Match of the Day

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker breaks his silence on Mason Greenwood after striker was AXED from Man Utd – as club faces losing MILLIONS

      by

      GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
      Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
      Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
      Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
      The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation.”
      United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
      Read More On Mason Greenwood
      The Red Devils now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
      If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
      They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
      Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
      Most read in Football
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
      The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
      “This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
      “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
      “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker forced to apologise as fans complain that Match of the Day feature is ‘like a tin can’

      by

      GARY Lineker was forced to apologise to viewers after Match of the Day was hit with sound problems.The BBC host, 62, presented the show as always on Saturday night.
      Gary Lineker was forced to apologise for the sound quality on Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      But fans were immediately disappointed with the commentary that sounded like it was recorded inside a ‘tin-can’.
      That saw the England legend address the issues in the studio
      “We believe we’ve got one or two problems with the sound,” he told his audience.
      “If that’s the case then we do apologise and we’re working at it as we speak… if you can hear us that is!
      Read more Gary Lineker news
      “Apparently it’s better on iPlayer. If you want to switch that’s up to you but I’m sure we’ll get it resolved as quickly as we can.”
      Although that didn’t stop fans from voicing their disapproval online.
      One wrote: “What is up with the sound on match of the day @BBCMOTD#motd sounds like commentary from inside a tin can.”
      Another posted: “Match of the day sounds a bit robotic tonight.”
      Most read in Football
      A third shared: “Is the sound a bit funny on match of the day?”
      Lineker hit the headlines earlier this year when he was taken off TV after a tweet criticising the Conservative Party’s immigration policies.
      That sparked a massive protest amongst his fellow football pundits and Match of the Day staff.
      He was also outspoken about Qatar’s role as World Cup hosts at the end of last year regarding their human rights record.
      After Lineker returned from his brief suspension earlier this year, he then doubled down on his sentiments during an interview with Men’s Health Magazine.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      He said: “When I sent that tweet, it honestly never even crossed my mind that it would lead to where it went.
      “I’ve worked with refugees’ charities for years. So, when I saw the Suella Braverman film, I said I thought it was pretty awful.
      “Then the ‘stick to football’ people weighed in and I replied to one of them, just saying there was no massive influx, the UK takes far fewer refugees than other European countries, this is a cruel policy, and the language used in the debate reminds us of the debate in Germany in the 1930s. I think that is factually accurate.” More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Match of the Day to make history with first ever father-son punditry team in shake-up to regular cast

      by

      IAN WRIGHT and Shaun Wright-Phillips are set to make Match of the Day history this weekend.The duo will become the first-ever father-son punditry team on Saturday night’s instalment of the long-running footie show.
      Ian Wright has been a Match of the Day pundit for several yearsCredit: BBC
      The ex-Arsenal and England hitman will be joined by son Shaun on MOTD this weekendCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Wright-Phillips played for Manchester City, Chelsea and EnglandCredit: GETTY
      An excerpt of a BBC statement read: “Ian Wright and Shaun Wright-Phillips will become the first father and son punditry team to appear on Match of the Day on Saturday.
      “Arsenal legend Wright, a regular pundit on the show, will be joined by son Wright-Phillips, who had two spells with Manchester City.
      “The pair will join Gary Lineker in the studio to review highlights from Saturday’s Premier League fixtures.”
      There will no doubt be plenty of banter between father and son – who regularly trade jibes with one another on social media.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Wright-Phillips brutally trolled his old man after Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last month.
      The former City star tweeted: “Hi @IanWright how’s things?
      “Just checking… Hope you’re okay, dad.”
      Wright-Phillip’s tweet was put to Ian during MOTD by host Gary Lineker.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Arsenal’s former all-time leading goalscorer said of his son: “He’s so annoying!
      “I taught him how to wee this boy… he still can’t reach the toilet now!”
      Lineker couldn’t help but see the funny side and replied: “He’s certainly taking the wee now!'”
      Wright-Phillips lit up the Premier League with Manchester City, Chelsea and QPR before leaving for the MLS in 2015 and retiring four years later.
      Brother Bradley also played in the Prem for City but spent the bulk of his career in the MLS before retiring last March.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips has done punditry work before with BT SportCredit: GETTY
      And Shaun recently admitted he reckons his old man lamented neither one of them playing for Arsenal.
      The 41-year-old told Four Four Two: “I’d imagine that if you asked him now, he’d say yes. It would’ve been a nice story to tell.
      “But I think he was just happy with what we achieved. We made our own paths.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I played the way I wanted to, by enjoying watching a lot of wingers and attacking football when I was growing up; my brother liked watching people score goals, and you can see that with what he did in MLS.
      “We didn’t listen to much of the talk on the outside.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker makes sly dig at BBC as he returns to TV for first time since migrant tweet row

      by

      GARY Lineker made a sly dig at the BBC as he returned to TV screens after the migrant tweet row.The presenter of Match of the Day, 62, took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoon to post a message to his followers which said: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Gary Lineker took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoonCredit: Twitter
      Lineker hosted the BBC’s coverage of the FA CupCredit: BBC
      The Tweet was interpreted by many as a dig at the BBC, who pulled star off air after he likened Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan to “Germany in the ’30s”.
      His return to the channel last night was met with fury from fans who blasted Lineker for failing to apologise for the “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” post.
      Tonight, his co-host Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity to Lineker – apologised for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for writing on Twitter: “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?”
      Illegal Migration Bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs blasted the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Lineker’s words were considered in breach of the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must avoid taking sides on political controversies.
      In a statement, the BBC previously said it had “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.”
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also stepped back from the show in support if their colleague.
      Ultimately Lineker’s return was announced as he agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed a new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media.
      He today marked his return to the BBC by tweeting a picture of himself.
      Lineker wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      But fans piled in on the star, with some calling for Lineker to step down.
      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie, who made the call to suspend Lineker, faced an embarrassing climbdown just 72 hours later when he reversed the decision.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air”, he added.
      Lineker was back in front of the cameras for the corporation fronting last night’s FA Cup coverage at 5.30pm, telling viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      His co-host and former teammate Alan Shearer also expressed how “upset” he was to have missed out on the show last week.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to MailOnline.
      Lineker said he was thrilled to be back at his ‘Saturday job’Credit: BBC
      Gary Lineker, centre, arrives at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to present live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and BurnleyCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Gary Lineker will not appear on BBC Match of the Day tonight after furious tweet row

      by

      GARY LINEKER will NOT be returning to host Match of the Day later tonight.However, the 62-year-old will make his first appearance on the BBC since he was told to step back from hosting Match Of The Day after his Nazi tweet storm.
      Gary Lineker will return to BBC screens today after his tweet rowCredit: PA
      The England legend will not be hosting Match of the Day on Saturday nightCredit: BBC
      Lineker came under fire from MPs as a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
      The BBC’s star presenter had been suspended from his duties and faced a backlash following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan which will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Lineker faced fury after he likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He was accused by the BBC of breaking their strict impartiality rules that state staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
      Last Friday, the broadcaster revealed he had been suspended and would not host Saturday’s Match of the Day – sparking a mutiny among his co-stars.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in with the football analysis show plunged into crisis.
      Saturday’s night episode later aired with a stripped-back, 20 minute version that did not even feature the iconic theme tune or commentary.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie, who made the call to suspend Lineker, faced an embarrassing climbdown just 72 hours later when he decided to reverse the decision.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers.
      He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
      Mr Davie described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      Lineker then tweeted that he was “delighted” to have navigated a way through the row after a “surreal few days” ahead of his return.
      But he will not be in the famous chair tonight for the iconic Saturday night footy show.
      Instead, he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage of Man City vs Burnley today.
      Mark Chapman is due to host the Match Of The Day highlights show later. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker jokes his week was ‘really quiet’ as he makes his first TV appearance since his row with BBC over tweets

      by

      GARY Lineker has joked about having a “really quiet” week as he makes his first TV appearance since his row with the BBC over his Twitter messages.The Match of the Day presenter, 62, appeared on La Liga TV and praised the “amazing amount of support” he’d received from friends and colleagues.
      Gary Lineker jokingly told La Liga TV he’d had a ‘really quiet’ weekCredit: LaLigaTV
      The former England striker, who also played for Barca, also looked ahead to the upcoming El Clasico during the interview.
      Lineker also emphasised the situation with the corporation had been “resolved” and confirmed he would be returning to his BBC role on Saturday.
      When asked by La Liga TV how his week had been, Lineker jokingly replied: “Really quiet. Nothing much going on. You could say it’s been an interesting week but I’m still here, still punching.
      “It was interesting and also hugely gratifying. I had an amazing amount of support from my friends and colleagues which was quite beautiful actually.”
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      He added: “It was totally disproportionate the whole thing but we’re OK. It’s resolved, I’m relieved, I’m back to work tomorrow and all is well with the world.”
      It comes after BBC director general Tim Davie announced that Lineker would be returning to host the football show on Saturday.
      He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
      It comes as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year, had been suspended from his Match of the Day presenting duties, following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      Most read in Football
      Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
      Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet comparing the Government’s new migrant plan to 1930s Germany.
      The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
      Lineker’s words were considered in breach of the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must avoid taking sides on political controversies and remain impartial.
      In a statement, the BBC previously said it had “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”.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also stepped back from the show in support of their colleague.
      Wright 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.”
      Alan Shearer quickly followed suit and said: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman also banded together in support of Lineker, meaning Match of the Day went ahead without a presenter, pundits or commentary on the broadcast.
      It meant Match Of The Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday – without commentary or even the iconic theme tune.
      Read More on The Sun
      Disruption caused by the sudden staff uprising also saw Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in cancelled.
      And Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Lineker confirmed the situation with the BBC had been resolvedCredit: LaLigaTV More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How MOTD-style show could look on ITV with Man Utd legend Roy Keane No1 pundit and popular TV host the new Gary Lineker

      by

      WITH iconic BBC football highlights show Match of the Day under threat, a Premier League highlights show at another broadcaster could look VERY different. Following controversy surrounding the impartiality of host Gary Lineker, MOTD now faces being taken off air with a bidding war for the Premier League highlights package set to take place.
      The BBC face a battle to keep hold of viewing rights to keep Match of the Day on airCredit: Alamy
      The BBC currently pay £211million for the package, but bidding for Prem TV rights for homeland broadcasters is set to begin anew this year.
      It could see the iconic programme lose its spot on the BBC, with ITV a potential new home, though they have not held the rights since 2004.
      But what might this new programme look like?
      HOST – LAURA WOODS
      Laura Woods could be the new host of ITV’s version of MOTDCredit: Getty
      Laura Woods is perhaps the most obvious choice to take over from Lineker as host of a new highlights show.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      She is already a host on the broadcaster for some FA Cup games and is the main presenter for it’s NFL coverage.
      Woods also has experience presenting on Sky Sports, while her witty banter has also seen her become a popular radio host on talkSPORT.
      Other candidates for the role include Mark Pougatch, who has led ITV football coverage since 2015, and Jules Breach, who is regularly seen presenting BT Sport Score.
      PUNDIT – ROY KEANE
      Roy Keane has won many fans with his punditry styleCredit: ITV
      Roy Keane is regular viewing for watchers of ITV and Sky Sports, with his blunt punditry style winning many fans.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      The Manchester United legend worked with ITV on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and is regularly seen on Sky Sports during their Super Sunday shows.
      PUNDIT – JILL SCOTT
      Jill Scott would be a popular choice among fansCredit: Reuters
      Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott – who will also appear at Soccer Aid – is a popular choice among those who could be brought into the fold for ITV’s new programme.
      The former Women’s Super League star and England Women’s International has previously done punditry work on Sky Sports and for ITV during the World Cup.
      PUNDIT – ALLY MCCOIST
      Ally McCoist picked up the ‘pundit of the year’ award earlier this monthCredit: PA
      It’s safe to say Ally McCoist is one of the most popular pundits in the country.
      His passion for the beautiful game saw him land the “pundit of the year” award at the Sports Journalist Association awards.
      His punditry work list includes the likes of BT Sport and ITV, while he has already struck up an iconic partnership alongside Woods on talkSPORT.
      PUNDIT – ENI ALUKO
      Eni Aluko was the first female pundit to work on Match of the Day in 2014Credit: PA
      Eni Aluko is another pundit with a strong CV and experience on ITV, bringing a good level of analysis in each appearance.
      She became the first female pundit on MOTD back in 2014 before joining ITV in 2016 to work on the European Championships. She has since worked on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with the broadcaster.
      PUNDIT – IAN WRIGHT
      Ian Wright could be drafted over from BBC’s showCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is a mainstay on the current MOTD, and with him currently working on ITV for the FA Cup and for England games, Wright’s inclusion would be a no-brainer for ITV chiefs.
      However, having already shown solidarity with Lineker (albeit for a very different reason), Wright may choose not to return in a similar capacity and instead stay as a match day pundit.
      Other options ITV could opt for include Karen Carney, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole and Lee Dixon.
      COMMENTATOR – SAM MATTERFACE
      Sam Matterface is currently the lead commentator for ITV football coverage, so there seems little sense in changing this.
      Read More on The Sun
      Similarly to MOTD, there would likely be a high number of commentators working during a match day.
      This could see the likes of Clive Tyldesley given more work while MOTD commentators such as Guy Mowbry could also be drafted over. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ian Wright says the BBC made a ‘hot mess’ by temporarily axing & reinstating Gary Lineker as MOTD host

      by

      IAN Wright says the BBC has made a “hot mess” by temporarily axing then reinstating Gary Lineker as Match Of The Day host. The Arsenal legend was speaking after it was revealed Lineker will front the FA Cup coverage on Saturday.
      Ian Wright says the BBC has made a ‘hot mess’ over the Gary Lineker situationCredit: AFP
      Wright was speaking after it was revealed Lineker would return to telly this weekendCredit: Getty
      The under-fire host struck a deal after tense talks following a weekend of TV mayhem caused by Lineker’s inflammatory tweets likening the Government’s language on small boats to 1930s Germany.
      Wright was one of a number of presenters who stood by Lineker’s side, stepping away from their own media duties at the weekend.
      He even threatened to quit MOTD for good over the treatment of the 62-year-old.
      Speaking on his podcast Wrighty’s House, the footy star said he thought the Beeb handled the situation poorly – leading people to forget “what really matters”.
      Read more on sport
      Wright said: “Obviously it’s been a bit intense.
      “But I said on the podcast before it all kicked off, it’s a perfect distraction. It’s a perfect distraction from what really matters, and for me they made a hot mess I’m telling you.”
      He explained how “this is all from high up”.
      The 59-year-old continued: “I can’t blame my man Phil Bernie, the BBC Sport team… all this is over a tweet.
      Most read in Football
      “Gary Lineker riled them man up over a tweet. At some stage surely heads have got to roll. 
      “The mismanagement levels of this is… I can’t even tell you. But it’s done.
      “Everybody knows how I feel about it, but I’m just pleased that it’s kinda come to something.”
      It was revealed on Monday that Lineker would return to air this weekend – but his failure to apologise saw him attract criticism.
      Tory MP Tom Hunt said: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.
      “We can’t allow ‘freelancers’ who are paid millions by the taxpayer and are widely perceived to be BBC employees to act with impunity when it comes to impartiality rules.
      “Even before this there was growing momentum and support from the public for abolishing the licence fee. This will only boost that.”
      ‘OFFENSIVE’
      The row was triggered when the veteran broadcaster responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, 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?”
      The BBC said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Ms Braverman later said his comments were “offensive”.
      ‘FLIPPANT ANALOGIES’
      She added: “To kind of throw out those kind of flippant analogies diminishes the unspeakable tragedy that millions of people went through…
      “And I don’t think anything that is happening in the UK today can come close to what happened in the Holocaust.”
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday – without commentary or even the iconic theme tune – as the crisis-hit BBC struggled to get the flagship highlights show on-air.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as the staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      And Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Tim Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      He described the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” and apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the furore, Mr Davie told the BBC on Saturday: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      Read More on The Sun
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      Gary’s tweets were said to break the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
      Wright threatened to quit the MOTD over the treatment of LinekerCredit: Twitter / @GaryLineker More