SPORTbible

The Carabao Cup semi-finals will be shown on a 'new' broadcaster as a major new television deal has been announced.

On Tuesday, the semi-finals of this season's Carabao Cup get underway as four clubs are set to face off in an attempt to book their place in the final at Wembley Stadium in March.

Arsenal will welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for the first leg of their semi-final, while Liverpool will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Wednesday.

The broadcast details of both matches have been confirmed for both matches ahead of kick-off, and it will surprise some fans.

While both legs of the two semi-final ties will be shown on Sky Sports, ITV will also be simultaneously broadcasting the semi-final match between Arsenal and Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Details of the deal were announced last year as the two broadcasters agreed to show several matches simultaneously as part of a deal to give all UK football fans the chance to watch more matches on free-to-air coverage.

The Carabao Cup semi-final this month will be the first of several matches in the competition that will be shown on ITV until the end of the 2026/27 season, with at least nine Carabao Cup matches in total being shown.

This includes the final in March, as well as several matches across the earlier rounds.

As part of the deal, ITV will also simulcast 10 matches from the EFL Championship in each full season, and five matches during the second half of the current season

Speaking about the deal, Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of top level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular live matches to our highlights shows.

"We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action and insight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”

A huge European club are ‘interested’ in signing Tottenham captain Son Heung-min – and it would shock the footballing world.

Son, 32, is the club captain of Spurs and, despite being a standout player with 169 goals and 90 assists in 431 appearances for the club, has come under fire for his poor form so far this term.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the South Korean has scored seven times in 23 appearances in all competitions but has looked off the pace in recent months.

As a result, he has been linked with a potential move away from the club.

The winger’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club now that the January transfer window is open.

He was previously linked with a shock move to Manchester United, having spoken about how he supported the club as a youngster due to the influence of his fellow Korean Park Ji-sung, but a move to the Red Devils is unlikely as his age would not fit the club’s ‘transfer policy’ of bringing in players aged 26 or below.

However, another European giant are ‘interested’ in Son.

According to El Nacional, the possibility of signing Son “without a transfer fee” could make him a viable option for Barcelona, given the financial constraints the club are operating under.

The outlet also reports that if Spurs fail to qualify for European competition, this could influence his decision to leave the club.

In November, The Telegraph reported that Son and the club were 'in talks' to trigger a one-year extension clause in the player's contract but no further updates have been provided.

Despite being tight-lipped about a potential move from Spurs, the 32-year-old will have no doubt been disappointed when he was left out of Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI for 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Son replaced Timo Werner on 62 minutes but failed to make a positive impact.

After the game, Postecoglou, 59, explained the reasons behind Son’s omission from the starting line-up.

"Just a combination of I thought we were going to need some running power and energy early on and as the game went on we would be able to use the experience of the guys who came on and I thought it worked well," explained the Spurs boss when asked about his team selection.

"We finished really strong.

"We started the game really well and the only thing that stopped us in our tracks was not football.

"That was the whole idea about it. Guys like Sonny, Biss [Yves Bissouma] and [James] Maddison to a lesser extent, they have played a lot of football and having them fresh helps them mentally as much as physically and I thought all three when they came on made a real difference for us."

Tottenham have wasted little time in confirming their first signing of the January transfer window and announced a goalkeeping addition just 24 hours after their loss to Newcastle.

Spurs sit 12th in the Premier League table as things stand after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home at the hands of the Magpies for their third top flight loss in four matches, while Newcastle are now only a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Dominic Solanke netted for the hosts after four minutes, but Anthony Gordon equalised just minutes later, before Alexander Isak continued his rich form in front of goal with what proved to be the winner before half-time.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said after the loss: "I’m shattered the boys didn’t get the rewards they deserved because we were outstanding, our football was outstanding against a very good opponent in good form and a good place.

"I thought it was brilliant and outstanding, a game we deserved to win and on any other day we would have won.

"I get that the results aren’t there and I get that whether people want to accept the situation we are in. I just see so much to be positive about but we need to win games of football and usually when you play well, you do most things right you get the rewards. Unfortunately we were denied."

Since the end of November, Spurs have been without first choice stopper Guglielmo Vicario following an ankle fracture suffered in the 4-0 victory against Manchester City.

Fraser Forster has deputised in that time but has not convinced in Vicario's place and Postecoglou's side have now acted in the transfer market by bringing in another goalkeeper with a transfer which has been announced 24 hours after the defeat to Newcastle.

Spurs have now signed Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague for a reported transfer fee of around £12.5 million.

A Spurs statement read: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Antonin Kinsky from SK Slavia Prague, subject to international clearance and work permit.

"The 21-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will run until 2031 and will wear the number 31 shirt.

"He has made 29 appearances this season across fixtures in the Czech First League (Chance Liga), UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League qualifiers and has kept 14 clean sheets.

"Featuring for the Czech Republic’s youth teams from Under-15 to Under-21 level, Antonin earned his first senior call-ups ahead of the 2024 October and November UEFA Nations League fixtures."

Fans genuinely can't believe Newcastle United's goal against Tottenham was not disallowed following a handball in the build-up as the Premier League have released a statement.

Spurs wasted no time in opening the scoring as Dominic Solanke headed home from close range to put his side in the lead.

But Newcastle instantly hit back through Anthony Gordon, who swept past Brandon Austin in net.

However, Spurs fans think the goal should have been chalked off following Joelinton's handball.

Lucas Bergvall's pass was intercepted by the hand of the Brazilian midfielder, with Bruno Guimaraes picking up the loose ball before setting up Gordon for Newcastle's goal.

VAR, however, allowed the goal to stand as Joelinton's handball was NOT deliberate. His arm was in a natural position and it did not lead immediately to the goal.

The Premier League said: "The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental."

Fans on social media think the goal should have been ruled out following Joelinton's handball.

One X user wrote: "Attacking handball rule is broken because if Joelinton was the goalscorer, it gets disallowed."

A second said: "How is that not handball?"

A third questioned: "Did they change the handball rule?"

A fourth added: "Clear clear handball, has to get disallowed."

Former Spurs player Jamie O'Hara commented: "Wtf it’s handball how can you give that as a goal it’s put him in on goal what a joke."

Fans have made their feelings known about Joe Hart's punditry before Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United.

On Saturday afternoon, a Tottenham Hotspur side struck by injuries will host an in-form Newcastle United squad in the first match of another round of exciting Premier League fixtures.

Ahead of the match, former Tottenham goalkeeper Hart offered his opinions on the tie while working for TNT Sports as a pundit.

And, after hearing what the Englishman had to say about the match, fans have swarmed to social media to share their opinions on Hart as a pundit.

Having watched Hart's pre-match analysis, fans were really impressed, with many calling for him to get more work covering other Premier League matches.

Reacting to Hart's punditry, one fan wrote: "Listening to Joe Hart is very informative - an extremely good and knowledgeable pundit."

Another agreed, adding: "Joe Hart very quickly becoming one of the best pundits on TV"

While one wrote: "Joe Hart is a phenomenal pundit. So many ex-pros talk absolute waffle but he’s quality."

And one was so impressed with his analysis, that they suggested Hart consider becoming a manager, writing: "Watching TNT Sports ahead of the Spurs game, I can see Joe Hart going into management."

The former Manchester City and Celtic player also impressed during his time working as a pundit for the BBC during the 2024 European Championship, making headlines for arm tattoos.

And it wasn't just fans that were happy to see Hart working as a pundit ahead of the match, as Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglu praised the 37-year-old while speaking to him before kick-off.

Speaking about Hart, Postecoglu said: "Great human being. An outstanding goalkeeper, but a great human being above all.

"A great person to share a dressing room with. It's the kind of thing that you latch onto in your career. Achievements are great but it's the people and he's one of the best for sure."

Hart played under Postecoglu during his time with Scottish champions Celtic, who he made 153 appearances for.

In their time together at the club, Hart and Postecoglu won five trophies.

Tottenham star James Maddison has issued a four-word response after being accused of 'unacceptable' behaviour by a fan.

Maddison was on the bench for Spurs as they drew 2-2 with Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

He was brought on by manager Ange Postecoglou in the second half and played 27 minutes, and he watched on as Jorgen Strand Larsen scored a late equaliser for the visitors.

After the match, Maddison and team-mate Brennan Johnson made the short trip to Alexandra Palace - around 3.5 miles away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - to watch the evening's World Darts Championship action.

Maddison is a well-known fan of the sport and regularly attends the Palace, while he also showed he has some talent as a player in a Spurs darts challenge earlier this year.

But while the England international midfielder was watching Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price racking up crucial victories, one Spurs fan made their feelings clear about Maddison attending the darts amid Spurs' recent run of form.

The fan took to Instagram to ask Maddison: "U taking the p***? The form we're in and u go to the darts?? Unacceptable."

Maddison bluntly replied: "Shut up u wally," alongside a laughing emoji.

On the pitch, Spurs have won just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions and sit in 11th place in the Premier League.

They are, however, through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after beating Manchester United 4-3, with Postecoglou's side looking to win their first competitive trophy since the 2008 League Cup under Juande Ramos.

Speaking after the 2-2 draw against Wolves, Postecoglou backed his players to get back to form amid an ongoing injury crisis, which was only deepened by a suspected hamstring injury suffered by left-back Destiny Udogie.

He said: "It's fair to say we're dealing with a fair bit and it doesn't feel we're getting a smooth run at anything in terms of getting players back and allowing us to freshen up the team. As soon as we get one back, we lose one.

"It's still fairly tight [in the Premier League table]. I just feel that at some point we'll get a relatively healthy squad and, when we do that, we'll be able to perform at a high level consistently and we've already shown this year we can beat anyone."

Fans spotted a ‘hidden’ Spurs-themed joke during the ‘Gavin & Stacey’ Christmas special, and they could not help but have their say on social media.

On Christmas day at 9 pm, millions of people gathered around their television sets to catch a glimpse of the iconic BBC show, written by James Corden and Ruth Jones.

Several ‘loose ends’ to previous storylines were tied up, but we will spare you the details incase you haven’t been able to watch it yet.

Gavin – played by Mathew Horne - and Stacey – played by Joanna Page – are a happily married couple from Billericay, Essex in England and Barry Island in South Wales.

Gavin, a Spurs fan, is best friends with ‘Smithy’, who is a West Ham United supporter.

Smithy is set to be married during the episode and is welcomed by several friends when he arrives at a pub for his stag do before the group, all clad in West Ham shirts, turned around to reveal “Smithy 16” on the back.

However, eagle-eyed fans spotted one difference in Gavin’s version of the shirt.

Instead of sporting the traditional West Ham badge with crossed hammers, his shirt had a covered up West Ham logo replaced by a Tottenham sticker to make sure fans knew his allegiance to the north London side.

Football fans on social media were quick to voice their thoughts.

One Spurs fan said: “Gavin covering the West Ham badge with a Spurs sticker. Proper COYS.”

But a Hammers supporter hit back, commenting: “Still claret and blue. Won more trophies than the Spurs as well in the last few years. Cover it all you want."

Another added: “Bruh, Gavin is a menace for that one. Spurs fans are eating this up.”

A fourth joked: "Loving Gavin with his Spurs badge over the top of the Spammers badge."

A fifth commented: "Here’s me crying at the Gavin and Stacey final and all my dad can talk about is the Spurs sticker over the West Ham badge on Gavin's shirt."

Of course, now that Christmas day is done, both Spurs and West Ham will turn their attention to the festive period's fixture schedule.

For the Hammers, they face Southampton at St Mary's this afternoon, while Tottenham take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Gary Neville was critical of one Tottenham Hotspur star who kept on making 'mind-boggling' mistakes against Liverpool.

Arne Slot's men played out a Premier League classic against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool came away 6-3 winners thanks to a brace each from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah plus goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke netted for the hosts but were ultimately left disappointed.

Speaking after the match, former Manchester United and England defender Neville was left gobsmacked by the mistakes Spurs kept on making as he singled out captain Son Heung-min.

Gary Neville criticises Son Heung-min's 'mind-boggling' mistakes

He said: "They’ve got a really exciting front six, but I did put a clip in during the second half, which we don’t normally do, showing Son making a silly press towards Joe Gomez and the ball getting played past him over to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

"They do some stupid things like that, which almost forces the full-backs then to jump out and press and then, all of a sudden, it leaves a situation like the third goal.”

Neville added: "Overcommitting at a point where you have no chance of winning the ball as wide players and defenders, that’s a nonsense that.

"They had some experienced players up top, I think Son was one of the worst actually, and I love him to bits – he’s a world-class player.

"But some of his decisions to actually leave Trent Alexander-Arnold, go and press Joe Gomez or go somewhere else and leave that space for Trent Alexander-Arnold to go into were just nonsensical. It’s just mind-boggling really."

As a result of Chelsea's 0-0 draw against Everton, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points.

In addition, the Reds have a game in hand after the Merseyside derby from earlier in the month was called off due to weather conditions.

Reflecting on his team's performance, Liverpool boss Slot said: "Until 60, 65 minutes, I really, really, really enjoyed what I saw. Of course, we were caught one time in bringing the ball out from the back and that immediately led to a goal for Tottenham.

"I was quite happy with the fact that we scored the 3-1. Then 4-1, 5-1, incredible display. But then you also saw that no matter how much quality players have, if they think they don't have to run anymore then in this league, especially against Tottenham because they are so good with the ball as well, they immediately start to create, and that's what they did and they scored two goals. I was happy that the sixth one went in, to be fair."

Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Boxing Day when they take on Leicester City at Anfield.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have taken to social media following their 6-3 loss to Liverpool at home to say the same thing, and they aren't happy.

After Chelsea failed to put the pressure on Liverpool with a win at Goodison Park on Sunday, the Reds had the opportunity to go four points clear on top of the league following their match against Tottenham.

In a dominant performance from Liverpool, goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah secured the three points in a 6-3 victory away from home.

And following the match, Tottenham fans swarmed online to blame one reason for the brutal loss to the League leaders.

Although fans of other clubs may be questioning the safety of Ange Postecoglu's job following the result, Tottenham fans have taken to social media to defend the Australian, instead blaming the club's ownership.

Reacting to the result on Sunday, one fan wrote: "The squad is decimated and full of kids. There's no other manager that would do better with this team right now.

"Keep the pressure on the board and Levy so Ange gets the tools he needs."

Another agreed, adding: "Liverpool fans would never accept or tolerate a Daniel Levy or Enic for 5 years let alone 24. They would never meekly accept such garbage in owners!"

While one angry fan wrote: "The club is a disgrace. Embarrassing us and making us a laughing stock for 25 years

"Things weren't perfect prior to them but we never had this. Daniel Levy, Cullen and the rest of them are an absolute disgrace. Just go... please."

Ahead of the match, Tottenham fans gathered outside the stadium to protest against the ownership, holding black balloons stating 'Levy Out'.

And on several occasions during the game the balloons could even be seen making their way onto the pitch, with striker Dominic Solanke tripping on one.

The result takes Liverpool four points top of the league with a game in hand yet to be played against Everton.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou branded one of his players’ performances in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League as “unacceptable” in an honest rant.

Postecoglou, 59, saw his side perform poorly at Ibrox as they trailed for much of the second half before Dejan Kulusevski equalised on 75 minutes.

Rangers’ goalscorer Hamza Igamane was unlucky not to hand the Scots the lead in the final moments of proceedings when he went on a mazy run but could not beat Fraser Forster.

Shortly after, Igamane had the ball in the net, but the sight of the offside flag quickly dampened any celebrations.

The draw means Rangers sit in eighth position, which would secure them an automatic spot in the knockout stages. Spurs are ninth, and as things stand, they would have to play a knockout phase play-off.

Kulusevski’s strike arguably spared Tottenham's blushes, but it was the man he replaced at half-time who received criticism from his manager.

Timo Werner was withdrawn at the midway point after a poor first-half showing.

The German was ‘given a dressing down’ by the former Celtic boss in the Tottenham dressing room.

“He [Timo Werner] wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” said Postecoglou in his post-match press conference in Glasgow.

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo.

“He’s a senior international, he’s a German international.

“In the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

When asked how the player took the dressing down, Postecoglou explained how he didn’t “really know,” but it wasn’t of “great concern”.

"We need everybody, including him, to be contributing," he added.

“Because we don’t have the depth to leave people out if they’re performing poorly.

“We need them to play their part. Especially the senior guys. When I’m asking younger guys to do massive jobs. I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys. And today wasn’t that.”

Werner is currently on loan at Spurs from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig having first penned a loan deal for the second half of the 2023/24 season.