ITV Sport is set to broadcast the Wear-Tyne derby in the FA Cup third round, generating excitement among fans on both Tyneside and Wearside. The local rivals, Newcastle and Sunderland, will face each other for the first time in almost eight years, reigniting the battle for local bragging rights. The match is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, with a 12:45pm kick-off time.
BBC’s Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, explained the broadcaster’s decision not to select the Wear-Tyne derby for live TV coverage during the FA Cup third round weekend. On the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker, along with Alan Shearer and fellow podcast host Micah Richards, expressed their desire for the BBC to televise the game so they could work on it as pundits. However, Lineker clarified that the early kick-off time for the Wear-Tyne derby influenced the decision, and instead, the BBC opted to broadcast Arsenal vs Liverpool.
“Alan was really excited about the fact the BBC might be doing Sunderland vs Newcastle, but in the end, that game had to be played as an early kick-off, which is obviously not great for television,” Lineker explained. “The BBC chose Arsenal against Liverpool, which is a bit further south for some of us, so there will be a bit of disappointment for you, Al, but going to Sunderland for you must be quite scary and bring back so many bad memories.”
In response, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer acknowledged the logistical challenge but also expressed hope that the bosses wouldn’t complain when Arsenal and Liverpool fielded their reserve sides. He highlighted the magnitude of the Arsenal vs Liverpool matchup, describing it as a clash between two giants, and understanding the decision to prioritize such a significant game for live coverage.
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