reports reduced practice time but remains confident in his performance after success in China. Trump, who splits his residency between Dubai and Hong Kong, begins the tournament against Mark Allen as he pursues the £150,000 prize.

Jordan James limped off during Wales’ World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina after picking up an apparent injury following a challenge. Dan James had earlier put Wales ahead with a sharp finish, while Harry Wilson and Karl Darlow produced key moments at either end. Bosnia equalised late through Edin Dzeko, and the physical match raised concerns for Wales as they aimed to advance toward a final qualifying fixture. Craig Bellamy expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation despite the bruising encounter.

Austrian bobsleigh pilot Jakob Mandlbauer was injured in a high‑speed crash during the four‑man event at the Winter Olympics, prompting a 15‑minute suspension of the competition while medics stabilised and evacuated him. The Austrian team failed to finish and was eliminated, and a later crash involving the French team occurred without injuries. Other teams, including Great Britain and the Netherlands, continued competing after delays as the Cortina track was repaired and racing resumed.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologised to the Glazer family after his comments claiming immigrants had “colonised” the UK triggered strong political and public backlash. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the remarks, prompting Ratcliffe to issue a statement clarifying his position on controlled immigration. The FA is reviewing the situation, while concerns grow within Manchester United over potential harm to commercial relationships and plans for a new stadium that require cooperation with local authorities.

Gus Kenworthy will not face disciplinary action from Team GB or the International Olympic Committee after sharing a social media image criticising the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Officials deemed the post unrelated to the Games or Team GB, and IOC guidelines do not restrict personal social media use. Kenworthy’s protest occurred amid demonstrations over the reported presence of ICE agents in Milan. The skier, who previously represented the United States and has been outspoken on human rights issues, is set to compete in the men’s snowboard halfpipe on February 19.

Bradley Wiggins’s ex‑wife Cath described intervening to save him during a cocaine binge in 2023 after their son raised concerns. She found him in a hotel room surrounded by drug paraphernalia and feared he would die without immediate help. Cath and their children supported him through the crisis, arranging temporary accommodation and structure as he resisted rehab. Wiggins, who has spoken openly about financial and mental‑health struggles since retirement, eventually entered rehabilitation last year with funding from Lance Armstrong.