During the BBC's FA Cup coverage of the match between Brighton and Nottingham Forest, a light-hearted moment unfolded as presenter Gary Lineker revealed Wayne Rooney's unusual phobia. The match took place at the Amex Stadium and was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Nottingham Forest securing the win after a goalless draw that extended through extra time. While the game featured some late drama, including a disallowed goal, it was not without its moments of tedium, particularly during the first half.
As the commentary team looked for distractions amid the match's slower pace, Lineker seized the opportunity to delve into a more personal topic involving Rooney. Upon returning to the studio for their half-time analysis, Lineker shared with the viewers, "We’ve still got little time to talk. It wasn’t the most compelling first half but what we did learn earlier, during that first half, was that Wayne Rooney is scared of fish." This revelation prompted a mixed reaction from fellow pundits Theo Walcott and Glenn Murray, who appeared to struggle to stifle their laughter. Rooney, meanwhile, fidgeted with discomfort but eventually managed a reluctant chuckle in response to Lineker's antics.
The banter continued, with Lineker pressing Rooney for more context on his phobia. "Tell us about that fear of fish Wayne," he teased, leading to Rooney’s candid admission, "I just don’t like them." However, the former England record goalscorer was quick to clarify his stance, stating, "I do like fish," but later jokingly specified that it was "the big fish" that unsettled him.
This exchange provided a brief but amusing interlude during the otherwise tense match, highlighting the camaraderie among the pundits while contrasting with the high stakes of the FA Cup competition.
Source: Noah Wire Services