Title Race Blown Wide Open & A Dark Day In Lisbon

Summary

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The Rest Is Football

Episode: Title Race Blown Wide Open & A Dark Day In Lisbon
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

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Overview

This episode of The Rest Is Football dives deep into the latest dramatic twists in the Premier League title race, with a particular focus on Arsenal's faltering form after a shocking draw with Wolves. The second half turns to events in the Champions League, including an impassioned discussion about racism in football, sparked by disturbing scenes in Benfica vs Real Madrid. Throughout, the hosts offer sharp insight, personal anecdotes, and strong opinions on both the beautiful and the ugly sides of the game.

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Premier League Title Race: Arsenal’s Frailties Laid Bare

[00:00–16:55]

Key Points:

• Arsenal surrenders a 2–0 lead against relegation-battling Wolves, prompting questions about their title credentials and mentality.
• The hosts dissect whether Arsenal’s psychological fragility and tactical choices are hindering their push—and what needs to change as City lurk dangerously close behind.
• Manchester City’s resurgence and Liverpool’s inconsistencies set the stage for a thrilling multi-team battle.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Arsenal’s Collapse at Wolves

  • "Collapsed. I think that's the word for it. Very edgy, very nervy, and it was a sign to say this is going to be tough going for Arsenal."
    – Alan Shearer [01:43]
  • Stat shared: First time in Premier League history that a top-of-the-table side let a 2-goal lead slip to a team in the relegation zone [02:18]
  • Analysis of Arsenal’s defensive mindset when leading
    • "Go and blast teams away. They don't. They get a lead and then sit. And that's dangerous."
      – Gary Lineker [03:24]
    • "As a defender... let's just sit deep. But all that does is encourage teams to put balls into the box."
      – Micah Richards [03:33]
  • On the goal Arsenal conceded:
    • "Keeper, isn't it? He's come. He's got to collect it."
      – Alan Shearer [07:47]
    • "If the goalkeeper comes there, you've got to take whatever happens... Even if you've got to clobber me..."
      – Micah Richards [08:07]
    • "Once the keeper comes, he's got to collect it or get rid of it somehow. He can't do what he did."
      – Alan Shearer [09:09]

• The Mentality Question

  • "Do you think Arsenal just need to, like, grow a pair here, but get yourselves together and go, come on..."
    – Gary Lineker [09:25]
  • "It's easier said than done when there's so much..."
    – Alan Shearer [09:31]
  • "I never expected Arsenal to do it the easy way. I always knew...if you've been in there, you know there’s going to be bumps and nervy times."
    – Alan Shearer [10:56]

• City’s Threat & Arsenal’s Response

  • "City are now just five points behind but they've got a game in hand...I suppose the question is, can we see City being as consistently brilliant as they were when they won it four in a row?"
    – Gary Lineker [12:16]
  • On City’s improvement: "Semenyo has made a difference straight away. And Guehi has also. But one player who’s not being talked about—Bernardo Silva in the last two months has been playing some of the best football I’ve ever seen him play in a Man City jersey."
    – Micah Richards [13:31]
  • "They might not have to (hit old heights) because other teams are not hitting the heights of other seasons either."
    – Alan Shearer [14:36]

• Arteta: Pressure Mounts

  • "If he doesn’t win the League, he might not be at Arsenal."
    – Alan Shearer [16:25]
  • "He needs to get over the line for his own sake."
    – Micah Richards [16:25]
  • "Are they better suited for the Champions League...because of the recent history of the Premier League?"
    – Gary Lineker [16:46]

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A Dark Day in Lisbon: Vinícius Jr, Racism, and Football’s Response

[20:45–35:16]

Key Points:

• The panel reacts emotionally to the racist abuse suffered by Vinícius Jr. during Benfica vs Real Madrid.
• Mourinho's controversial post-match comments come under fire.
• The difficulty in proving on-pitch abuse is considered, along with football's responsibility to condemn and address racism.

Detailed Breakdown:

• The Incident

  • "Vinicius Jr. Having scored a fabulous goal, celebrated as any player would... was subjected to racial abuse... Either way, once again, racism discolours the beautiful game."
    – Gary Lineker [20:45–24:46]
  • "It was an amazing goal from an amazing player, yet we shouldn’t be witnessing what we saw."
    – Alan Shearer [25:11]
  • "He covered his mouth with his shirt. So on CBS, when I was doing the coverage, I called him a coward, which he is a coward for doing that. He knew exactly what he was doing..."
    – Micah Richards [25:50]
  • "You could quite clearly see Vinicius mouthing it as he ran towards the referee. It was the term mono. Mono is monkey in Spanish. And if that was said…that’s truly unacceptable."
    – Gary Lineker [27:50]
  • "It was tough...you have to talk for 10 minutes...You can’t just stay silent. And Mark (Clattenburg) was really upset...he just got one or two words mixed up."
    – Alan Shearer [30:03]
  • "The conclusion, though, Vini Jr. is not lying, you know... Of course he’s not lying, well, he’s not lying, Kylian Mbappé’s not."
    – Micah Richards [31:00]

• On Mourinho and ‘Tribalism’

  • "Mourinho let me down... all the noise coming out afterwards has just been pathetic."
    – Micah Richards [32:35]
  • "He got it wrong. He really, really did get it wrong... he turned Vinicius, who’s the victim in this, he basically accused him of creating this scenario."
    – Gary Lineker [34:13]
  • "The scenes were unacceptable. Rather than seeing what he did… it was a terrible look in what he said. It wasn’t good at all."
    – Alan Shearer [34:24]

• Football & Racism: The Bigger Picture

  • "Football is so big and so global and so watched by so many that it can have, I think, an influence. And that’s why it’s sad when things like this happen..."
    – Gary Lineker [31:44]

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Champions League and European Nights: Standout Performances & Stories

[35:16–42:59]

Key Points:

• Review of an entertaining Champions League week: Newcastle’s brilliance, the stunning Bodo/Glimt upset, and PSG’s comeback.
• Analysis of key knockout matchups and what they mean for the English sides.

Notables:

• Newcastle Shine

  • "We can’t go without talking about the magnificence of one Newcastle United Football Club... that first half... how many goals could they have scored?"
    – Gary Lineker [35:34]
  • "It was what a game to play…and Anthony Gordon, I mean, getting his four goals, I loved..."
    – Alan Shearer [35:55]
  • On not handing over penalty duty: "Why the hell do you think I’m giving a penalty? Are you getting mad? ... Well done, Anthony Gordon for not doing that."
    – Alan Shearer [36:12]

• Bodo/Glimt’s Sensation

  • "Bodo/Glimt beating Inter Milan. I mean that was extraordinary..."
    – Gary Lineker [37:40]
  • "A lot of people look at the name and just think, oh, they must have fluked their way. They play some really good football."
    – Micah Richards [37:45]

• Other European Results

  • "Galatasaray 5:2 against Juve. That was a cracking game."
    – Gary Lineker [40:05]
  • "Do you think Inter will turn it around?" / "Not if they played like they did yesterday, no."
    – Michael Richards [39:25]

• England Watch: Anthony Gordon’s Utility

  • "That’s a good option for England, isn’t it? ... if anything happened to Harry Kane…"
    – Gary Lineker [41:45]
  • "He could turn himself into a centre forward out."
    – Gary Lineker [42:19]
  • "He gives Newcastle more options in that just because of his sheer pace."
    – Alan Shearer [42:19]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Collapsed. I think that's the word for it..."
  – Alan Shearer on Arsenal’s performance [01:43]
• "Keeper, isn’t it? He’s come. He’s got to collect it."
  – Alan Shearer [07:47]
• "If he doesn’t win the League, he might not be at Arsenal."
  – Alan Shearer [16:25]
• "Vinicius Jr. …Once again, racism discolours the beautiful game."
  – Gary Lineker [20:45]
• "You could quite clearly see Vinicius mouthing it as he ran towards the referee. It was the term mono..."
  – Gary Lineker [27:50]
• "He got it wrong. He really, really did get it wrong."
  – Gary Lineker on Mourinho [34:13]
• "It was what a game to play… and Anthony Gordon… getting his four goals, I loved…"
  – Alan Shearer [35:55]
• "Bodo/Glimt beating Inter Milan. I mean that was extraordinary..."
  – Gary Lineker [37:40]

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Timestamps for Highlight Segments

• [00:00–02:50] Arsenal’s collapse overview and Premier League context
• [05:25–08:51] Dissecting Arsenal’s defensive mistakes and the keeper debate
• [09:25–10:56] Mentality and leadership at Arsenal questioned
• [12:16–14:56] Man City’s threat; comparison to previous title races
• [16:25–17:08] Pressure on Arteta and what failure could mean
• [20:45–24:46] Benfica-Real Madrid: Vinícius Jr. incident and racism
• [25:11–31:00] In-depth discussion of the racism accusation and difficulties in addressing it
• [32:35–34:50] Critique of Mourinho’s comments and the dangers of tribalism
• [35:16–37:30] Newcastle’s Champions League triumph & Anthony Gordon’s four-goal haul
• [37:40–39:27] Bodo/Glimt’s shock victory over Inter Milan
• [41:45–42:19] Anthony Gordon as a centre-forward option for England

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Conclusion

This was a gripping, passionate episode blending tactical dissection, personal footballing experience, debate over managerial legacies—and a candid, impassioned segment on the responsibility of football to stand firm against racism. The chemistry and authenticity of Lineker, Shearer, and Richards turned every topic into must-listen insight, from Arsenal’s wobble to the Champions League’s high drama and low points.

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Transcript

[Gary Lineker]

Coming up on today's show, can Arsenal

[Michael Richards]

deal with it psychologically?

[Alan Shearer]

They're going to have to recover pretty quickly because that second half and the way they did collapse was not very good at all.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you think Arsenal just need to, like, grow a pair here, but get yourselves together and go, come on, you've

[Michael Richards]

got a manager who wants to protect and a manager who wants to win.

[Alan Shearer]

If he doesn't win the League, he might not be at Arsenal.

[Michael Richards]

I think he's going to go right to the end of the season, I really do.

[Alan Shearer]

Amazing goal from an amazing player. Yet we shouldn't be witnessing what we saw.

[Michael Richards]

Mourinho let me down, but all the noise coming out afterwards has just been pathetic.

[Gary Lineker]

But you're absolutely right, he got it wrong. He really, really did get it wrong. Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with Michael Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. It's been interesting few days in the world of football and we've had the Champions League, obviously this week and we thought we'd probably discuss the majority of that on the podcast. But such was the slight collapse last night of one Arsenal football club that we. We're going to start the first half with that and then come to the Champions League in the second half of the podcast where we'll address obviously not just the football, but one or two things that, that also transpired on the pitch on the ugly side of football. But firstly, we'll start with Wolves to Arsenal 2 sitting there watching it. I thought, we thought, oh, here we go. Very comfortable Arsenal bit. He went 2 nil up and then.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, yeah, collapsed. I think that's the word for it. Very edgy, very nervy and it was, it was a sign to say this is, this is going to be tough going for Arsenal. I mean, City have been put a little bit of pressure on them and their form of late has been really poor. I think they've only won two of the last six or seven. So, yeah, clearly nerves and it's getting to them a little bit and they're going to have to recover pretty quickly because that second half and the way they did collapse was. Was not very good at all.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, it's the first time in the history of the Premier League that aside at the top of the table has let a two goal slip to a team in the relegation zone.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I mean, you could, you perhaps may understand it if it's against one of the big boys and. But against Wolves, bottom of the league, who for the large parts of this season being terrible. And a 2 nil up and it's like cruising. And then all of a sudden you concede one goal under massive pressure and you think, okay, show us what you've got. Yeah, not a good sign. Not a good sign.

[Gary Lineker]

I know. Mikey, you were doing the Champions League coverage for CBS last night. We're recording this first thing morning. So if we're all a little bit, you know, sleepy, please forgive us. It's quite early. But Mike, you, you, I think you sat on in the corner of the. Yeah. I mean, obviously it's mixed emotions for you.

[Michael Richards]

You just had to hit you guys.

[Gary Lineker]

I can't help it. I mean, oh my God.

[Michael Richards]

I mean, two nil up and it was more about how deep do you want to be?

[Gary Lineker]

That's. That was going to be the point I was going to raise Micah that, I mean, come on, go and go and blast teams away. They don't. They get a lead and then sit. And that's dangerous.

[Michael Richards]

It is dangerous. And I, I know how many times on this pod has shot me down. But wolves, if you give them time and space, just don't have conviction at the end of it normally. But they play some decent stuff. They've got players. If you give them time, they will hurt you. And that's exactly what happened. Obviously, Buenos goal was fantastic, the way he whipped it in. But then, you know when you can feel something brewing, you're concentrating on the Champions League, but in the corner you're thinking, something's not happening. I said to, I said to Jamie Carragher at the time, I said, wolves are going to score here because especially as a defender, you think, let's just go deeper and then get two banks of four in front of you or whatnot and let's just sit deep. But all that does encourage teams to put balls into the box. And if you make a mistake like Raya did, then he wants someone to bail you out on the line. Calif. Fury. It could have gone anywhere. It was so unlucky. But I think it's more of a nervousness around. And what did I say to you a couple of months ago? It's. It's going to be those. Can Arsenal deal with it psychologically and they might still be able to. You know, that's yet to be seen. But you're going to go through these moments. He had another moment when they lost and then had to go to. To Leeds. Ellen rode away the win, not four nil. And, and you're thinking, yes, okay, shoulders out, they can deal with it. But there's going to be more twists and turns come the end of the season, but that was a difficult one for Arsenal yesterday.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, the Hugo Bueno goal was. I mean, a brilliant finish, but that was right on the edge of the box and there was no one even close to it because they were that deep. And I. Do you think that's an instruction coming from, from the sidelines, or is that a natural caution when you've got a lead and you want to defend it and you start going well, we'll just keep everyone. We'll get deep. What is it a mixture?

[Alan Shearer]

I just think that happens. It happens in the game of football when you. It's very, very difficult to get out of that just because of you. You go into 2 nil up and then you're in a little bit of under pressure and you go into protective mode and you think, okay, we get further and further and it's very difficult then to, to get out of that mode. And Arsenal couldn't and they got there, they just got punished. And if, if they thought people were going to be unfair or have been unfair on them in, in previous weeks about them bottling it and, and panicking and getting edgy and nervy and all of those things, then wait till, wait till the next few days. It's like the noise is just about to get louder, isn't it? I've been there, I've had it myself. I've had it. I had it with Blackburn when we were going for the title of Man United were chasing us. We had it every single week and it was just, oh, they're going to chuck it away, they're going to bottle it. And luckily we got over the line. But I know what they're going through.

[Gary Lineker]

More about that game in just a second. Arsenal may have run out of energy last night, but we never do with Fuse. This episode is brought to you by Fuse Energy. No one likes a panic buy on deadline day. The smart teams do their business early, not relying on dodgy fax machines. Are they still a thing, rushed medicals or watching a plan B target become a plan C?

[Alan Shearer]

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[Gary Lineker]

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[Michael Richards]

And it doesn't stop there. Switch to Fuse Energy and you could have your question answered on the show.

[Gary Lineker]

Sign up to Fuse [e-mail] Football. Use the referral code Football. And you could also win a 1990 England shirt signed by the three of us. The rest is football. We had a bit of a discussion in our household. We were all watching the Arsenal game and let's say one or two people, notably one on my left here. Harry thought it was Gabrielle's fault and I think it was Rye's fault.

[Alan Shearer]

Keeper.

[Gary Lineker]

The keeper, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

He's come. He's got to collect it.

[Gary Lineker]

If he comes for it, he's got to get it. I mean, whether there was. Whether he did shout him and Gabriel didn't hear him or ignored him, but you can't, I guess, Mike, as a central. Someone who's played in central defense, you can't just leave it there unless you're sure, can you?

[Michael Richards]

Yeah, I would say, I think shared responsibility. But if the goalkeeper comes there, you've got to take whatever happens. So me and Joe. Joe Hart used to have a thing is leave me to head the ball. Unless, you know you can come and take out everything in front of. Even if you've got to clobber me, then do that if you can't leave me to head. So now when Raya comes and doesn't take everything, now you're looking at. At Raya, but then looking at communication. But I just think in that moment, Ray has been so good this season. You just need a cool head. Come and catch it or come and punch it as far as you possibly can. And

[Gary Lineker]

so I'm gonna pull you up here. It's Raya.

[Michael Richards]

Oh, I'm talking about the dating apart. Raya.

[Gary Lineker]

Raya's left.

[Alan Shearer]

Keep us fault.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

For me.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I. I thought the same.

[Alan Shearer]

Once the keeper comes, he's got a. He's got to collect it or get rid of it somehow. He can't do what he did.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. And then they gave it as a known goal to Califuri, which looks a little bit harsh, but I suppose it bounced off the post and then it's a bit like one of those goalie ones where he saves onto the post, comes back, hits him and goes in. But. Yeah. So do you think Arsenal just need to, like, grow a pair here?

[Alan Shearer]

It's easier said than done when there's so much.

[Gary Lineker]

I know it is, but. But get yourselves together and go, come on. And let's be a bit more aggressive. In our game, let's be a little bit more on the front foot, particularly when we get ahead. I don't know. Is there. Is. Is this a mindset? Are we just looking at. It's a little stutter in the middle of a season, which every team probably will have at some point. Even if you go on to win the title. I suspect they'll still go on to win the title myself. But this might be a little shot in the arm that. Not saying they need, but they need to sort out.

[Alan Shearer]

I would still say the same. I would still go along with that.

[Gary Lineker]

They'll.

[Alan Shearer]

They'll probably still win it just. But I think if you need a game after what's happened, then it's not a bad one to have in. In your local rivals. I know they've got a new manager and I know it's a way. All of those things, but what a response it would be to come out and go and win at Tottenham at the. At the weekend. And I think that's a good game for them to, to have so soon after. But yeah, I never expected Arsenal to do it the easy way. I always knew. And that if you've been in there, you know there's going to be bumps and everything else along the road and nervy times, etc. And people are going to be chucking questions and bombs and everything at you and you've got to get. Somehow get over that. So I did expect this to happen, but it's now. Yeah, let's. Let's see what they're made of. Let's see what they've got.

[Gary Lineker]

Also though, if they did lose the London Derby, obviously Spurs have got a new man in charge. There might be. They're going to be a hell of an energy in there. The Tottenham. Tottenham team and fans would like nothing more.

[Michael Richards]

Look at Loving this, isn't he. Look at.

[Gary Lineker]

I love a title race, Micah. I gotta love a title race. I, you know, I played for Tottenham, obviously, so my, you know where my allegiances lie in that sense. But at the same time, there's no football club I dislike. I can't. I've never understood the hating a football club thing. I just want to see a tighter race. I want to see it close. You can imagine Pep watching last night and all the City team when that, that goal goes in right at the end. I guarantee you now every single one of them would have jumped out their armchair or their chair wherever they were. And so it makes it exciting. It's what we want.

[Michael Richards]

It's all going down to the City and Arsenal in April. Said it months ago. That's exactly what it's going to be. As long as. Well, Man City have got Newcastle after that 61 win against Kadabag. Full of long trip, though.

[Gary Lineker]

Long trip.

[Alan Shearer]

Call it Man City as well, by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not great, is it?

[Michael Richards]

Not great.

[Alan Shearer]

Awful. So yeah, I wouldn't expect too much there.

[Michael Richards]

No.

[Alan Shearer]

Even with their 61 win.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. City are now just the five points behind but they've got a game in hand. They've won four out of the last five in all comps. I suppose the question is, can we see City being as consistently brilliant as they were when they won it four in a row? Remember, they win pretty much every game after Christmas and you couldn't see them ever dropping points. They went toe to toe, didn't they? On occasions with. With Liverpool. I'm not quite sure City are there. Can they be consistent enough to track Arsenal down?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, with their two signings with Gehe and with Semenya. Yeah, they could be. Yeah. Because he's without doubt been a huge addition to them. Without him then I would have said definitely not. No. But I think he's been huge for them and will be. Having said that, I still think you get chances against them. That's just the way they are and playing. But yeah, they can do that. Yeah. They've been in this position, know exactly how it works. They know exactly what to do. Their manager is obviously. He is what he is and hugely successful. So yeah, they can. There's no doubt. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

What do you think, Micah? The Ruben Diaz as well, gay partnership looks like that might be something special.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah. It's always hard to sort of predict, isn't it? Because you're judging them by such high standards. I don't think they are what they were a couple of seasons ago. But Alan's completely right. Semenyo has made a difference straight away. And Gay, he has also. But one player who's not being talked about, Bernardo Silva in the last two months has been playing some of the best football I've ever seen him play in a Man City jersey. Yeah. Foden's in and in and around it. Harlan's back scoring. Ain't Nori's back in the team. Yeah. I think they can outscore teams. They're still vulnerable on the counter attack, but they've got something. I saw it in the first half against spurs and then to come back at Anfield after the Szoboszlai free kick and then get that moment and we always talk about moments that felt like

[Gary Lineker]

it might be a turning point within

[Michael Richards]

the season, don't we? At turning points. That could have just been it. I think it's going to go right to the end of the season. I really do.

[Alan Shearer]

You know what, Micah? I think, you know, you say man City might not hit the heights of other seasons. They might not have to because other teams are not hitting the heights of other seasons either. Liverpool are not miles away. Arsenal are. They're struggling with. With form. What is it, 3 and 9 or something like that? They've only won, so might not have to get to those heights to get to win it.

[Michael Richards]

Totally agree with that. They could just do it. But I would. I still wouldn't write Arsenal off yet.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, you can't write Arsenal after five points.

[Michael Richards]

No. But let me explain in layman's terms.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Michael Richards]

You've got a team who does everything to win a game and you've got a team who gets a goal and goes back in a defensive structure. And I said at the start of the year, Arsenal need to take the handbrake off. They did for a couple of months and then it sort of changed a little bit. And now psychologically, you think you get the goal, get two goals and anyone in right mind, you tune a lot. You think, okay, let's go a little bit deeper. But you've got a manager who wants to protect and a manager who wants to win. And that's what it's going to be towards the end of the season, who's going to outdo each other in their tactics.

[Gary Lineker]

And it's Arteta. A bit more Mourinho than he is, pet.

[Michael Richards]

Oh, yeah. I think when Arteta first started at Arsenal, the football he played was sensational. The rotations, the passing, the speed in which they got from back to front was excellent. But there's nothing wrong with being a Mourinho because you're up against Pep. You know, this notion that, oh, you've got to play this amazing football. Pep's the best at doing that. So you have to adapt like we talked about with Amarin so many times, that he didn't adapt. Arteta's had to adapt his football to get results. The problem is he, if he doesn't win the league at the end of it, he's going to be judged for the football that he plays. So he needs to get over the line for his own sake.

[Alan Shearer]

If he doesn't. If he doesn't win the League, he might not be at Arsenal.

[Michael Richards]

Well, that's that's it.

[Alan Shearer]

Because after the chances they've had to win it, they've been, what, second, haven't they?

[Gary Lineker]

So.

[Alan Shearer]

And with what they spent on the players they've got, on the position they are in, still in, they have to win it.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Unless they win the Champions League.

[Michael Richards]

True.

[Gary Lineker]

For the first time in their history, are they better suited for the Champions League than perhaps this particular situation because of the recent history of the Premier League?

[Alan Shearer]

Maybe mentally, maybe it would be, well, not easier, but mentally it might be a easier barrier to get over to go and win that than it is to win the Premier League. You're right. Because of what's happened to them in the Premier League. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And then they've got the psychological thing, of course, of the two teams meeting in the Carabao Cup Final.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Because Arsenal not won a trophy, obviously, for quite a number of years since that was at the FA cup under Arteta when he first arrived. So nicely nice ahead, guys. Good. Very, very excited. Good.

[Michael Richards]

Lots to talk about.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, lots to talk about. There's lots to talk about when we come back. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website. Squarespace makes it easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social or or QR code fast and hassle free. Go to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to launch, use code FOOTBALLALLALL all uppercase to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Dominic Sambrook]

Hello everybody, and welcome to the Book Club, a new podcast from Goal Hanger, hosted by me, Dominic Sambrook, and me, Tabitha Syrett.

[Tabitha Syrett]

As some of you may know, I been Dominic's producer on the Rest Is History and we even did a miniseries last year about all things books.

[Dominic Sambrook]

And since we enjoyed that so much, we have decided to roll it out as its own show. So it'll be coming out every Tuesday. We'll be doing a different book each time and digging into all the stories behind them.

[Tabitha Syrett]

And we are going to be talking about the historical contexts behind some of the greatest and most famous books of all time. We're going to be digging into the remarkable people behind them, the unexpected stories behind the stories, and also unraveling the plot of each book a bit and delving into the depths of the story.

[Dominic Sambrook]

Now, you don't have to have read the books to listen to the show, but we hope that by the end of each episode you will be able to pretend to people that you've read them. That is the key thing. And either way, whether you read them or not, we hope that you'll learn lots of fascinating facts, you'll do lots of great stories, and maybe Tabby the Odd Laugh.

[Tabitha Syrett]

We will be looking at at thrilling gothic bodice rippers like Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein, as well as iconic stories like the Great Gatsby or Little Women and then also some more modern stuff. So Game of Thrones, Normal People, the Hunger Games, Hamnet, all manner of exciting stories.

[Dominic Sambrook]

So please join us on our journey into all things books. Wherever you get your podcasts, just search for the Book Club every Tuesday and hopefully we will see you there.

[Gary Lineker]

This episode is brought to you by Octa. You hear a lot about AI agents now. They're everywhere, quietly running things, making decisions, speeding work up across organizations.

[Alan Shearer]

And that's all well and good until you stop and think who's actually in charge.

[Gary Lineker]

Because if you don't know who an agent is, what it's connected to, or what it's allowed to do, you can't really trust it to act in your interests.

[Alan Shearer]

It's like letting someone loose with the keys but not knowing what doors they can open or which ones they shouldn't.

[Gary Lineker]

That's the bit Okta focuses on. They secure the identity of AI agents themselves, so there's one clear layer of control and one consistent standard of trust across the whole system.

[Alan Shearer]

Which means every agent has a clear identity, clear permissions and a clear line of accountability.

[Gary Lineker]

Developers can move faster, IT and security teams stay in control and risk becomes something you actually manage not guess at. Secure every agent, secure any agent. Okta secures AI welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Mike Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. I suppose we've got to start this second half with Benfica against Real Madrid and the ugly scenes that El Stadio de Luz, the Stadium of Light, or possibly darkness. Vinicius Jr. Having scored a fabulous goal, celebrated as any player would. And then, According to Vinicius Jr. And Killian Mbappe, who was close by, was subjected to racial abuse. Gianluca Prestiani, one of Benfica's players. It will of course be difficult to prove, but I would say two things. One, why would Vinicius Jr and indeed Mbappe lie? This was a moment of joy for them to savor Ungolatho. It makes no sense really, does it, to turn that into a moment of accusation and despair. Secondly, why, unless you were trying to smother your words, would you hide behind Your shirt. Either way. Once again, racism, discolours, the beautiful game. I would argue, though, that this goes beyond football. We live in a time where division is sown, where we're turned against each other, whether it be the color of our skin, race or religion. It comes from the top. We see it everywhere. Only in the last couple of weeks, we've seen the president of the United States post an image of the former president and his wife as monkeys. Now we're witnessing accusations of something similar on a football pitch. The post match tribalism was also depressing. Jose Mourinho had the gall to blame Vinicius for celebrating his goal, basically saying he had had it coming. I'm sorry, but that is gaslighting. Players celebrate goals. Should they think in a moment, if I celebrate, I'll provoke racial abuse? Of course not. It's ludicrous and wrong, I would say, to put the blame on Vinicius. Mourinho went on to say that the club's greatest ever player was black. The great Eusebio. He's right, of course he was. But it did feel a little bit like one of those, oh, one of my mates is black moments. This was not about Benfica, even though images of two young fans were seen to be making monkey gestures at Madrid players. This was not, I don't think, a moment for tribalism. It should have been a moment when all of football came together. Whether it's proved proved that there was racist abuse or not remains to be seen. I imagine it will be very difficult. I'll be accused, probably not for the first time, along with others, of being woke. But I think it's hugely important that it's not just black players that speak out. It needs to come from us. It seems so odd and inhumane that caring and kindness is seen as a flaw and something to be despised. I genuinely, genuinely believe, though, that the vast majority of fans inside the Stadium of Light were not prejudiced against the color of someone's skin. I'd also say that 99% of professional footballers are genuinely not in the slightest bit racist. In fact, the multicultural harmony of dressing rooms are an example, I think, to the world. They make me proud of our sport. Alas, they'll always be the odd exception that ruins it for everyone. What happened on Tuesday night was as distressing as it was depressing. And let's just remember who the victim was and that we remain on the right side. It's not the first time we spoke of these issues, and it won't be the last. I. I suspect And I think the way it turned against Vinicius was, was very sad.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, I was there. I did the game, guys. I was, I was co commentating with John Champion and Mark Clattenberg. Referee sat alongside us and yeah, you've just spoken there for three or four minutes and you, you haven't mentioned his wonderful goal, which was what we should be talking about. That should have been the story. It was an amazing goal from an amazing player, yet we shouldn't be witnessing what we, what we saw. It clearly did look like he, he abused him. And because why else would you pull your top up to say something to someone on, on the football pitch, it looked as if he was clearly trying to hide something. And yeah, Vinnie was, was right to then call it out. And I thought the referee handled a very difficult situation very well. The ground then turned very hostile, very nasty and all of those things. And it was a, it was a really horrible situation. Yeah. And something that clearly we've spoken about before and you're right, we will speak about again, but that's in no way acceptable with what looks as if has gone on.

[Michael Richards]

Can I just ask you guys, I mean, it's such a difficult situation this, isn't it? Because you've got a young player, Prestiani, who's now turned into. To the victim. He covered his mouth with his shirt. So on cbs, when I was doing the coverage, I called him a coward, which he is a coward for doing that. He knew exactly what he was doing, but we don't know the context of what he said. So you've got Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Saying he did, and then you've got prestige and then you've got all these people saying, oh, well, well, you can't prove it. So then what can you possibly do?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, that's my, that was my point. In my, in my words, what can you possibly do?

[Michael Richards]

It's draining, it's frustrating, it's. Use the perfect word, gaslighting. And you know what, what's very difficult, you know, when in society he mentioned it. And I always give people a fair shake.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I know you do.

[Michael Richards]

I always try to be positive. I always have no agenda. I have, I don't have any narrative. I'm just me. I say what I see. And what happened with this is you could feel the pain from Vinicius that even if he was telling the truth, you can't prove it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Michael Richards]

So then you get these microaggressions like, well, no one believing what I say now, it bumbles on it bumbles on. What do you wait for doing this situation?

[Gary Lineker]

What did you do in the second leg?

[Michael Richards]

It's very hard for them if there's no evidence. And it just. It's just sad to see that we're still talking about these things now. We have so many cameras, we have so many microphones or whatnot, and all it's become is their word against his.

[Alan Shearer]

Clarence Seedorf, who was. Who was a pundit on the evening and we were working with, went on to the Real Madrid bus.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Watched it and spoke to Vinicius after the game. And Vinicius clearly told him what he says, what was said to him.

[Gary Lineker]

You could quite clearly see Vinicius mouthing it as he ran towards the referee. It was the term mono. Mono is monkey in Spanish. And if that was said, I mean, that's truly unacceptable. It's quite rare that it comes on the pitch from a player to one player to another. It's normally a fan, isn't it, on the sidelines, somebody shouting something. And, you know, some people have a go at Vinicius. There's a lot of history. He seems to be quite targeted, but he's someone that does want to speak out when it happens to him, which is quite a brave thing to do, which it shouldn't have to be. But he does become then the accused, which I think is grossly unfair. I think, you know, we've all got to stand up when we see this sort of thing.

[Michael Richards]

But you say stand up, Gaz, how. How can you stand up when there's. There's no evidence? You know, that's the. The part that frustrates me.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, well, he has. The evidence is his word, isn't it?

[Michael Richards]

But. I know. But then Prestiani's word also, which is so frustrating. We all know he said something. We don't. We can't prove what that was. And the thing is, to my last point is when I talked about, in terms of no narrative, no agendas and all this, people of color and even people, you know, white people are scared to talk about this topic because they don't want to mix their words, don't want to say the wrong thing. They don't want to be accused of backing someone else. And it's a very difficult place to be in.

[Gary Lineker]

I saw Thierry Henry on your show, so I thought. Spoke very eloquently on the issue. And I mean, obviously he said he had contact with. Again, with. With killing. I don't know. We have to take these allegations very seriously. You're right. Mark, it is very difficult. You have to. It's like walking on a minefield with these things because we should all be on the same side and we should all be together on this, but sadly we're not. And that's why it becomes very difficult. I mean, Alan as well, he's doing live code commentary and you can't really know what's going on when you sat up there, all that distance away.

[Alan Shearer]

That's right.

[Gary Lineker]

It must have been very difficult for you.

[Alan Shearer]

It was tough.

[Gary Lineker]

And obviously Mark Kattenberg got him in a hole. He subsequently apologized. I've been. I've done broadcasts and these things have happened before. You have to be. You have to choose your words very carefully, don't you?

[Alan Shearer]

But also you have to talk for 10 minutes.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

And 10 minutes is a hell of a long time when the game is.

[Michael Richards]

Is.

[Gary Lineker]

Is.

[Alan Shearer]

Has been halted. You know, you can't. You can't just stay silent. And Mark was really upset that I knew exactly what he was trying to say and he might have just got one or two words mixed up. And he has. You right? He has apolog what. What he said, but there was no intention there. But it is, it is really difficult when you have to talk for 10 minutes because there are pictures there and you can't just stay silent. And clearly, obviously you have to get every single word right in. In today's world, because there's always something, someone on social media ready to jump on you if you get a word wrong.

[Michael Richards]

The conclusion, though, Vinnie Jr. Is not lying, you know, of course he's not lying. Well, he's not lying killing bupes not.

[Gary Lineker]

Why would you lie about that? Why would.

[Michael Richards]

Exactly. I mean, what would you need to lie about?

[Gary Lineker]

You've just scored, what, the. One of the great Champions League goals of your career and you're buzzing. Yeah. He goes to the corner, does a brilliant, brilliant celebration. It's a bit Roger Miller, wasn't it, and all that, but to then, like blame him for that, you go, whoa, no, that's not right. And then you could see. Keep smiling. And then someone's had a good Liverpool. He's going, whoa, whoa, what's going on? And then there was the moment, wasn't it? And you could see the way completely. I mean, it will be very, very difficult to. To prove.

[Alan Shearer]

So what happens now with you here for them?

[Gary Lineker]

I have no idea. They probably have an inquiry that will take. I. I don't know. But again, I think the majority. We've seen the response. The majority of footballers stood up against this and stood on the side of Vinnie junior, which I think is really important, I think, in many ways. And I go back to my often a really, really good example of how we can be harmonious together and how ludicrous it is that we look at the color of someone else skin and think any differently of them. So hopefully, hopefully it'll. You know, football is so big and so global and so watched by so many that it can have, I think, an influence. And that's why it's sad when things like this happen, because it's really very rare, actually, on the football pitch itself or in a dressing room. Very rare, Very rare.

[Michael Richards]

Just moving on a little bit. I don't know if he was going to bring up next. Mourinho let me down. Yeah, Mourinho's comments afterwards. I don't know if you've got his comments there, but I've got them here. For someone who you look up to, who you idolize, and the special one. And even when his career's gone not the way he wanted to do in recent years, although he's doing really well at Benfica, I just looked at him and think his charisma, the way he talks, the way he handles himself in the media. Yeah, he rubs people up the wrong way, but I absolutely love him. And he had a chance to just say, you know, well, we've not seen all the evidence. I don't want to pick a side. We'll let the authorities do what they need to do and we'll deal with it afterwards. But all the noise coming out afterwards has just been pathetic.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I've got his words here. I told him when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.

[Michael Richards]

Why? For this is coming for a man

[Gary Lineker]

who storms a Can't stand the touchline.

[Michael Richards]

But that's the bit I can't comprehend, guys, you know.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you know what's kicked in there, Mike? What's kicked in there is tribalism. Tribalism defending his clan, his club, you know, it's all about his team, his player. That's what he's thinking there. And he's also. His ego's kicked in a little bit. He's gone up to Vinicius and he's obviously a former Real Madrid manager. And then he wants to tell everyone else what he said to Vinicius, because I think I'm the great peacemaker or whatever. His ego's kicked in and taken over. But you're absolutely right, he got it wrong. He really, really did get it wrong. I mean, he turned, you know, Vinicius, who's the victim in this. He basically accused him of creating this scenario.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. I mean, after he'd been sent off, he could have clearly just come out and said, I want. The scenes were unacceptable. Let me have a look into it. There has to be an inquiry into this. We weren't good enough on the pitch. But what happened in those 10 minutes, we're going to have to look into. And rather than seeing what he did, I mean, it was a terrible look in what he said. It wasn't good at all.

[Gary Lineker]

It really was. It's obviously not the first time Vinnie Junior's received racist abuse either. Valencia. In 2023, some Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison. Actually, sir. But that was a fan base thing. This was different because it was a fellow footballer, which. Which makes it all the more depressing. But anyway, I think Madrid will probably go through whatever happens with that one goal lead if we. If we can get back to football.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, they should have. They should. They should have won five or six nil at least, guys.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, they should.

[Alan Shearer]

They missed some. Some big chances in the first half. Madrid, Benfica were poor. They didn't have enough up front. Didn't trouble Real Madrid at all. And it should be pretty straightforward for them for Real Madrid on the pitch next week.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yeah, I would say so. We can't go without talking about the magnificence of one Newcastle United Football Club. Wow. That first half against the. Well, we were on the group chat, weren't we? Saying this is a bit easy. I mean, how many goals could they have scored in that first half?

[Alan Shearer]

It was like. Yeah, it was what it. What a game to play. And for. Particularly for a forward. And Anthony Gordon, I mean, getting his four goals, I loved. I think Kieran Trippier must have said something about giving him giving someone else the penalty.

[Gary Lineker]

No, he did. I was going to ask you about that.

[Alan Shearer]

Get off.

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Alan Shearer]

Why the hell do you think I'm giving a penalty? Are you getting mad?

[Gary Lineker]

Trippier clearly had the hump with him, didn't he? About.

[Alan Shearer]

So what? You can have the hump. Whatever. I'm not giving the ball away. I've got it. You work your nuts off to get to score goals and when you. Someone gives you the opportunity and you're the penalty taker. No way, mate. You're not. I'm not giving the ball away. Well done, Anthony Gordon for not doing that.

[Gary Lineker]

I knew you'd say that.

[Alan Shearer]

You expect me anything different?

[Gary Lineker]

No. And I. I would say exactly the same thing, Alan. I mean Christ. You chance to four score four goals in a Champions League.

[Alan Shearer]

Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

Not many players in the history of the game have done that.

[Alan Shearer]

He's. He's. I think he's second in the. In the list of goal scorers in the Champions League this season.

[Gary Lineker]

Just behind Mbappe. Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Which. Which is. Is incredible. Big result for Newcastle, clearly that they're not going to throw it away in the second leg. And they're into the round of 16. I would have thought so Against Chelsea or Barcelona. So they've put themselves in a really strong position. Three great away wins they've had because their waveform has been terrible this season. And so to win at spurs, win at Villa, go all the way over there. Which is a nightmare trip for them. And then let's see if they can go and win at Man City on Saturday. Hold on.

[Michael Richards]

Nightmare trip for them. You want to be in the Champions League. What is more, Newcastle weren't even the biggest story yesterday. Bodo clip was mate.

[Alan Shearer]

Now shut up.

[Michael Richards]

Being Inter Milan.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean that was extraordinary. Mike, I presume you were. I was watching Arsenal.

[Michael Richards]

I was covering that. I was covering that game. They were excellent. I'm telling you. A lot of people look at the name and just think, oh, they must have fluked their way. They play some really good football. Really good on the counter attack. They've got a guy called Fett Hager. I think his name's pronounced. A guy called. It's spelled H O G H but it's pronounced. Who? Who?

[Gary Lineker]

Who's that? Sorry, Mike, but that's. What was that? Man City. Atletico are now into the beat.

[Michael Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

In the Champions League this season. I mean. Blimey.

[Michael Richards]

Yes. Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

Fantastic story.

[Alan Shearer]

Incredible.

[Gary Lineker]

Which game did you. Were you mainly focused on last night, Michael?

[Michael Richards]

We was doing. Was doing all of them. But Bodeglim. Inter was our main game. Just because the story.

[Gary Lineker]

And they deserved it. Did they?

[Michael Richards]

They deserved it. They played really well. A lot of energy. They play on a plastic pitch as well, which obviously is difficult. But I must say the one against Atletico Madrid in the league phase. And that was in Madrid. So we can't really use the pitch. But they're just an amazing watch. Really is. The fans are great and it's a great story.

[Gary Lineker]

Quite a game. Bruges. Atletico as well, wasn't it? Few goals going on there.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I saw.

[Michael Richards]

I saw the goals in that three.

[Gary Lineker]

Three.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah. It went two. Nup. Didn't they? And then two. And then three. Two. And then it was a crazy game. And Then one of the goals at the end looked like it was offside. It was. It was onside Zolis to make it free all. So that'll be a good game as well. But I expect Atletico Madrid at home to. To go through there.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you think Inter will turn it around?

[Michael Richards]

Not if they played like they did yesterday, no.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I've seen Inter a couple of times this season. I've been to San Siro and watched them in the champions league. I've not been that impressed with them. They're a bit of an agent team.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

No, I don't think they're that great, to be honest.

[Gary Lineker]

Can you imagine the reaction in Italy if they go out can you imagine the reaction in Italy if they go out to Bodo Glim?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Yeah, exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

Into Milan Internazionale.

[Alan Shearer]

PSG got a good big result as well, didn't they?

[Gary Lineker]

Turned it around. They were two down, weren't they?

[Alan Shearer]

Two down against Monaco. Yeah. Substitute Desiree Dewey's that came on and scored a couple and got an assist as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he's a player. He's a talented young man.

[Michael Richards]

Class. Class act to me.

[Gary Lineker]

Before we bid you farewell. I'm just telling you how the. The draw pans out. I mean it's slightly odd because they've. They've done a draw and now they're going to do another little bit of a draw. So you've got the winners of Monaco, Paris. PSG will play against Barcelona or Chelsea. Galatasaray or Juventus. Galatasarai. 5:2 against Juve. That was a cracking game. Will play either Liverpool or Tottenham. Now don't forget Liverpool are not playing Tottenham. It's just that they'll do another draw to decide which of those two teams. So it's a bit odd. Benfica or Real Madrid will play against Sporting or man city. Dortmund or Atalanta will play Arsenal or Bayern. Carabago. Newcastle. Al, as you quite rightly said will play Chelsea. Barcelona. Club, Bruges. Your Athletic will play Tottenham. Liverpool. Bodo Glim Orinto will play man City or Sporting. Olympiacos or Leverkusen will play and buying or Arsenal. So there's. It's. It's. It's a straight funny one, isn't it? Can you work it out?

[Alan Shearer]

Some potentially huge fixtures in there for the round. For the round of 16. I mean there's some big, big games in there.

[Gary Lineker]

Big one. Would you sooner play as a Newcastle fan, Barca or Chelsea?

[Alan Shearer]

Barca.

[Gary Lineker]

Because you are going through. You're probably the one team you would say that's absolutely Guaranteed to go through

[Alan Shearer]

when we win the Champions League. We can say we beat Barcelona on the way. So. Yeah, Barcelona. Yeah.

[Michael Richards]

If you play Gordon up front against Barcelona, it'll score a hat trick with a high line.

[Gary Lineker]

I was going to talk about Anthony Gordon playing up there as a center forward. Actually I meant to bring it up early and I forgot that's a good option for England, isn't it? To have the fact that he can play on the left or if anything happened to Harry Kane or. You know, obviously there's Ollie Watkins as well.

[Michael Richards]

Tommy Abraham and.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, Tommy Abraham's only just come back to Villa, but he's not really had a look in the tuchel, but who knows. Yeah, he's good option. A good option because he's got so much pace that goes behind something different. That was going to be my point. So it's. It's. He could turn himself into a center forward out. Yeah, you.

[Alan Shearer]

You said it. You prefer him up there to the other two that they signed. And he gives. Certainly gives Newcastle more options in that just because of his. His sheer pace. Yeah. Might have one or two different issues when teams sit deep in a low block then more difficult. But I think in the Champions League where most teams will. Will just maybe come out and play and play, try and play their own game, then there is a lot more space in behind for him to get. I mean, look, you. You. You might have scored hat trick last night against Karabag even at your age. Now Gaz, having said that, he still had to score the four goals and he is a threat because of his Pierce.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay. Nice positive way to finish. So we'll call it a day there. Goodbye from me.

[Michael Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me.