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      Gary Lineker could triple £1.3m BBC pay as rival broadcasters queue up to sign him – as Match Of The Day future in doubt

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      GARY Lineker could TRIPLE his £1.3 million BBC pay packet as rival broadcasters queue up to poach the veteran presenter.The BBC icon, 62, was suspended from presenting Match Of The Day amid an ongoing dispute with the BBC over his tweets.
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters
      Gary was all smiles at the King Power stadium on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      Match Of The Day will go ahead tonight but without commentators, presenters or pundits
      Football Focus was pulled off air today as wellCredit: BBC via Twitter
      BT Sport are interested in hiring Gary as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT SportsCredit: Reuters
      Gary joshed around in the stands with a palCredit: PA
      But following outpouring of support he appears to have received job offers from two broadcasting titans.
      BT Sport are interested in hiring the presenter as part of their planned summer revamp to become TNT Sports, according to the Daily Mail.
      The broadcaster has been bought by Warner Brothers Discovery and they are reportedly planning to expand their football coverage.
      They want the ex-England star to be the face of their new venture, which includes Premier League and Champions League coverage.
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      BT Sport have the rights for those competitions for two and four more years respectively and are believed to be in the market for EFL rights, currently held by Sky Sports.
      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 City on their European journey in the Europa Conference League last season, with Brendan Rodgers’ side reaching the semi-final.
      ITV are also allegedly interested in Mr Lineker – having chased his signature for years.
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      And sources speaking to The Mail on Sunday say he would “undoubtedly” be able to name his salary.
      A source adds: “He is the host of the most watched football programme in Match of the Day so would bring an audience with him, and he also has a brand to take with him.”
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      And Mr Lineker was at the King Power Stadium today to watch the Foxes in action against Chelsea following his Match of the Day axing.
      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 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 show’s commentary team also stood down – meaning the show went ahead as a highlights reel without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      It lasted just 20 minutes and didn’t even feature the iconic theme tune and opening credits.
      TWITTER ROW
      The free speech 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 statement added: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. “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.”
      BEEB DOUBLE DOWN
      But despite the chaos rocking the BBC to its core – it’s crisis-engulfed director general Tim Davie says he will “absolutely not” resign.
      He told the BBC on Saturday: “I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming.”
      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.
      “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.”
      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 should replace Gary Lineker – a billboard suggestsCredit: Sasha Kennedy-Carr
      One fan made their feelings known amid the rowCredit: AFP
      Mr Lineker has received an outpouring of support since and it appears he could be set for multiple job offers tooCredit: Alamy 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.
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      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”.
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      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.
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      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

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      Gary Lineker arrives to watch boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea after BBC pull him off Match of the Day

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      GARY Lineker has arrived to watch his boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea after the BBC pulled him off Match of the Day.Lineker, 62, was axed from the show after he compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Gary Lineker arriving ahead of the Premier League match at the King Power StadiumCredit: PA
      Lineker is watching his boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea
      The presenter poses for photographs with fans in the standsCredit: PA
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with Lineker
      The former England footballer jokes with friendsCredit: AFP
      Leicester City fans hold up signs in support of former player LinekerCredit: Reuters
      Lineker has been suspended by the BBCCredit: PA
      His fellow presenters are refusing to appear on air in solidarity today – meaning Match of the Day is being forced to go ahead without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      And the chaos spread further when Football Focus’s Alex Scott chose to not host the programme following the suspension storm.
      But Lineker looked cool, calm and collected as he arrived at the King Power Stadium roughly an hour before the Foxes’ Premier League clash.
      In the stands, before kick-off he was spotted joking and posing for selfies with fans.
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      When the match began he appeared nervous with his hands over his mouth as Chelsea took a 1-0 lead over his old team.
      However, when the Foxes’ equalised he was seen celebrating with his son and friends.
      It comes as a BBC spokesperson said they will air “limited sport programming” over the weekend and is “working hard to resolve the situation”.
      Yesterday Lineker was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from 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.”
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Nazi 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.
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      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”.
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
      Lineker smiles leaving his home in London this morning More

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      Fuming John Terry slams ‘clown’ David Baddiel over MOTD joke and accuses him of using Chelsea legend for ‘cheap laughs’

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      JOHN TERRY has slammed David Baddiel for using his name for “cheap laughs” over the Match of the Day controversy.Comedian and Chelsea fan Baddiel made light of the ongoing dispute between Gary Lineker and MOTD.
      David Baddiel poked fun at John Terry over the Match of the Day fiascoCredit: The Mega Agency
      John Terry was not happy with Baddiel and labelled him a clownCredit: Getty
      Several presenters revealed they would not be replacing Lineker on the show including Mark Chapman.
      So in an attempt to be witty Baddiel put John Terry’s name forward in a jibe at the former Blues captain infamously standing in to lift the Champions League trophy in his kit in 2012 despite not playing in the final.
      Baddiel, 58, quipped: “I wonder if, somewhere, John Terry is practicing using an autocue.”
      Terry, 42, reacted angrily to the joke and used an emoji to label Baddiel a clown.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The ex-England captain replied saying: “Don’t use my name for a cheap laugh on social media!”
      Several names have been linked with replacing Lineker including former MOTD2 presenter Colin Murray.
      But after a boycott led by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer the BBC have decided to air Match of the Day without a presenter, pundits and even commentators.
      Some fans called for BBC Sport’s Emma Louise Jones to replace Lineker.
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      Jones has also presented for Leeds TV in the past and for BBC Radio 5 Live.
      Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos. More

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      Fans call for glamorous BBC Sport host Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

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      FANS have called on BBC Sport host Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. 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”.
      BBC Sport host Emma Louise JonesCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Fans have called on Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma Louise Jones also presents for Leeds TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      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.
      It has led to some fans filling up presenter Jones’ Instagram comments in a bid to have her replace Lineker.
      One said: “What you doing Saturday night? Fancy the MOTD Gig?”
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Another posted: “MOTD needs you.”
      One added: “All set for MOTD tonight?”
      Another commented: “Can you be the new presenter for MOTD please.”
      Jones has also presented for Leeds TV in the past and for BBC Radio 5 Live.
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      Match of The Day has plunged into chaos as Jones’ BBC colleagues have refused to work in solidarity with Lineker.
      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.
      The BBC confirmed that tonight’s Match of the Day will be aired with no commentators or hosts.
      No player or manager from the Premier League will be giving any interview to the show too.
      Gary Lineker has been taken off air by the BBCCredit: Alamy More

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      Inside Gary Lineker’s stylish home with plush velvet sofas, stunning art and cute dog amid Match Of The Day suspension

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      MATCH Of The Day anchor Gary Lineker’s stylish home life at his £4million Surrey mansion has been revealed following his suspension by the BBC.The broadcaster temporarily pulled sports pundit Gary, 62, from his Match Of The Day hosting role on Friday after he sparked a major backlash when he took to Twitter to hit out at the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
      Gary Lineker’s stylish home life has been revealed following his Match Of The Day suspensionCredit: Instagram
      The Match Of The Day anchor, 62, has been suspended from his BBC show role after comments made about the Government’s illegal migration billCredit: Alamy
      Back on home turf, Gary is a fan of modern artworkCredit: Instagram
      Since then, a host of his colleagues including s Alan Shearer and Ian Wright revealed they were refusing to star on the sporting show.
      This prompted similar reactions from the BBC Football Focus team, which is today being scrapped – and replaced with fan-favourite series Bargain Hunt.
      The former England star’s home life came under the spotlight back in 2020 when he invited a refugee to live in one of the five bedrooms of his mansion.
      Yet his Instagram page gives a glimpse into the cozy pad, adorned with trendy touches.
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      One image sees Gary preparing for a Zoom call while perched on a turquoise-coloured sofa, accentuated with mustard-shade cushions.
      Behind him a piece of modern art sits on the wall, featuring speckles of gold, grey and blue and positioned next to a gold lamp.
      In another room adorned with football shirts on the wall, Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who he welcomed into the fold last year – can be seen fast asleep on a red sofa.
      Meanwhile, in a separate living space, a similar piece of brush-stroke art painted on canvas fills the wall.
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      It sits above a chic white marble cabinet, with coffee table books seen perched on the side.
      Another space – which the pundit appears to use for family gathering – has a classic touch with exposed wooden floorboards.
      There’s a red and white rug thrown over the floor while a huge glass light fitting adds a modern edge.
      The walls are painted a fresh green which allows the room to flow easily through the patio door to the garden outside.
      Gary is often seen celebrating his son’s birthday’s in the space, as well as playing host to his pals in his garden, which boasts a wooden dining table.
      Meanwhile, Gary, who has fronted MOTD since 1999, has been suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      A BBC statement said: “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.”
      A spokesperson added that the Beeb considered Gary’s “recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines” and that he should “keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies”.
      The row ignited after Gary tweeted in reference to the Government’s new immigration bill, saying: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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?”
      Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who arrived into the family last year – clearly enjoys relaxing on his red sofaCredit: Instagram
      The pundit has given a glimpse into his home on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      There’s an outdoor space perfect for entertainingCredit: Instagram
      A casual socialising space features exposed wooden flooringCredit: Instagram More

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      Fans love Jeff Stelling’s cheeky opening joke on Soccer Saturday after Gary Lineker is pulled from Match of the Day

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      FOOTBALL fans are in stitches after Jeff Stelling made light of Gary Lineker’s BBC ban.Stelling opened Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme with a clever quip about needing to be on form today.
      Jeff Stelling made a clever quip about Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day absenceCredit: Sky Sports
      Lineker was pulled from MOTD by the BBC as part of the dispute over his tweetsCredit: Reuters
      There will be more eyeballs on him today as a result of Football Focus being taken off air – and Stelling joked he was auditioning for a new job.
      It comes after Lineker was withdrawn from his Match of the Day duties, with the flagship football show set to show highlights only after several pundits pulled out including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.
      Stelling, who has shown support for Lineker over his BBC dispute, could not help but joke about the situation.
      He said: “I need to be at the top of my game today because there’s a top-notch football presenter available on Saturdays now.”
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER

      Fans found Stelling’s wisecrack hilarious and praised his comment on Twitter.
      One wrote: “Jeff Stelling’s opening line as perfect as expected on Soccer Saturday.”
      Another added: “Fantastic intro 😂”
      A third said: “Hilarious first comment on Soccer Saturday I loved it 🤣”
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      And another commented: “Jeff Stelling brilliant as ever.”
      Stelling showed support for Lineker and Wright after the latter said he would not be appearing on Match of the Day out of solidarity for Lineker.
      He replied saying: “Well played Wrighty.” More