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      Match Of The Day cut to 20 minutes in bizarre show with no THEME TUNE or commentary as BBC reels from Lineker crisis

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      MATCH Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air.The flagship footie programme didn’t even play it’s iconic theme tune to kick-off the show and an announcer apologised for the slimmed down offering.
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-airCredit: BBC
      Viewers were left speechless as the Match Of The Day theme tune was not played and highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentaryCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was pulled off the programme on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to ‘1930s Germany’Credit: PA
      Viewers were left speechless as highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentary.
      And there were no presenters or pundits in the studio after staff walked out in a growing mutiny following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
      It came as co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Prem match highlights.
      Read More on this story
      As the show began, an announcer said: “We’re sorry that we’re unable to show our normal Match Of The Day including commentary tonight.
      “But here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”
      The show ended with a jingle as the Premier League table standings were shown before abruptly ending.
      Footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      Most read in Football
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      FALLOUT
      BBC One then showed Tom Hanks drama Sully about the Hudson River plane landing.
      Earlier, a Beeb insider told The Sun on Sunday last night’s show would be “the biggest own goal in the BBC’s history”.
      They added: “Match of the Day is a British institution, so everyone at the BBC from the top down was adamant the show must go on.
      “But the sorry excuse of a programme which went out probably did more damage than if it was taken off air for the weekend while things were resolved.”
      Mr Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as the staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      The biggest own goal in the BBC’s historyBBC insider on Match Of The Day
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      Mr Davie described the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” and apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the furore, he told the BBC on Saturday: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.” More

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      Defiant Gary Lineker refuses to back down in migrant Twitter row with BBC after day of chaos for its football coverage

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      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverage.Davie insisted he would not quit while Lineker refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverageCredit: Getty
      Bosses have demanded that the Match of the Day host agree a deal to stop posting political messages
      The saga saw Match of the Day cut from 80 minutes to just 20 and several other football shows axed as other stars walked out in support.
      BBC bosses have demanded Lineker agree to stop posting political messages online after he commented on the Government’s small boats policies.
      But a source close to the £1.35million-a-year England legend insisted he would carry on.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” — but said of quitting: “My job is to serve licence fee- ­payers and I look forward to resolving this situation.”
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends “in a timely manner”.
      Lineker is set for crisis talks but former BBC Director General Greg Dyke feared the fallout could spell the end of his career at the Beeb.
      In a dramatic 24 hours:

      FOOTBALL Focus and Final Score were cancelled after Alex Scott, Kelly Somers and Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera;
      FIGHTING Talk and the 606 show on Radio 5 Live were pulled;
      BBC Director General Tim Davie apologised but insisted he would not resign;
      PAL and follow presenter Ian Wright threatened to quit if the BBC got rid of Lineker;
      IT emerged Lineker confided in TV pal Andrew Castle that he had gone “too far” in his tweets.

      Most read in Football
      Fury erupted among fellow BBC stars when Lineker, 62, was kicked off air on Friday after comparing the Government’s migrants crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Sources say Lineker was left stunned by the BBC’s move but has been thrilled with the show of support from stars and the public.
      He is now set for crisis talks with Mr Davie, who admitted last night in Washington that it had been “a difficult day”.
      But he insisted he was keen for the broadcaster to return. He said: “Success for me is Gary getting back on air. We’ve got the best sports broadcaster in the world. We want to make sure that he can come back.”
      He said he planned to “calmly resolve the situation”.
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends ‘in a timely manner’Credit: PA
      For the first time Football Focus was not broadcast
      Asked in a BBC News interview if he should resign, he replied: “Absolutely not.”
      He also declined to say if he had spoken to Lineker in the last 24 hours. It was reported last night that ITV and BT were looking to poach the veteran presenter.
      Ex-Arsenal striker and Match of the Day co-host Wright — who with fellow pundit Alan Shearer was among the first to pull out in support — yesterday launched a scathing attack on the BBC.
      He said: “I’ll tell you something. If they do – the BBC get rid of Gary Lineker – I’m out, I’m gone. I’m not staying there. On his own platform he should be able to say what he wants to say.”
      The BBC’s decision caused outrage on social media – where #IStandWithGaryLineker trended with celebs showing their support.
      Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings, 29, was understood to be the first current Premier League star to speak out on the issue. He tweeted: “Big up Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.”
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast
      Colin Murray pulled out of Fighting Talk
      A day of scheduling chaos saw Football Focus replaced with an old episode of Bargain Hunt while The Repair Shop was shown instead of Final Score.
      Radio 5 Live’s traditional Saturday football coverage was also ripped to shreds, with Colin Murray pulling out of Fighting Talk and Mark Chapman standing down from presenting duties.
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast.
      Pundit Dion Dublin tweeted: “In solidarity with my BBC Sport colleagues NO 5live for me today!”
      Ex-footballer Glenn Murray also pulled out of Football Focus and Final Score duties.
      He tweeted: “I was meant to be up in Media City today but reflecting last night I felt it was the right thing to do to step away from Focus and Score today. Hoping normal service resumes next week.”
      The BBC yesterday apologised and said it was “working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon”.
      The scheduling mayhem is also set to continue into today, as former Spurs star Jermain Defoe pulled out of punditry duties on Match of the Day 2 tonight.
      Meanwhile, it emerged that Lineker confided to a friend that his controversial tweets about migrants were a “step too far”.
      Former tennis star Andrew Castle said on his LBC show yesterday: “I was with Gary Lineker for half a day, plus, on Thursday, I was working with him. His phone was going absolutely mad.
      Final Score was cancelled as Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera
      Meanwhile Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman stood down from presenting duties
      “I said to him, that I thought to draw the parallels between, you know, the rise of Nazisim in the 30s and early 30s government and the immigration policy of a serving Conservative Party was a step too far and he agreed. And he said so.
      “He’s alluded to that. If he was to apologise, then fine I suspect he could go back on air but it’s gone a little bit too far for that.”
      Lineker has been told by the BBC to re-think his social media use — but ex-BBC boss Mr Dyke said yesterday he was entitled to express controversial views.
      He told Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a long-established precedent in the BBC that is that if you’re an entertainment presenter or you’re a football presenter, then you are not bound by those same rules.”
      However he added it was “quite clear” he did not intend to give the BBC any assurances about his future conduct and that “therefore I suspect this is the end of Gary Lineker as a BBC presenter as we’ve known him”.
      PM Sunak also waded into the row last night – insisting he is right to take “tough decisions” to fix the migration crisis. He added: “It is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand.”
      He and son Angus saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from LondonCredit: Reuters
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was “caving in” to Tory MPs by telling Lineker to step back from Match of the Day.
      He accused the government of blaming “anybody else” rather than “accepting that they’ve broken the asylum system”.
      Some BBC commentators did take to the airwaves yesterday, though they admitted it was a tough decision.
      Ian Dennis worked on the Leeds v Brighton game for Radio 5 Live at 3pm, while Alistair Bruce-Ball was set to follow suit for the late game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
      Ex-footballer Chris Sutton also decided he was going to work on 606 before BBC bosses scrapped the show anyway.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was ‘caving in’ to Tory MPsCredit: Getty
      A source said a number of staff see a distinction between BBC radio and television. They added: “Some feel they have been backed into a corner by the raft of withdrawals and have been placed into a very difficult position.”
      The situation has also affected freelancers, who rely on BBC contracts. Lineker posted his tweet criticising the Home Office last Tuesday, and the BBC finally caved into pressure on Friday evening.
      It said in a statement: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”
      Pic-me-ups with fans
      Lineker brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club LeicesterCredit: Rex
      A Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, ‘Gary Lineker for Prime Minister’Credit: Reuters
      LINEKER brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club Leicester.
      He and son Angus, 25, saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from London.
      Back in the capital, a Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, “Gary Lineker for Prime Minister”.
      TV rivals moving in
      LINEKER could triple his £1.35million earnings by jumping ship to ITV. 
      Insiders say the station have long been keen to poach the star who, if he went, would be free to share his political views.
      BT Sport, which is to rebrand as TNT Sports, are also said to be interested in Lineker. A source said: “He’s in demand.”

      Slim love for Gary
      FATBOY Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his support.
      Fatboy Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his supportCredit: Twitter / @FatboySlim
      The DJ, real name Norman Cook, later tweeted: “I’m with Gary”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, social media jokers put up brutal memes to mock the BBC row.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day More

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      BBC boss Tim Davie refuses to resign over Gary Lineker row but admits ‘difficult day’ as presenters walk out in protest

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      THE BBC’s crisis-engulfed director general says he will “absolutely not” resign over the fallout of Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match Of The Day.Mr Lineker, 62, was pulled off the flagship footie show on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      Despite the furore, the Beeb’s director general Tim Davie will not step downCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was pulled off Match Of The Day on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to ‘1930s Germany’Credit: Reuters
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1Credit: Reuters
      The free speech row triggered a mass walk out of presenters – plunging Match Of The Day into chaos and Football Focus being pulled off air.
      But despite the carnage engulfing the taxpayer funded corporation, the Beeb’s defiant director general Tim Davie said he’s going nowhere.
      Describing the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” he apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
      He told the BBC on Saturday: “I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming.
      Read More on this story
      “As a keen sports fan I know to miss programming is a real blow and I’m sorry about that.
      “We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      And asked if he was sorry about the way he handled it, he said: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s this balance between free speech and impartiality.
      “I honestly do not believe, despite a lot of the commentary, that this is about left or right – it’s about our ability.
      “We’re fierce champions of democratic debate, free speech, but with that comes the need to create an impartial organisation.”
      On impartiality, Mr Davie added: “We should be fighting for this in this world, calmly, rationally fighting for a BBC that really actually champions free speech.”
      He did not confirm whether he had spoken to Mr Lineker in last 24 hours.
      But he said: “Everyone wants to calmly resolve the situation.
      “Gary Lineker’s the best in the business – that’s not for debate.”
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      TWITTER ROW
      The row was triggered when the veteran broadcaster responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes tonight as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air.
      The flagship footie programme didn’t even play it’s iconic theme tune to kick-off the show and an announcer apologised for the slimmed down offering.
      Viewers were left speechless as highlights of today’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentary.
      And there were no presenters or pundits in the studio after staff walked out in a growing mutiny following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
      It came as co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Prem match highlights.
      As the show began, an announcer said: “We’re sorry that we’re unable to show our normal Match Of The Day including commentary tonight.
      “But here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”
      The show ended with a jingle as the Premier League table standings were shown before abruptly ending.
      BBC One then showed Tom Hanks drama Sully about the Hudson River plane landing.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Mr Sunak said the free speech row was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.”
      talkSport’s Alan Brazil appears on an ad outside rival broadcasters the BBC on SaturdayCredit: Sasha Kennedy-Carr More

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      ‘I knew one day he’d come’ – Gary Lineker offered hilarious new job by brother Wayne after Match of the Day axe

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      GARY LINEKER could soon be pulling pints after the BBC pulled him from Match of the Day.The popular presenter was suspended from presenting the Beeb’s flagship Premier League highlights show amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      The BBC have controversially suspended Gary LinekerCredit: Reuters
      His brother Wayne shared this viral snap on his InstagramCredit: Instagram @waynelineker
      Wayne Lineker has built a £30million nightclub empire in SpainCredit: waynelineker/Instagram
      Jack Grealish is a fan of Lineker’s O Beach ClubCredit: waynelineker/Instagram
      Fortunately, infamous club mogul brother Wayne was quick to offer him a new gig.
      Lineker has received an outpouring of support since and it appears he could be set for multiple job offers too.
      But if all else fails, then his party-loving Wayne has offered him a job at his Ibiza beach club.
      Ocean Beach club is a favourite summer haunt for Premier League stars, with Jack Grealish among those who have let their hair down at Wayne’s legendary parties.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Wayne shared a mocked up viral snap of Gary pouring him a drink at one of his bars.
      And he joked: “I knew one day he would come to ocean.”
      Wayne added his support for his sibling – while hinting he might like to fill the Match of the Day chair instead.
      He added: “I feel obliged to just say that I’m in full support of Gary. Also I look forward to standing in for him tonight on Match of the day.”
      Most read in Football
      Gary has already been offered a more conventional new role by BT Sport as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports.
      They want the ex-England star, 62, to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Lineker previously worked for BT Sport between 2015-2021 and has presented Match of the Day since 1999.
      He decided to step down to watch his beloved Leicester on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      And Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea after becoming expectedly free.
      It comes as the veteran broadcaster sparked a free speech row when he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The show’s commentary team also stood down – meaning the show went ahead without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It lasted just 20 minutes and didn’t even feature the iconic theme tune and opening credits.
      Read More on The Sun
      Football Focus, Final Score and BBC Radio Five Live shows were also taken off the schedule after contributors refused to take part.
      The Sun revealed this morning that Alex Scott chose to not host Football Focus following the suspension storm.
      Mr Lineker has received an outpouring of support since and it appears he could be set for multiple job offersCredit: Alamy
      The England legend was spotted enjoying the action at Leicester vs Chelsea earlierCredit: PA More

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      Why is there no commentary on Match of the Day tonight?

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      MATCH of the Day will go ahead tonight without Gary Lineker, pundits or the show’s own commentators. And according to reports, tonight’s games could be shown in complete SILENCE.
      Gary Lineker is in a stand-off with the BBC over his social media usageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Last night, Match of the Day commentators released a statement saying they would be standing down from duty this weekend in support of Gary Lineker after the BBC yanked him off air over a Nazi tweet row.
      Lineker compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of language used in 1930s Germany.
      The Beeb and Lineker are in a stand-off over the former Tottenham man’s social media usage.
      Why is there no commentary on Match of the Day?
      BBC commentators are boycotting tonight’s show.
      “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast,” a joint statement read.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      There was a belief that the BBC could use world feed Premier League commentary.
      But according to The Athletic, Match of the Day does not have the remit to use that commentary either.
      Most read in Football
      It leaves the show without Lineker, pundits, its own commentators and no commentary at all.
      It has also been reported that Match of the Day may only last 20 minutes tonight, due to the absence of analysis or previewing of any games. More

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      Jurgen Klopp comes out swinging for Gary Lineker after BBC axing and brands Match of the Day crisis a ‘s***storm’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has slammed the BBC’s treatment of Gary Lineker.The Liverpool manager insisted that he can not see “any reason” why the former England striker would have been asked to “step back” from presenting.
      Jurgen Klopp has hit out at the BBCCredit: Getty
      He slammed the treatment of Match of the Day host Gary LinekerCredit: Reuters
      Lineker was pulled off the flagship footie show on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The corporation said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of guidelines” and ordered Lineker stepped back until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Klopp was asked about the situation after Liverpool’s shock defeat to Bournemouth.
      He said: “They asked him to step down for the things he said?
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      “So my problem with the situation how I understand it – and I’m not native – is that I cannot see any reason why they would ask anyone to step back for saying that.
      “I can’t. I’m not sure if that’s a language issue or not.
      “But that’s the world we are living in.
      “Everybody is so concerned about doing things in the right manner, saying the right stuff to everybody, and if you don’t do that you create a s***storm that we didn’t have when we were young.
      Most read in Football
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      “It’s a really difficult world to live in.
      “If I understand it right then this is about an opinion about human rights.
      “That should be possible to say. What I don’t understand is why everyone goes on Twitter and says something.
      “I don’t understand the social media part of it. I’m too old for that.
      “If I’ve got it right then for me there’s no reason (for the BBC to have stood Lineker down).
      BBC staff were at the Vitality Stadium but they did not conduct any interviews after the game.
      When asked if he would have spoken to the broadcaster, Klopp responded: ‘I’m not so much in the situation to be honest.
      “It’s not that the guy with the BBC mic today is obviously a bad person.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I heard about the rules of the BBC that you aren’t allowed to have these kind of opinions.
      “How I said – a difficult world to live in, to fulfil all the expectations and the rules, especially in public.” More

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      Man City’s FA Cup clash against Burnley could look very different on TV with no build-up or post-match reaction

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      VINCENT KOMPANY’S FA Cup return to Manchester City could be the next high-profile victim of the Gary Lineker Tweet storm.Kompany takes his Burnley side to the Etihad for a tea-time kick-off next Saturday that is due to be screened by the BBC.
      Vincent Kompany is set to take his Burnley side to Man City next weekCredit: Alamy
      Gary Lineker was pulled from Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But unless there is a resolution to the row that has rocked the Corporation, fans tuning in may just see the match without any build-up or post-game reaction – and with a break for other programming at half-time.
      Burnley’s clash at City and Sunday’s last eight tie between Brighton and Grimsby are now at risk of being scaled-down productions as the crisis continues.
      The FA will hope for a resolution over the coming days although talks with broadcasters may take place if the situation escalates further. 
      BBC sport output was slashed yesterday as presenters, pundits and commentators on television AND radio refused to work in protest at Lineker’s effective suspension.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      After the Beeb announced on Friday that last night’s edition of Match of the Day would be composed purely of match highlights with no studio presentation or punditry, the knock-on effect was felt across the network.
      Presenter Alex Scott and others pulled out of the lunchtime Football Focus show, which was replaced by Bargain Hunt.
      Final Score’s lead presenter Jason Mohammad and his colleagues also joined the boycott in protest at the treatment of Lineker, with the Beeb scheduling The Repair Shop instead.
      And the backlash spread to Radio Five Live, initially with Colin Murray confirming the live recording of Fighting Talk would not take place “for obvious reasons”.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      With presenter Mark Chapman withdrawing his services along with the scheduled Prem commentators, there was no Sport on Five either, with a series of pre-recorded podcasts filling the airwaves.
      The growing off-field drama saw Prem chiefs intervene to ensure players at yesterday’s six games were not put in a position where they would be embarrassed by being asked to appear in front of the BBC cameras for post-match interviews.
      In a statement, the PFA said: “We have been informed that players involved in today’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day
      “The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those with chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme
      “During those conversations we make clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments.
      “This is a common sense decision that ensures players won’t now be put in that position.”
      The expectation is that Match of the Day 2 tomorrow night will also be a pundit and presenter-free zone after Jermain Defoe announced: “It is always a privilege to work with BBC MOTD.
      “But tomorrow I have taken the decision to stand down from my punditry duties.”
      In addition to the live FA Cup ties, next weekend’s Match of the Day broadcasts could again be affected, although there would then be a two-week window for the March international break which could allow time to find a solution. More

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      Match of the Day in major doubt as it emerges episode could be entirely SILENT because of BBC rights issue

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      THE BBC has reportedly insisted that Match of the Day will go ahead tonight.However, the show will be a shorter program with no commentary, as per reports.
      Match of the Day could be in silence tonightCredit: BBC
      The MoTD commentators have stepped down in support of Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      The football highlights programme has lost its commentators for the show as they have refused to work in support of show host Gary Lineker.
      The show was at risk of being scrapped due to the BBC not being able to get any commentary for the highlights.
      This means that when highlights of the games are being shown that there will be no commentators describing the action, according to The Athletic.
      The BBC have no rights to the commentaries supplied by Premier League Productions.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Last night Match of the Day commentators released a statement saying they would be standing down from duty this weekend in support of Lineker after the BBC yanked him off air over a Nazi tweet row.
      Gary compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany – causing him to be suspended by the Beeb.
      They suggested that the BBC would still be able to use the commentary from the tournaments world feed so viewers would still have some description of the games.
      However, it is believed that the BBC’s contract is only for video highlights and therefore will have to supply its own commentary.
      Most read in Football
      It is not yet known if the BBC have requested the Premier League provide commentary, but an insider told The Times that the BBC are sorry for the “limited sport programming this weekend”.
      The insider added that it was “working hard to resolve the situation and hopes to do so soon”.
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      Football Focus was axed just hours before it was scheduled to go on air today as pundits also refused to work.
      Fans earlier put the boot into the BBC – with some claiming they will boycott Match of the Day after Lineker was taken off air.
      The former England striker has taken time today to go up to Leicester and watch his side face Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. More