The final game of England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign wasn’t exactly a showstopper and apart from a truly shocking performance from the referee, there wasn’t too much to talk about after the game — well, other than a slip-up from the commentator, as it turns out.
The Three Lions could have gone on to play a very different game had it not been for a highly controversial penalty awarded against Rico Lewis for simply using his arms to jump, with his hand, unfortunately, stroking the face of Bojan Miovski and putting them a goal down before half time.
However, aside from first official Filip Glova’s decision being heavily criticised — as was his performance throughout the game — some fans watching at home were frustrated to hear Channel 4 commentator Steve Bower overlook a truly iconic sporting moment which happened just a few months ago.
While he was obviously referring strictly to the men’s game, Bower said that an England goalkeeper hadn’t saved a penalty from open play in a decade (Joe Hart’s spectacular stop against Ronaldinho in 2013) but, as we all know and remember so fondly, the last player to do so full stop was Mary Earps.
No, Mr commentator, the last England goal keeper to save a penalty in open play was MARY EARPS in the bloody world cup final. #MKDvENG
The only way to respond after saving a penalty for England.
Although much of the reaction to those flagging the piece of commentary was very predictable and disappointingly chauvinistic, others agreed that it felt jarring to overlook what has now become such an unforgettable and standout memory in the nation’s consciousness.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many suggested that simply specifying ‘men’s player’ would have “gone a long way” and made a world of difference to female fans, adding “sexism boils my blood istg [I swear to god] it’s not hard” while simply remarked, “it’s honestly f***ing irritating”.
Bower, a well-respected veteran of the industry at this point, clearly meant no offence and it was nothing more than a slip-up from a commentator who has predominantly covered men’s football throughout his career but it nevertheless irked a fair few viewers.
ADVERTISEMENT
To be honest, we’ll take any opportunity to watch that ‘Big Mearps’ moment again…
England went on to draw 1-1 after Harry Kane’s intervention from a corner led to an equalising own goal with his very first touch of the ball and had plenty of other chances throughout the 90.
Dry result regardless, Gareth Southgate‘s side not only polished off their final qualifier but managed to finish top of the group and in comfortable fashion, sitting six points clear of Italy.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can watch the highlights in full down below — but we’ll be frank, there aren’t many:
Featured Image — Channel 4/Mary Earps (via Instagram)
Sport
Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Danny Jones -
21st November 2023 
