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      BBC in more turmoil as Mark Chapman and Colin Murray step down from Radio 5 Live to support Gary Lineker

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      MARK CHAPMAN has stepped down from BBC 5 Live radio duties in solidarity with Gary Lineker.The radio and Match of the Day 2 host, 49, was due to be on air this afternoon to help cover the Saturday football schedule for 5 Live Sport.
      Mark Chapman will not appear on BBC 5 Live this afternoonCredit: PA
      Colin Murray won’t be hosting Fighting TalkCredit: Getty
      However, SunSport can reveal he will not be taking to the mic and the entire programme is at risk of being pulled – plunging the BBC into further turmoil.
      At 12pm, when 5 Live Sport was due to start, there was a change in the schedule with a replay of the Footballers’ Football Podcast instead.
      And Colin Murray will not be in the studio for Fighting Talk on 5 Live either, with the popular programme dropped from the schedule.
      The Northern Irishman, 46, confirmed our news when he tweeted: “No Fighting Talk today, for obvious reasons.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      “In the interest of transparency, this was a decision taken by the entire FT team and myself. Bob Mills was still up for it, to be fair ;)”
      Dion Dublin also withdrew, adding: “In solidarity with my BBC Sport colleagues NO 5 Live for me today!”
      It comes in the latest twist following the BBC’s decision to suspend Gary Lineker from hosting Match of the Day following his tweets comparing the Government’s new Illegal Migration Bill to 1930s Nazi Germany.
      Lineker was told to step away unless he apologised but stood firm.
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      Pundits and commentators, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, confirmed they would not appear on the show either in a stand of unity with Lineker.
      Chapman had already ruled himself out of replacing Lineker on the flagship highlights show.
      The bungling Beeb confirmed there would be no studio talk or punditry tonight – while manager and player interviews will also be axed.
      Football Focus was also scrapped at the 11th hour when host Alex Scott and replacement Kelly Somers pulled out.
      The lunchtime preview show has been replaced by Bargain Hunt at midday on BBC One.
      And results programme Final Score is also expected to be cancelled with presenter Jason Mohammad refusing to go on air.
      Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray was due to appear on both Football Focus and Final Score but opted out because “it felt the right thing to step away”.
      Ex-England captain Lineker wept when he heard about his colleagues’ support to boycott Match of the Day and the BBC’s other sport scheduling.
      Chapman presents Match of the Day 2 and 5 Live SportCredit: BBC
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 

      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
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      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      Gary Lineker was suspended by the BBC for his Twitter commentsCredit: Alamy
      Football Focus was scrapped because Alex Scott and Kelly Somers refused to host the showCredit: BBC via Twitter More

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      Match of the Day latest — Gary Lineker pulled by BBC as show to air with NO presenters while Football Focus is CANCELLED

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      THE fallout from Gary Lineker’s sacking from BBC continues as former Arsenal player Alex Scott pulls out of presenting Football Focus which was supposed to air at 12pm today.Football Focus has been cancelled while Final Score, which normally airs at 4.30pm on Saturday, will not go through either.
      Final Score presenter Jason Mohammad has confirmed he will not work today.
      BBC confirmed that tonight’s Match of the Day will be aired with no commentators or hosts while no player or manager from the Premier League will be giving any interview to the show.
      Follow our Match of the Day blog for news and updates…
      BBC’s Former head of TV news and director of sport weighs in
      Roger Mosey, who was previously a senior member of staff at the BBC gave his thought on Twitter about the situation.
      He said: “So a few quick thoughts on where we are now with Gary and the BBC and the future. First, the tweets this week weren’t compliant with editorial guidelines as they have developed over the decades. The BBC is right about that, and also that impartiality is vital. But…
      “The BBC has been inconsistent in applying the guidelines over the years. Their statement about not wanting Lineker to be “an opinion-free zone” is an example of murkiness. The corporation also hasn’t explained why Lineker is restrained but Alan Sugar & Co seem not to be.
      “But most crucially now, by removing Lineker from MOTD, it looks as if the BBC has given in to one side of the culture war. That is, of course, intensified by the presence on the BBC board of govt appointees – most notably the chairman.
      “So suggestions for now: Richard Sharp should go. He damages the BBC’s credibility. Ideally, Lineker should stay within clear, agreed guidelines. And the BBC should send out its executives to be interviewed and explain how they intend to resolve this crisis.”
      Labour leader addressed the BBC vs Lineker situation
      Keir Starmer joined the group of people who disagree with the BBC’s decision to drop Gary Lineker.
      He said: “It is not impartial for BBC to cave in to Tory MPs complaining about Gary Lineker, it’s the opposite of impartial. They got this one badly wrong and now they’re very, very exposed.
      “What they should be doing is standing up, accepting they’ve broken the asylum system, and telling us what they’re going to do to actually fix it, not whingeing on about Gary Lineker.”
      Labour’s shadow education secretary tells BBC to ‘get serious’
      Bridget Phillipson spoke to media at the annual conference of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in Birmingham and called out the BBC for sacking Gary Lineker.
      She said: “I think that the BBC just need to get serious about sorting this out. Fans will want to see the programme tonight with all of the presenters and it’s not a situation that we should be in.
      “Gary Lineker’s comments were somewhat ill-advised but I think what needs to happen now is the BBC to take a step back from all of this and to resolve it.”
      Billionaire John Caudwell comes out in favour of the BBC
      According to billionaire and philanthropist John Caudwell, the BBC were right to sack Gary Lineker.
      The Phones 4U founder posted on Twitter, saying: “While I still think this circus around @GaryLineker distracts from the real issues with refugees, the @BBC is right to suspend him.
      “It’s fine to have an opinion and express it in a fair way. But as British taxpayers pay his salary, he should be promoting Britain not comparing the country to Nazi Germany.
      “That’s unpatriotic and damaging to Britain’s image!”
      Sports director at BBC makes statement
      Times Sport writer Henry Winter shared a statement made by BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater.
      It reads in part: “We understand how unsettling this is for all of you – the staff in BBC Sport and our freelance community – and we understand the strength of feeling which has been generated by this issue.”
      She added at the foot of her statement: “We are working hard to resolve the situation and we will update you as soon as possible.
      “Thank you for your continued work and professionalism.”
      Activist Femi Oluwole speaks out on the matter
      The political activist has been very vocal on his Twitter about the BBC dropping Gary Lineker for his political comments.
      Among his many tweets, he said: “Is the BBC really an authority on language sensitivity when they thought white news presenters could say the N-Word?
      “Is it not MORE offensive to the memory of those killed by the Nazis, to ignore when similar language is used by today’s governments to scapegoat minorities?”
      If you doubted whether the Football folk taking the knee really meant they cared… The ABSOLUTE CARNAGE they are causing at the BBC today, in the name of taking a stand against Tory bigotry and their media facilitators… My total respect! 😍#GaryGatehttps://t.co/oIlsl5S4TH— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) March 11, 2023

      Gary Lineker makes appearance
      In advance of the English Premier League football game between Leicester City and Chelsea on March 11, 2023, former England footballer and current BBC sports TV host Gary Lineker arrived at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England after controversy.
      Credit: AFP or licensors
      Actor Reece Dinsdale hits out at BBC
      The Corrie and Emmerdale star took to Twitter to comment on the BBC’s decision to drop Gary Lineker from Match of the Day.
      He pointed out how Gary was allowed to make an opening speech on the BBC’s coverage highlighting the controversies surrounding the FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar last December, but then couldn’t comment on his own social media about his country’s policy.
      Reece Dinsdale tweeted: “He can comment on human rights in Qatar whilst presenting the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup but he can’t comment on the state of his OWN country’s government for himself. How does that balance up, then?”
      Support for Gary Lineker from Fatboy Slim
      During one of his performances last night, Fatboy Slim displayed a picture of Gary Lineker on the stage.
      He posted the video on his Twitter in a bid to show support to the former Match of the Day host who’s been sacked by the BBC.

      PICTURED: Gary Lineker leaving his home to go watch Leicester vs Chelsea
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: The Mega Agency
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Getty
      ‘There’s a lot of questions that need to be answered’
      Former senior BBC head of religion and ethics told GB News shared his thoughts on Lineker’s situation with the BBC.
      He said:  “I think they’ve made a difficult decision, whether it’s the right thing or not only they can tell you. But a lot of people disagree with what they’ve suggested simply because many people would point to the hypocrisy of that particular decision.
      “And they’d also point to the fact that Gary is a sports presenter. His views are pretty well known anyway, regards to this and many other particular kinds of subjects.
      “He’s not a news and current affairs presenter. And, you know, we need to ask is he entitled to have an opinion as a freelance employee, not a full time employee?
      “Can the BBC, or any employer, really police somebody who has a job which is actually only a part time job? He’s a freelancer. And so this opens up a whole load of issues, I can understand the BBC wanting to get to the bottom of it.
      “My question would only be actually, you know, did they really understand the makeup of how people operate these days. Gary has a portfolio career. He has a number of employers.
      “And so can the BBC really impose its particular perspective on social media policy on somebody who is a freelancer, as opposed to somebody who is a full time worker?
      “So I actually think there’s a lot of questions that need to be answered. And I think what it does is show you that the nature of how we work has changed radically.
      “He really is a freelancer, and a lot of freelancers work for many different organisations. If he was a full time member of staff at the BBC, I think that would be a completely different conversation.
      “It’s complicated because of the nature of his contract. And the fact that he’s not actually a news and current affairs presenter. And I think we’ve lost sight of that.”
      What Ian Wright said on his podcast about the Lineker tweet
      Before breaking the news that Gary Lineker is being sacked from the BBC, Ian Wright released his latest podcast episode in which he explained the row.
      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.
      “Gary’s tweet was the headline news, bro. They need Gary Lineker to distract everybody because for me it is a human issue, it’s not political.
      “They’ve got no empathy. The most vulnerable ones are always the ones that suffer, they’re the ones that suffer and it starts with words. Gary Lineker, he retweeted from a German professor about – because the Hitler thing is what they all jumped on and everything like that.
      “He retweeted saying that it all starts with language, it starts with words, they don’t just start throwing people into concentration camps, it starts with words and language.”
      Lineker reportedly at the Leicester match
      Reporters flooded the outside of Gary Lineker’s home this morning.
      As he was leaving, he declined to comment to any of them.
      The BBC now reported that Gary’s son, Harry, told them that he won’t be at home for most of the day as he went to watch the Leicester game.
      Leicester vs Chelsea kicks off at 3pm.
      Gary Lineker might have presented Match of the Day for ‘the last time’
      Former controller of editorial policy at the BBC, Richard Ayre, said that there might be no space for reconciliation between Gary Lineker and the national broadcaster.
      Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, he said: “It is an irreconcilable position, I think, between the BBC guidelines and Gary who, perfectly understandably, feels that he has a right as an individual to express his views on any issue, however politically contentious it may be, and the BBC takes a different view because its guidelines lay down particular rules for people who are really high-profile BBC personalities, and I don’t think it’s likely that in the coming days they’re going to be reconciled.
      “It may already have been the last time we’ve seen Gary presenting Match Of The Day, unfortunately.
      “The BBC, in this time of all times, has to tread as straight a line as it can between the parties and avoid taking sides in its own output, and the BBC believes it also has to ensure that those key people who are identified as the BBC in the public mind also walk a straight line in what they say on their private social network
      “It’s a sad occasion for viewers, for anybody who’s interested in football, it will be very sad if they can’t reconcile with Gary. He is superlative, he is absolutely extraordinarily good, not just as a football pundit, of course, but I think, in my 50 or so years of association with the BBC, I’ve never come across such a naturally gifted television presenter.
      “He’s terrific and it will be very sad if he goes, but frankly the BBC and its reputation is bigger and more important than any individual, even Gary.”
      Piers Morgan’s opinion on the Match of the Day situation
      The BBC was accused of “losing its mind” by Piers Morgan after they’ve sacked Gary Lineker for a social media comment on the government’s asylum policy.
      He took to Twitter, saying: “It’s absolutely insane that Britain has become a country where having an opinion can cost you your job. If we don’t cherish & fiercely protect free speech, even for views we personally despise, we’re no better than totalitarian regimes like China & North Korea.
      “Comical to witness so many supposed free speech advocates furiously expressing their opinion that @GaryLineker should be sacked for expressing his opinion. Just about sums up this ridiculous farrago.”

      Labour MP hits out at BBC
      Angela Rayner has took to Twitter to address BBC and suggest that they “rethink” their decision about removing Gary Lineker from Match of the Day.
      She said: “The BBC’s cowardly decision to take Gary Lineker off air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure from Tory politicians. They should rethink.”
      BREAKING: Radio Five 5 Fighting Talk show will not air
      The hour-long show which normally airs at 11am on Saturdays has been pulled off air.
      Presenter Colin Murray said on Twitter: “No @FightingTalk316 today, for obvious reasons. In the interest of transparency, this was a decision taken by the entire FT team and myself. Bob Mills was still up for it, to be fair ;)”
      Petition to reinstate Gary Lineker is created
      The Mirror has created a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated to Match of the Day.
      So far, it has reached almost 118,000 signatures with a statement saying: “Gary Lineker has been forced to step back from presenting Match of the Day after tweeting critically about the government’s migrant policy.
      “As a freelance sports presenter, Mr Lineker should be able to share his personal views on current affairs. Many other BBC faces have posted controversial opinions on social media without sanction.
      “Meanwhile, the BBC chair Richard Sharp remains in post – despite helping to arrange an £800,000 loan for the former Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he was applying for his job.
      “The Mirror believes Mr Lineker should be able to return to our screens as soon as possible.”
      BREAKING: BBC confirm Final Score will not air
      The BBC confirmed that Final Score will not air at 4.30pm and has been replaced with The Repair Shop.
      It comes after host Jason Mohammad tweeted: “Morning all. As you know, Final Score is a TV show very close to my heart.
      “However – I have this morning informed the BBC that I will not be presenting the show this afternoon on BBC One.”
      The BBC were ‘mistaken’
      Former BBC director general and ex-FA chairman Greg Dyke spoke with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about Gary Lineker’s asylum policy tweer and whether it was right to sack him from Match of the Day.
      Saying that the BBC were “mistaken” to make such decision, he shared his thoughts on whether Lineker’s tweet was acceptable: “We live in a world of freedom of speech and therefore, yes. He didn’t broadcast it on the BBC, it was a tweet he did privately.
      “I think what the BBC did yesterday was mistaken. And I’ve over the years since I left the BBC never gone public criticising the leadership of the BBC and the decisions they take, because I know what a difficult job it is, and difficult decisions have to be taken.
      “News and current affairs employees are expected to be impartial and not the rest. If you start applying the rules of news and current affairs to everybody who works for the BBC, where does it end?”
      Mohammad won’t present Final Score
      Jason Mohammad has confirmed he will not be in the hotseat for the BBC’s full-time round-up show Final Score, which covers results and reaction from the Premier League, Football League and SPFL.
      The Welshman, 47, revealed his decision on Twitter.
      It is highly likely Final Score will be canned for today’s 3pm games.

      Bristol Rovers first team to support Lineker
      League One side Bristol Rovers have become one of the first teams to support Gary Lineker publicly on their Twitter.
      Later today, they play Forest Green.

      PFA Comments
      The Professional Footballers’ Association issued a statement on Premier League players not speaking to Match of the Day today.
      It 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 who have chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme.
      “During those conversations we made 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.”
      Final Score will not be aired
      The BBC also air Final Score at 4.30pm on Saturdays.
      It is still listed to go ahead but reports suggest that it won’t.
      Host Jason Mohammad pulled out of the show, announcing the news on Twitter: “Morning all. As you know, Final Score is a TV show very close to my heart.
      “However – I have this morning informed the BBC that I will not be presenting the show this afternoon on BBC One.”
      Kelly Somers confirms absence from BBC
      The Football Focus reporter also took to Twitter to let fans know that she’ll be missing out on the programme today.
      Just to confirm I won’t be on BBC television today. 👍🏼— Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) March 11, 2023

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      Match of the Day will have NO interviews with Premier League players or managers after pulling Gary Lineker off air

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      MATCH OF THE DAY will NOT interview Premier League players or managers today. The BBC show is in turmoil after host Gary Lineker, 62, was suspended from the flagship show following his tweets criticising the Government’s new Illegal Migration Bill.
      Premier League managers and players will not speak to the Match of the Day todayCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was kicked off the show after refusing to apologise for his tweetsCredit: Alamy
      Pundits including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer refused to take part in tonight’s programme in solidarity with presenter Lineker, who was given the boot after refusing to apologise for his tweets comparing the Tories’ strategy to that of Nazi Germany.
      That was followed by Steve Wilson confirming the boycott by the commentators while Mark Chapman and Alex Scott refused to step in as host, with the latter also pulling out of Football Focus which was cancelled.
      Even a number of Premier League players are said to be keen to stand with Lineker, too, and would refuse to speak to Match of the Day.
      And now the BBC report the Premier League have told the 12 clubs in action today that there will be NO requests for interviews by the programme.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      The League Managers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association have also been informed.
      It means the likes of Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte will be spared from speaking to the Beeb, although their other media commitments will remain in place.
      The mass boycott has left the Beeb reeling, with the broadcaster confirming the highlights programme tonight would show match action but with no studio punditry.
      And the lack of interviews from players and managers after the games will add a further strange twist to the show – with the clips usually shown straight after the highlights before Lineker and the two pundits dissect the matches.
      Most read in Football
      As revealed by SunSport, the ex-England captain wept when he heard about his colleagues’ support to boycott Match of the Day.
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      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and a number of colleagues boycotted the show in solidarityCredit: BBC More

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      Fatboy Slim backs Gary Lineker live during concert sending fans wild after BBC pull Match of the Day host off air

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      DJ Fatboy Slim backed Gary Lineker during a live concert after the BBC pulled the Match of the Day host off air. Lineker was suspended from the show after he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      DJ Fatboy Slim backed Gary Lineker during a live concertCredit: Splash
      The former Premier League star was deemed to have breached the BBC’s guidelines and was forced to step back from his presenting role.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      And even DJ Fatboy Slim – real name Quentin Leo Cook – is in Lineker’s corner as he performed with a picture of the footballer in the background.
      A video was posted of fans reacting wildly, with Leo Cook tweeting: “Enough respect #ImWithGary.”
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      Lineker’s son George responded: “That’s so elite.”
      Match of The Day has plunged into chaos as Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      Even matchday commentators pulled out of the show.
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      Most read in Football
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      He explained on Friday: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “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.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent on Saturday night.
      Gary Lineker has been taken off air by the BBCCredit: Alamy More

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      Now Match of the Day commentators pull out of show amid Gary Lineker storm as fans say ‘there’s no point watching now’

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      MATCH of the Day’s commentators have pulled out of tonight’s show – hours after the BBC said the programme would go ahead without presenters or pundits.Commentators from an agency are expected to be shipped in to cover Saturday’s Prem games amid chaos sparked by Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day.
      Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie shows commentators, said he and his colleagues will not appear in Saturday’s Match of the Day
      Commentators from an agency will be shipped in instead to cover the Prem games
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with ‘1930’s Germany’Credit: PA
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      He explained on Friday: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “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.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent on Saturday night.
      Read More on this story
      They will likely be covered by commentary usually provided for football broadcasts outside the UK.
      It comes just hours after the BBC said the exodus of pundits acting in solidarity with Mr Lineker means Saturday night’s episode will show only football.
      And there will be no studio analysis for viewers.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
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      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr 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 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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Wight was the first to boycott the show when he tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Gary Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      In a separate Tweet, Piers added: “REMINDER: BBC management told @GaryLineker to make political statements about Qatar’s human rights record at the start of the recent World Cup.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Alan Shearer joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tomorrow nightCredit: Alamy
      Jermain Jenas also pulled the plug on any chance of him turning up on Saturday’s episodeCredit: PA
      And Alex Scott shared a meme saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Getty
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA More

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      Premier League players could BOYCOTT BBC interviews before and after matches in solidarity with Lineker and pundits

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      PREMIER LEAGUE stars could reportedly boycott interviews with BBC before and after matches in solidarity with Gary Lineker.Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny after the Beeb yanked Lineker off air over his controversial tweet.
      MOTD hosts have staged a mutiny after BBC yanked Gary Lineker off airCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out, which saw them announce there would be NO HOST at all.
      Commentators could also join the boycott to force the show into a further radical change.
      The Times journalist Henry Winter has claimed that several players could boycott being interviewed by the broadcaster.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      He tweeted: “Football’s backlash against @BBC intensifies over its treatment of @GaryLineker. Many @premierleague players keen to show support for ex-pro pundits who step aside from @BBCMOTD. And @PFA will also fully support players who face fines for not completing required broadcast duties.”
      We reported how Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed Lineker had agreed to step back from presenting Saturday’s flagship highlights show.
      But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will.
      Most read in Football
      It left Match of the Day facing the prospect of having no host or pundits and now potentially no pre or post-game interviews either while they may also face boycotts from commentators who call the action.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return and tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      Lineker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the showCredit: Twitter
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Germany in the 1930s.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”

      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.” More

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      ‘No point watching now’ – BBC face huge backlash from footie fans after Gary Lineker is taken off air for migrants tweet

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      FOOTBALL fans have put the boot into the BBC and some claim they will boycott Match of the Day after Gary Lineker was taken off air.Many viewers are furious the Beeb made the presenter “step back” following his tweet attacking the government’s new immigration policy.
      The BBC say England legend Gary Lineker is ‘stepping back’ from MOTD while a ‘clear’ policy on his use of social media is agreedCredit: Alamy
      Ian Wright revealed he is showing ‘solidarity as he and Alan Shearer decline to go on MOTD this weekend in the absence of LinekerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Fellow ex-England players Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas, plus former Lionesses star Alex Scott, then refused to appear on the show as a sign of support for Lineker.
      That forced the BBC to decide there would be NO HOSTS at all this weekend.
      The BBC say former Tottenham and Barcelona striker Lineker will be absent “until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media”.
      But fans rushed in with comments like: “Oh no, cancel all EPL games tomorrow, no one to host MOTD.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Another said: “Lineker gets yellow card and sends off Wright and Shearer.” 
      A third vowed: “I’ll not be watching MOTD until he’s reinstated. Power to Lineker…”  
      The ex-Leicester City hero sparked huge controversy this week when he compared Government language used over the Illegal Migration Bill to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      Tories, including home secretary Suella Braverman, criticised Lineker for his “slur” and accused him of breaching BBC impartiality rules.
      Most read in Football
      But others, including hordes of football followers, have backed Lineker for both his opinion and his right to speak out.
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      And MOTD fans appear frustrated he will sit out Saturday’s show.
      One posted: “Not a massive fan of Lineker but he is Match of the Day, no point watching now.”
      A second viewer wrote: “It is heartening to see Lineker’s colleagues standing in solidarity with him against the BBC.”
      Another said: “Tragic if we never see him on MOTD again but I stand with @GaryLineker.”
      HOW IT STARTED
      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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.” More

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      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ over Match of the Day storm as Ian Wright & Alan Shearer walk out in ‘solidarity’

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      GARY Lineker “wept” when he found out his pals had publicly backed him after the BBC took him off air.It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight following the decision to axe Lineker from the show.
      It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny following the decision to axe Lineker from the show
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Gary was reportedly left in tears when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      read more in Football
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him.
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      It comes as the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by 1930s Germany.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Others to join the mutiny include Mark Chapman and Jermaine Jenas.
      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed Ian Wright and Alan Shearer after the Match of the Day hosts pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said 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 MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”

      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
      Read More on The Sun
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.” 
      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ when he found out his pals had publicly backed him as the BBC took him off airCredit: Alamy More