Zola turns TV screens blue

BT Sport host Jake Humphrey was forced to apologise after former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola swore on live television ahead of the Hammers match against Chelsea.

Zola – who was in the BT Sport box at the London Stadium prior to kick-off along with former Hammers Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand waxed lyrical about the Italian as his highlights reel were played with some top class free kicks against the Hammers on show.

But when asked about his natural ability against his hard work, Zola said: “Forgive me, that is bullshit.”

BT Sport’s Humphrey immediately held his hand up and had to apologise as Ferdinand and Cole chuckled.

“That is a very strong word for this time in the morning,” he said. “Apologies to our viewers for that use of word.”

The former Chelsea player managed West Ham between 2008-2010 only to be replaced by Avram Grant.

Joe Cole started his youth career at West Ham in 1990 and went on to feature in the first team between 1998-2003 before joining Chelsea, he retuned in 2013 for a season before hanging up his boots in 2018 in the MLS.

Rio started his youth career at West Ham in 1992 breaking through to the first team in 1995 before joining Leeds in 2000 for a record £18m at the time.