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    Gary Lineker to present ‘exciting’ new highlights show after signing landmark deal with ITV

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      Gary Lineker slams BBC for ‘losing their way’ and ‘tying themselves up in knots’ in first interview after MOTD axe

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      New Match of the Day hosts sign up for huge reality TV show together as they rival each other for Gary Lineker’s job

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      Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster for Club World Cup after Match of the Day exit

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      GARY LINEKER has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster after leaving the BBC.The presenter stepped back from hosting Match of the Day after 26 years in the hotseat at the end of the Premier League season just over a week ago.Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with DAZNCredit: PAThe Rest Is Football show will include Club World Cup highlightsCredit: The Rest Is FootballHe has now agreed a deal with DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights of the Club World Cup.The show, which features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as co-hosts, will show the best bits from matches in the video version of the podcast.DAZN chief Pete Oliver said: “The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.”This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.”The Club World Cup begins on June 15 and it is being held in the US.Fifa president Gianni Infantino has revamped the tournament to include 32 teams, with Chelsea and Manchester City flying the flag for England. Streaming giants DAZN are the event’s global rights holder and will broadcast all 63 matches for free.Most read in FootballChannel 5 will also show 23 live games after striking a sub-licencing agreement.Lineker’s Rest Is Football Podcast was removed from the BBC’s streaming service last week following the former England striker’s departure from the company.Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 yearsIt comes amid a bitter end to his time at the Beeb as Match of the Day chiefs dealt him a final snub just hours before his farewell show.The Sun exclusively revealed that they decided to axe his last interview with Liverpool star Mo Salah without warning due to fears he would say something controversial about Gaza.Lineker issued an apology last month after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.He has since been enjoying some time off in Ibiza, attending his son Harry’s wedding and appearing to put his feud with brother Wayne aside during celebrations.It has always been Lineker’s plan to expand his podcast empire after his BBC departure, saying: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.”Lineker’s plan after leaving the BBC was to expand his podcastThe revamped Club World Cup begins later this monthCredit: EPA More

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      Gary Lineker’s bitter feud with BBC worsens as final interview with Mo Salah BLOCKED amid fear pair ‘would discuss Gaza’

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      BBC chiefs delivered a final snub to Gary Lineker when they axed his last interview without warning — just before his final Match of the Day.He was due to talk to Liverpool goal hero Mo Salah, but there were fears Lineker — involved in an online row over an antisemitic post — would say something controversial about Gaza.Gary Lineker had an interview with Mo Salah axed without warning — just before his final Match of the DayCredit: AFPThere’s ‘no love lost’ between Lineker and the BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-JelskiCredit: BBCA source said the plug was pulled by director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who got the job last summer.The Sun has revealed there was “no love lost” between Lineker and Kay-Jelski — with the ex-England hero allegedly giving him the cold shoulder at the FA Cup final.An insider said: “The plan was for the interview to be shown across the BBC the weekend of Gary’s final Match Of The Day.“That would include on Football Focus the day before as well as online and on social media.read more on Gary Lineker“Out of nowhere, it got cancelled. “Some people think they didn’t want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza.“Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too. “It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation.Most read in Football“It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues. “They’d only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.”Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward Match of the Day gaffe on Gary Lineker’s farewell showThe Sun revealed Gary, 64, was leaving the BBC after 26 years following his sharing of an Instagram post which criticised Zionism. It included an illustration of a rat — historically used as an antisemitic slur.With the BBC coming under increasingly intense pressure, Lineker issued two apologies, then agreed to step down from his £1.3million-a-year jobThe ex-Spurs star is understood to be focusing on his Goalhanger Podcasts business, as well as considering rival broadcasters’ offers.He had been suspended from Match Of The Day in March 2023 after a post about the small boats controversy, but was reinstated after a boycott by his co-stars.The BBC said: “The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary’s last Match of the Day.“It would be wrong to suggest anything else.”Read More on The SunHowever a source insisted: “A cross-platform interview with the Champions’ star player could have aired anytime. “Salah wanted to speak to Gary so to axe it entirely seems short-sighted.”Gary and Mo have both spoken out in support for Palestinians living in GazaCredit: AlamyLineker on his last MOTDCredit: BBCUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Alan Shearer breaks silence on Match of the Day future after Gary Lineker’s emotional BBC exit

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      ALAN SHEARER has opened up on Gary Lineker’s emotional Match of the Day exit – and his own future on the show. Lineker, 64, signed off from his role as MOTD host after 26 years on Sunday night. Alan Shearer has broken his silence on his Match of the Day futureCredit: GettyGary Lineker signed off on the show for the final time on Sunday after 26 yearsCredit: BBCThe England legend revealed his intention to quit from the Beeb show back in November. But his exit was overshadowed by an antisemitism storm, which saw Lineker step away from the BBC completely. Shearer, 54, made his BBC punditry debut back in 2006 and has worked alongside Lineker ever since. Shearer told The Daily Mail: “He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”He’s a brilliant broadcaster, and he’s a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.”The Toon icon confirmed he will continue to appear on the iconic BBC show. Shearer and Lineker are also set to carry on with their hit podcast The Rest Is Football.They are joined on the pod by Micah Richards, another popular Beeb pundit.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShearer admits Lineker’s farewell didn’t hit too hard – as they’ve already recorded two more episodes since. The Newcastle legend continued: “It’s different for myself and Micah, because it’s not as if we’re not ever going to see him again. Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years”I mean, we’ve done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we’re still going to be sort of working together.”Lineker’s production company Goalhanger Productions are reportedly in talks with DAZN ahead of the summer. The discussions are based around “launching shows featuring MOTD-style match clips of the Club World Cup.”TV insiders also believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Lineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video earlier this month which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbyeGary LinekerMOTD The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly.Lineker was given a seven-minute tribute during his final Match of the Day broadcastTearing up, he added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby [Logan], Mark [Chapman], and Kelly [Cates] all the best when they sit in the chair.”The programme is in the best of hands. My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special. “I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.” More

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      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years

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      GARY LINEKER revealed the blunder he made for the very first time – in his last-ever Match of the Day show. Lineker, 64, bowed out from the programme on Sunday night at the end of the Premier League season.Gary Lineker made a blunder at the end of his final Match of the Day showCredit: PALineker explained the mistake on The Rest Is Football podcastCredit: YouTube – The Rest Is FootballHe had planned to stay on presenting FA Cup matches and front the World Cup coverage next summer.But the legendary broadcaster walked away from the BBC for good following an anti-semitism row and fall-out with Beeb bosses. And Lineker admitted he made a glaring error as he closed his final show – and one he had never done before. Towards the end of the show, there was an emotional montage of friends, colleagues and team-mates paying tribute to the departing host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Alan Hansen, Paul Gascoigne, Ian Wright and Lineker’s three sons all contributed then after a special message from Andrea Bocelli, Lineker had welled up and was understandably finding it difficult to keep it all together. So much so that when he went to talk through the final Premier League table, he fluffed his lines.Lineker could be heard scrambling around trying to find the piece of paper with the script to talk through the table – but with no joy.And that meant he had to make it up as he went along – and did so with his brilliant charm and ease.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChoking back tears on the live TV show, Lineker said: “I don’t know if I can speak. I’ll try.”For one last time, here’s the Premier League table.”Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axeThen came a pause as he rustled through the papers, before continuing: “And I can’t find the copy.”So I tell you what, you can just read it for yourselves because it doesn’t matter. “Liverpool won the league as you can see, the teams that qualified for the Champions League are Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle.”Villa and Forest will also play European football next season.”Let’s have a look at the bottom of the table – it’s the first time I’ve ever ad-libbed this.”Ermm, the bottom three are going down as they do tend to do at the end of the season.”One of those teams is, of course, Leicester which is not really how I wanted to finish.”Lineker’s mishap prompted sniggering laughter from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.’I WAS STRUGGLING’And when the trio reconvened for their TheRest Is Football podcast, the ex-Leicester striker addressed the gaffe. Lineker explained: “When they played the montage, I was struggling, especially when I saw my boys.”Thankfully, that wasn’t the last clip because I’d gone at that point and needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show.”It’s weird, isn’t it? I presented it for 26 years and I always finish with the Premier League table and then a closing line.”But for the first time ever, because of everything that was going on, I completely lost what we call the copy, the written form of what I read out over the tables.”That’s written by the subs and it needs to be accurate – you can’t make any mistakes.”For the first time in 26 years, I couldn’t find it and it wasn’t there, so I just bust which was a bit different.”Read More on The SunLineker was gifted with a couple of presents by Shearer and Richards before making a thank-you speech to end his final appearance on the show, which was closed by Bocelli performing and a series of the season’s highlights.Somewhat ironically, the final game of Lineker’s long stint was his beloved Leicester losing with their relegation already confirmed – nine years after he opened Match of the Day in his underpants following their 5,000-1 title win. Lineker was given a wonderful send-off by Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: PALineker departed after 26 years in the BBC studio hot seatCredit: BBC More

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      ‘Did you send him back?’ – Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward Match of the Day gaffe on Gary Lineker’s farewell show

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      EAGLE-EYED viewers spotted an error during Gary Lineker’s final Match of the Day show.The presenter wiped away tears as he said an emotional farewell to hosting the highlights show after 26 years in the job.David Moyes was accidentally displayed as West Ham manager on Gary Lineker’s last showCredit: BBCAs the Premier League season came to an end yesterday, the best bits of ten final day matches were on last night.The penultimate fixture saw West Ham beat relegated Ipswich 3-1 and as Lineker introduced the game, an incorrect image was displayed behind him.Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna was incorrectly put next to a photo of now-Everton manager David Moyes instead of Hammers boss Graham Potter.It made for an awkward blunder as Moyes left West Ham last summer after four-and-a-half years in charge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were quick to spot the mistake and took to social media, with one saying: “Error from the BBC? Did anyone else notice.”Another laughed: “Did you send David Moyes back to West Ham as manager for the last game of the season?”A third joked: “Why was Moyes shown as the West Ham manager during the show, is that a clue they want him back?”Though it did little to damage an excellent goodbye to Lineker, who received gifts from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards before tributes flooded in.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVideo messages from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Paul Gascoigne and Claudio Ranieri were displayed as Lineker was left in tears.In an emotional goodbye, the ex-England striker said: “Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You’ve made my job so much easier.Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe”Also, a huge thank you to those you don’t see at home, the work that goes into making this iconic show.”It is a huge team effort from the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs.”Thank you all. You’re the very best. Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits.”It’s been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby, Mark, and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the best of hands.”My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all your love and support over the years.”It’s been so special and I’m sorry that your team was always on last.”Lineker broke down in tears after his farewell montageCredit: BBC More

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      Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe

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      GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC’s controversial decision to axe him.The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show.The presenter struggled to fight back the tears in an emotional farewellCredit: BBCCo-hosts and friends Micah Richards and Alan Shearer presented Gary Lineker with a golden boot in a heartfelt farewellCredit: BBCGary Lineker was seen wiping away tears after watching tributes pour inCredit: BBCTributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, colleagues and family in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show.Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, told the presenter: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed! “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Claudio Ranieri, former Leicester manager, was another to send his praises to the former Foxes player.read more on sportHe said: “Well done for the amazing job you have done.”2016, we will always remember.”His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot.MOTD legend Alan Hansen also praised the outgoing presenter, saying his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch carried over into the studio.Most read in Football”It was a seamless journey,” he added.During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times,” Arne Slot said.The Liverpool manager added: “I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!”The emotional Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD, praising the staff behind the scenes. I’m sorry your team is always last onGary LinekerHe said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He then shared a special message with viewers, thanking them for their support and jokingly added: “I’m sorry your team is always last on!”At the start of Match Of The Day, Gary Lineker opened by saying, “It wasn’t meant to end this way” before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on.The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch, followed by the words “The end of an Era”.Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios.The BBC online preview for tonight’s MOTD said: “The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker.”However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him, which were described as “blunt”.The 64-year-old was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early.It follows a controversial row over his use of social media.The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023.He was embroiled in an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.I would never consciously repost anything anti-SemiticGary LinekerIn November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby.It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked.A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season.The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule.Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.‘Really proud’“Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.”Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona.He added: “I’m actually probably a bit more proud of what I’ve done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box.“I had to work really hard at television.“ I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn’t come naturally.“It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it.Read More on The Sun“Eventually I got there. Probably I’m proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.”Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables.His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final showGary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last timeCredit: BBC More