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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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GARY Lineker has been pulled by BBC from Match of the Day after his controversial statements about new immigration legislation.In a statement, the BBC said it 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.”
Since Lineker was pulled, fellow presenter and former Arsenal star Ian Wright announced that he would refuse to be on the show on Saturday night. Alan Shearer quickly followed suit.
The BBC has since announced that the show will go on but there will be no hosts.
It comes after Mr Lineker sparked a major backlash this week when he took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from ever settling in Britain.
“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?,” the former Leicester player wrote.
Follow our Match of the Day blog for news and updates…
Disagrees with Lineker
Clarkson continued: All that being said, I disagree with him.
All of the people arriving in Kent have come from France which, last time I looked, is not a war zone.
And many are economic migrants who see the UK as a soft touch.
So there you are. Two differing views.
One from a former footballer and crisp enthusiast and another from a motoring journalist turned farmer. Take your pick.
But remember, whatever you decide, you have to accept that in a free country, you can’t really go around sacking people for expressing an opinion.
Jeremy Clarkson reacts
In a comment piece for The Sun, Clarkson wrote the following.
People have been calling for Gary Lineker to be sacked because he says Britain’s new policy of slamming the door on anyone who arrives in Kent on a small boat reminds him of policies used in 1930s Germany.
Well now look. Gary’s bright and likeable. And he’s entitled to air his views on the matter.
I know the BBC gets its impartiality knickers in a twist every time he says something controversial but he’s a football pundit. Not Huw Edwards.
Mark Chapman ruled out
Mark Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the Match of the Day host after fellow pundits pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.
Now, football pundit Mark Chapman is thought to have ruled himself out of the race to be the new host.
Chief Sports Reporter at the Daily Mail Matt Hughes said in a tweet: “BBC desperately scrambling to secure a new presenter for Match of the Day, with Alex Scott and Mark Chapman both ruling themselves out following withdrawal of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright as pundits.”
The BBC has since revealed that the show will go ahead, but with no hosts.
MOTD plunged into meltdown
Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight after the BBC yanked Gary Lineker off air over the Nazi tweet row — plunging the flagship show into chaos.
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.

Inside Gary Lineker’s reaction to suspension
Friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
It left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as favourite to step in.
The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return.
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. 
Jermaine Jenas says he WON’T host
Jermaine Jenas has become the SIXTH pundit to rule himself out of presenting Match of the Day following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
Following an exodus of pundits from Saturday night’s show, Jenas tweeted: “Been on air with the one show.
“I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and@GaryLineker.”
Actor and comedian sends support to Lineker
Famous actor and comedian Julian Clary took to Twitter to add to the support of Gary Lineker after he was suspended for a controversial tweet.
Clary wrote: “Before they ask, no, I won’t go on #MOTD I stand with Gary Lineker. Hit them where it hurts.”
Although Clary would most likely not appear on the show that didn’t stop the comedian from having some fun and showing support.
Former footballer shares his opinion
Former Welsh footballer David Cotterill is not exactly thrilled to see all the support suddenly for Gary Lineker after his controversial tweet.
He wrote: “Everyone now sticking up for Gary Lineker about free speech.”
Cotterill added: “Where was everyone when Matt Le Tissier got sacked from Sky Sports supporting him and his free speech? Might I add he’s been right about everything! I didn’t see no football pundits sticking up for him.”
Sky Sports Reporter comments on situation
Chief Reporter Kaveh Solhekol gave his take on the Gary Lineker debacle on Twitter.
He said: “Gary Lineker suspended by the BBC for upsetting the Conservatives because he stood up for some of the most vulnerable people in the world.”
Solhekol continued: “The same BBC whose chairman gave the Conservatives £400,000 before helping to arrange an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson.”
Commentators off show too
MOTD commentator Steve Wilson has confirmed that the show’s commentators will also be stepping down from Saturday’s broadcast in solidarity to Gary Lineker.
Wilson wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Piers Morgan slams BBC, continued
Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
In a later Tweet, TalkTV’s Piers accused the BBC of being “pathetically spineless” over the decision.
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”.
It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
Piers Morgan slams BBC
Piers Morgan has blasted the BBC’s “ridiculous” decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of the Day.
He 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.”
Inside Gary Lineker’s Twitter disaster
Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
He tweeted: “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?”
Since the tweet, Lineker has been suspended from hosting MOTD by BBC with no timetable set for a return.
Mark Chapman’s future with MOTD
Mark Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the Match of the Day host after fellow pundits pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.
Chief Sports Reporter at the Daily Mail Matt Hughes said in a tweet: “BBC desperately scrambling to secure a new presenter for Match of the Day, with Alex Scott and Mark Chapman both ruling themselves out following withdrawal of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright as pundits.”
Alex Scott confirms future with MOTD
Gary Lineker has been suspended for the time being by the BBC Network and rumors have arisen that Alex Scott could possibly take over.
In a cryptic tweet, the ex-Lioness shared a gif of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
There has been no timetable for Lineker’s return to the premiere show as his co-hosts Ian Wright and Alan Shearer are set to boycott tomorrow’s episode.

BBC spokesperson says NO hosts on Saturday’s show
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.
“We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
MOTD going ahead with NO live hosts
Match of the Day will go ahead tomorrow – but WITHOUT presenters.
The BBC told The Sun the exodus of pundits following Gary Linker’s suspension means they will show only football.
No commentary or analysis will happen on Saturday night’s show.

Possible replacement for MOTD: Gabby Logan
The Welsh presenter is a former international rhythmic gymnast who represented Wales and Great Britain.
She hosted Final Score for BBC Sport from 2009 until 2013.
And she can always be relied upon to step up for duty should the occasion arise.
Possible replacement for MOTD: Manish Bhasin
Another well-known face and a potential candidate for the job.
He is a sports journalist and presenter broadcasting for Premier League Productions as the face of the Premier League’s global coverage to over 700million viewers.
And he also already works for the Beeb too.
Possible replacement for MOTD: Mark Pougatch
The 55-year-old also has huge experience in radio and television broadcasting.
He is currently the Chief Sport Presenter for ITV Sport and fronts their major football and rugby coverage. 
He is also the sideline reporter for Stan Sport’s UEFA competition coverage. 
Possible replacement for MOTD: Mark Chapman
The much-loved “Chappers” already has huge experience and has performed the role temporarily before.
He also has experience presenting but has hosted Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and Sky Sports’ coverage of the EFL Cup.
Chapman has recently revealed he will not be stepping in to take over as one of the MOTD hosts.
Possible replacement for MOTD: Jermaine Jenas
The 40-year-old former Premier League star regularly works as a pundit and commentator for BBC and BT Sport.
Jenas began co-presenting The One Show on BBC One with Alex Jones and became one of its permanent hosts the following year.
Last year he also performed the role of “Draw Conductor” for the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw.
Jenas recently tweeted about joining MOTD: “Been on air with the one show, I wasn’t down to be doing match of the day tomorrow, but if I was I would have said no and stood with my fellow pundits and@GaryLineker.”

Possible replacement for MOTD: Alex Scott
The former Lionesses star, 38, began her media career while still playing football, appearing on programmes such as Soccer AM and also had other minor roles at BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports.
She started co-presenting on Match of the Day Kickabout after retirement and then made history as a pundit at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first female football pundit at a World Cup for the BBC.
In August 2019, Scott was announced as the new co-host of Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara and has been a regular presenter on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards while she is also a frequent guest presenter on The One Show.
Scott recently broke her silence on the issue and said she won’t step in to host Match of the Day.
Possible replacement for MOTD: James Corden
The Brit currently hosts the hit Late Late Show in America and is also set to stay Stateside to film his CBS chat show until next year before leaving the post following eight years in the job.
Corden has previously presented the sports-based panel show A League of Their Own and is no stranger to football with the star being a huge West Ham supporter.
He was tipped as a contender to replace Lineker last year, with Lineker even tweeting the ‘eyes’ emoji in response to the story.
Possible replacements for Gary Lineker
Since the suspension of Gary Lineker rumours has swirled of a potential new host taking over.
The former England striker hit the headlines after he compared new immigration legislation to 1930s Germany.
BBC added that the suspension will remain in place until an agreement is reached on his social media use – which could potentially mean it is for the long term.
So attention turns to who could replace him in the MOTD hot seat.

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