Wilson: BBC 'crazy' to can Football Focus
We expect to hear from interim – for the second time – Chelsea head coach Calum McFarlane today. And there’s news of the first manager he stood in for back in January.
The regular weekend digest of what to expect here.
The former presenter Bob Wilson feels it is “crazy” the BBC has decided to take Football Focus off the air after more than half a century.
The Saturday lunchtime programme was first broadcast in 1974, with former Scotland and Arsenal goalkeeper Wilson the new show’s host. On Thursday, the BBC said in a press release “changing audience behaviours”, bringing to an end the show’s run of 52 years when it finishes at the end of the season, with Football Interview set to move into the Saturday 12.45pm slot.
Wilson wrote in the Times:
“I was absolutely shocked to hear that Football Focus will end this summer. It has run successfully for 52 years, so goodness me, why are they getting rid of it? I am really disappointed it has come to this. The BBC has said it will be replaced next season by an interview show about what makes footballers tick. That is crazy.”
Millwall receive apology over racism booklet
Millwall have received an apology from Westminster City Council for the “insensitive” use of the club’s official logo to “illustrate the historic problem of racism within football” in a children’s education booklet which was distributed in schools.
Images shared widely on social media from the booklet show the badge of the Championship club printed on the clothing of a member of a white supremacist hate group. On Thursday afternoon, Westminster City Council issued a statement confirming the booklet had been removed from circulation, with internal processes being reviewed.
A Westminster City Council spokesperson said:
“We accept the use of this image was an insensitive way to illustrate the historic problem of racism within football. We have apologised to Millwall Football Club for the improper use of their logo and for any offence caused. The booklet has been removed from circulation, and we are reviewing processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
According to the club’s official supporters’ group, Millwall are still considering their legal position on the matter.
Upcoming fixtures and football news
Good morning, football. Another quiet week, then … what would we do without Chelsea? We’ll have the latest from the Stamford Bridge content machine, as we look forward to two FA Cup semi-finals and another crucial round of Premier League fixtures. It’s also the penultimate weekend of the EFL, with so much to be decided.
FA Cup: Man City v Southampton, 5.15pm Saturday
FA Cup: Chelsea v Leeds, 3pm Sunday
Sunderland v Nottingham Forest, 8pm Friday
Arsenal v Newcastle, 5.30pm Saturday
Fulham v Aston Villa, 12.30pm Saturday
Liverpool v Crystal Palace, 3pm Saturday
West Ham v Everton, 3pm Saturday
Wolverhampton v Tottenham Hotspur, 3pm Saturday
Manchester United v Brentford, 8pm Monday
Join us for the day’s news, previews and reaction.
