BBC pundits faced their ITV pals in a “friendly” five-a-side match at Euro 2024.
The two star-studded sides went head-to-head in the heart of Berlin on a pitch just around the corner from their TV studios.
.@rioferdy5 was LOVING this goal from the @BBCMOTD team in their media grudge match v @itvfootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 8, 2024
"Micah, that's why you're there!"@MicahRichards #Euro2024 #BBCEuros pic.twitter.com/ygCsYCIaHs
An incredible ITV squad featured Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Gaizka Mendieta, Eni Aluko and Jill Scott.
Presenter Mark Pougatch and several of the behind-the-scenes crew were also involved.
With team ITV being cheered on by Ian Wright and Lee Dixon from the sidelines.
The Beeb’s outfit included Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Izzy Christiansen, French journalist Julien Laurens and several of their less well-known colleagues.
ITV won the closely fought contest 16-14.
But despite many Premier League and Champions League winners on the pitch, it was Pougatch who stole the show.
The host fired in an incredible goal, letting the ball roll across his body before powering it beyond the diving Ferdinand between the sticks.
There was also penalty drama as team ITV were awarded a spot-kick after a BBC foul.
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Scott stepped up – only for her effort to be brilliantly saved by Richards as he swapped the punditry microphone for goalkeeper gloves.
However, Keane was on hand to tap home the rebound.
And the former Manchester United skipper has not lost his competitive edge as he blasted Neville for poor defending after the BBC scored.
Keane shouted while he was resting as a substitute: “Nev, Nev, f***ing get tighter, Jesus.
“Show him the line and you will stop the shot.”
Ferdinand also barked orders from the sidelines as he sung the praises of Richards after a good save, which led to a BBC counter-attack and clinical finish.
The ex-England centre-back shouted: “Micah, well done. That’s why you’re there.”
Richards later opened up on the game on the Rest is Football podcast.
He was delighted with his own performance, hilariously saying: “Oh my God, I was in net and I was like a young Shaka Hislop.
“I made a great penalty save against Jill Scott – but Keane was there to tap it in. A little rebound.”
Richards was not so complimentary to Ferdinand as he was to him as he fumed: “Rio went in net for a spell – useless.
“He conceded about five goals – he cost us the game today. I should’ve stayed in net.”
Richards was also not impressed by Neville’s display, saying: “Useless as well, he can’t turn and he can’t move.
“But Keane was good. He didn’t kick anyone but you could see he was competitive.”
Richards also didn’t dodge a tackle and admitted to brutally clattering Pougatch.
He explained: “I smashed Pougatch. I came out my box and it was a 60/40 to him. And I thought I’m tempted to leave one on him here.
“I went right through him – but he took it well.”
Richards admitted he was in pain after the game, with his “knees, legs and back” all feeling the full force of the game.
His podcast co-host Gary Lineker opened up on why he didn’t play, saying: “I have not played since the day I retired – except for one game after I retired which was a month after in Gordon Banks’ testimonial.
“You retire for a reason, you retire because you can’t do it anymore, so why do you want to go and be c**p?”
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
