Huge BT Sport star AXED in major shake-up by new Premier League broadcaster TNT Sports

BT SPORT successor TNT Sports has launched this morning.

And a huge star from the old regime has been axed in a major shake-up by the new Premier League broadcaster.

TNT Sports is making history by offering an all-woman football presenting team next season, headed by former talkSPORT ace Laura Woods.

The channel is also looking to increase its coverage of England’s top flight in the next TV rights deal.

And star names like Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch will continue to provide valuable insight into live matches.

However, one big face will not be present on – despite being a key figure on BT Sport.

Former referee Peter Walton was regularly called upon to offer perspectives from match officials.

He would give his views on controversial VAR decisions and other aspects of the beautiful game’s various laws.

But TNT Sports chiefs have decided they can do without a refereeing voice in the studio.

And Walton is not part of the new team bringing live football coverage to the masses this term.

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Instead, TNT Sports hopes to eventually broadcast live conversations between referees and VAR overseers in Stockley Park, adding a new dimension for TV viewers.

Managing director Andrew Georgiou said: “TNT Sports will be a 100 per cent focused British brand and we promise to do ‘Right by the Fans’.

“It will be different, new and bold in terms of how we bring sport to life on air and our talent line-up is a reflection of the brand - passionate and energetic.

”We know the fans want humour and fun but also to take sport seriously and we have a team we feel is relatable to our viewers.

“We need to know what the packages, time-slots and picks are in the new deal because that is very important.

“But we have made it clear we must maintain our position as a premier broadcaster.”

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