Match of the Day

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Match of the Day LIVE: Gary Lineker breaks down in tears in his final appearance following anti-Semitism row

      by

      GARY LINEKER broke down in tears at the end of his very last Match of the Day after quitting the BBC following an explosive anti-Semitism row.And the ex-footballer also made a cheeky dig at the BBC in his opening address.He began with: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”He paused for a second, before continuing: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”The ex-Leicester and England forward’s departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post that caused him huge backlash.And MOTD’s highest-paid presenter, reportedly at £1.35million a year has revealed that he will not front BBC’s World Cup coverage either.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.”Start time: 10:30pm BSTLive stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC ONEMicah ‘star struck’ by LinekerMicah Richards won 13 England caps, plus the Prem crown and FA Cup with Manchester City.But he insists he was in awe of Lineker when he first joined MOTD.Richards popped up regularly during the Beeb’s tribute reel to Lineker.And at one stage he admitted: “I was a little bit star struck.”Richards also told the outgoing host: “Thank you very much for all the advice.”Copy linkCopied’The one person I could rely on’Amongst all the tributes to Lineker, one stood out for its simplicity.Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton won a record 125 England caps – including two years alongside the striker.And he told Lineker’s final MOTD show that the 64-year-old had been “the one person I could rely on”.Copy linkCopiedBoceli joins in a ‘Time to Say Goodbye’Iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli joined the tributes – as MOTD faded out to his music.Bocelli is most famous for his song “Time to Say Goodbye”.Credit: BBCCopy linkCopied’Great tribute segment’Viewers generally loved the BBC’s moving montage of Lineker’s contribution – to football and the Beeb itself.Here are a few responses as fans come to terms with his 26 years as MOTD host ending..One fan posted: “Absolute legend, every plaudit is deserved… a heart of gold.” Congratulations Gary, enjoy whatever is next.”A second added: “He plays down what a great player he was too as well as a great presenter, get yourself to Ocean beach and make up with your bro, life’s too short!”And a third wrote: “A great tribute segment. Thanks Gary, Alan and Micah for making Saturday nights special.”A fourth said: “Sad to see Gary Lineker go. Intelligent, witty and warm… #MOTD and the BBC will be a poorer place without him.”Copy linkCopiedHere’s how tearful Lineker said goodbyeGary Lineker’s final farewell to the Beeb was done in typical style – modest but with sharp humour… combined with a tear in his eye.Copy linkCopiedGary wishes next season’s THREE presenters wellLineker is being replaced by three well-respected presenters from next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan were all in the running for the individual job – until the Beeb decided to split it.Lineker’s words of thanks also included an “I wish you well” message as he name-checked all three successors.Copy linkCopiedFamily tribute to LinekerLineker’s family praised him as a father – and as “a brilliant human being”.The Beeb showed clips from when Lineker’s then-young son was able to see him perform his MOTD role in the studio. Copy linkCopiedBeeb blends his two careersMOTD peaked its farewell to Lineker with a rapid rundown on career highlights – from his playing days to the studio.The late Sir Bobby Robson popped up in an old clip from the 1980s when he was bossing England to say: “Once again Lineker will get all the praise!”And Ian Wright reveals the help he got from Lineker – as a player and then as a pundit.Lineker’s formative years with Leicester were also shownCopy linkCopiedEmotional Lineker ends with surprise ‘apology’Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD – and the Beeb – with self-effacing words as he praised the “people you don’t see”.He 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 finished off with a special message for viewers.Lineker said: “Thank you for all of you… and I’m sorry your team is always last on!”Copy linkCopiedHansen says Lineker transition was ‘seamless’MOTD legend Alan Hansen praised the way Gary Lineker switched from playing to punditry so smoothly,The former Liverpool defender reckons Lineker transferred his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch to the studio.Hansen said: “It was a seamless journey.”Copy linkCopiedFrom Gazza to GaryPaul Gascoigne was also shown – and jokes if Lineker ever needs help he knows where to find it.Copy linkCopiedLegend is now booted outLineker added to his wealth of medals and honours with two more – from Richards and Shearer.After 80 England caps, Lineker finally gets the headwear he really wantedHe’s handed a special Match of the Day cap – and boots!Shearer also has a dig over his goal record compared to the fellow England striker’s.He also picked up a pair of gold…ish bootsCopy linkCopiedLegendary Foxes boss salutes GaryClaudio Ranieri was Leicester manager when Lineker’s favourite team stunned the world with Premier League glory nine years ago.Ranieri pops up here to say: “Well done for the amaxing job you have done. “2016, we will always remember.”Copy linkCopiedPep verdict on LinekerPep Guardiola is one of the talking heads.The Man City boss tells Lineker: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed!  “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Here’s one of the touching memories MOTD finished withCopy linkCopied’I don’t know if I can speak..’We’ll show you many of the tributes – and images – but for now here’s how an emotional Lineker began his final words.”I don’t know if I can speak I’ll try… For the final time the league table…”Copy linkCopiedTributes flowing…We’re hearing from legends like Paul Gascoigne and Pep Guardiola – and Lineker’s family…Copy linkCopiedLineker has casting vote on goal of seasonShearer and Richards can’t be split on who bagged the goal of the season.In the end Lineker has the deciding vote – and goes for a sublime finish from Brighton winger Kaoru Mitouma against Chelsea on Valentines Day this year.Copy linkCopiedGary exit compared to demise of Top GearViewers are having their say on Lineker’s fast-looming exit from the BBC.And one came quite close to comparing the ex-England striker to… Jeremy Clarkson!The fan posted: “Genuinely can’t see the next crop of ‘lead presenters’ holding the fort for too long, as good as they are as broadcasters/presenters, it all feels very Top Gear 2016.”Copy linkCopiedLineker says Bowen snub ‘unfortunate’After Jarrod Bowen fired a stunner for West Ham, Lineker gives his verdict on the winger not being picked for the Three Lions next two games.The presenter reckons the “very consistent” performer is “a bit unfortunate to miss out on the England squad”.We’ve moved onto Bournemouth vs Leicester now.Copy linkCopiedThe Art of improvementLineker queries Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s assertion that only a small improvement is needed next term.And Shearer chips in: “It’s not a title-winning attack that Arsenal have got.”The comes highlights from relegated Ipswich’s 3-1 loss at home to West Ham.Copy linkCopiedCountdown begins…Lineker has mainly been in a supporting role tonight – as all good hosts are.Shearer and Richards have done most of the talking.But there’s not much supportive you can say of bottom side Southampton’s dismal season, which includes a record 30 defeats.Yes – MOTD is going through the highlights of the Saints against Prem runners-up Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedWolves vs Brighton nowWe’ve long gone through the crucial games for Champions League qualification.So now the big question is: What have the BBC got in store for Lineker’s send-off?Copy linkCopiedAnge insists Spurs had ‘outstanding’ seasonWe’re watching Europa League winners Spurs slump from 1-0 up to 4-1 down at home to Brighton as they finished fourth bottom.Asked to sum up the season, straight-faced Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou called it “outstanding”.He then explained: “We won a trophy after 17 years and qualified for the Champions League.”Lineker asks the panel if they think Postecolgou will still be boss next season.Shearer says no, but Richards is just as quick to say yes.Copy linkCopiedSlot hails Lineker – but did he forget name of the show?Lineker interviewed Arne Slot – and the Liverpool boss couldn’t resist a fulsome tribute.But Slot seemed to hesitate and stumble when it came to mentioning Match of the Day.Is it possible he suddenly couldn’t remember the name of the show?!The smiling Dutchman made a cheeky reference to Lineker’s spell at Liverpool’s rivals Everton – with an offer of a Reds shirt.Slot began the chat by revealing he is busy with transfer plans, even claiming: “This is the most important part of the season for getting the squad you want.”And he then launched his words of praise for Lineker.HERE’S WHAT HE SAID:And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times.I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!Copy linkCopiedReady for a party?MOTD is off to Anfield now – to look back at how Liverpool celebrated their title success on the day they faced Crystal Palace.The Reds certainly had a party afterwards – but no so much in their comeback 1-1 draw.Copy linkCopied More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker’s brutal snub of BBC boss days before he quit revealed as he leaves channel for good in antisemitism row

      by

      GARY Lineker ended his Match of the Day career last night — as details emerged of his parting shot at his BBC boss.The former England football captain, 64, began his final show with a quip about his telly departureGary Lineker was emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audienceGary Lineker arrives to present his final Match of the DayCredit: MCPIXLineker was seen to snub his boss Alex Kay-Jelski and made remarks about him in earshot of staff, it was claimedCredit: BBCIt 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”.Once cameras began rolling on his final MOTD appearance, Gary used his opening line to aim a cheeky dig at the Beeb.He said: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”Read More on SportThe legendary striker then continued: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”TV frontman Gary then became emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience after a host of former teammates and colleagues paid tribute in a video package.He 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.Most read in Football”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He began his role on the highlights show in 1999 alongside Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson and had been due to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year.But he took the decision to quit the corporation altogether after he was blasted for reposting a video on social media which criticised Zionism with a picture of a rat — used as an insult to Jews by the Nazis.He has repeatedly apologised. Co-stars and close pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer were also seen arriving at the MediaCity studios in Salford.Insiders said there was no love lost between Gary and his boss Alex, who took over the top job at BBC Sport from Barbara Slater last April.A source said: “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.“When he was working on the FA Cup final, just two days before he quit, Alex came over to where Gary was and he just walked off without a word.Read More on The Sun“He made a couple of remarks about Alex in earshot of people working around them. It’s clear there’s no love lost. “Gary is really well liked and there are plenty of people who joked that they agreed with what he said.”Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekGary tried to hold back tears as he signed off for the last timeCredit: BBCLineker with Alan Hansen and Mark LawrensonCredit: BBCAlan Shearer was snapped as he arrived at the studiosCredit: ZenpixMicah Richards arrives for the showCredit: Zenpix More

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is going to be the new presenter of Match of the Day?

      by

      MATCH of the Day will have a new look in 2025 – with Gary Lineker set to step down from his role.The former Leicester and Tottenham striker will be leaving the show, with some new faces set to step in.Gary Lineker will leave his role as BBC presenter at the end of this seasonCredit: GettyMark Chapman will be one of the new presenters of Match of the DayCredit: GettyGabby Logan will also be presenting the show in the 2025/26 seasonCredit: eric mccowat/Alamy Live NewsKelly Cates also steps into the role of presenter ahead of 2025/26Credit: GettyThe show has been running since 1964, with Lineker stepping into the role of presenter back in 1999 – and stepping away 25 years later.The 64-year-old was originally scheduled to stay on as presenter for the FA Cup, and the 2026 World Cup, but recent controversy has meant he will step away altogether. However, controversy on not, Lineker had made the decision to step away from Match of the Day presenting in January 2025, with three new faces already confirmed. SunSport can share who will present Match of the Day from the 2025/26 season.Read more FootballWho will be the new Match of the Day presenters?Match of the Day will be hosted by three presenters from next season onwards, those being:Kelly CatesMark ChapmanGabby LoganGary Lineker confirmed he would leave the show in January, but at the time said he would continue for the FA Cup and the World Cup in 2026.However, Lineker was recently at the centre of controversy, so will not continue on with the FA Cup and the upcoming World Cup.Most read in FootballWho is Kelly Cates?Kelly Cates is the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She is well known for her time presenting Sky Sports, often appearing on Friday Night Live and Super Sunday to cover games. Kelly Cates (right) is well known for presenting on Sky SportsCredit: REUTERS/David KleinWho is Mark Chapman?Mark Chapman has already worked with the BBC, hosting Match of the Day 2 on Sunday nights.He also works as a host for the BBC Champions League highlights show. Chapman also hosts Sports Report on BBC 5 live, one of the longest-running programmes on British radio. Mark Chapman has already presented for the BBCCredit: GettyWho is Gabby Logan?Gabby Logan was an understudy to Lineker this season, an has a lot of experience presenting for the BBC. She has covered a range of sports, such as the Olympics, and shows, such as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Logan has worked with BBC on Final Score, being the main face of the programme from 2009 to 2013, and worked with Amazon Prime to cover the Champions League.Gabby Logan has hosted a number of sports and shows for the BBCCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Reason Gary Lineker does not plan to do much TV after leaving MOTD revealed

      by

      GARY LINEKER does not plan to do much telly work after leaving the BBC and will instead concentrate on his popular podcasts.After 26 years as Match Of The Day host, he will present his final highlights show tonight covering the last day of the Premier League season.Gary Lineker does not plan to do much telly work after leaving the BBC and will instead concentrate on his popular podcastsCredit: GettyLineker was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early, sparking a battle for his signature between rival broadcasters.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.Read More on Sport‘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.Most read in Football“ 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.How Gary Lineker’s BBC exit will spark intense rivalry between new Match of the Day hosts to lead BBC’s World Cup coverage“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. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker ‘in talks to launch MOTD-style show with major sport broadcaster’ after controversial BBC exit

      by

      GARY LINEKER is planning for life as a “media disruptor” after leaving the BBC, according to reports.The 64-year-old parted ways with the Beeb earlier this week following an anti-Semitism row. Gary Lineker has left the BBC after 26 yearsCredit: BBCReports suggest Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football is set to cover the Club World CupCredit: AlamyLineker announced earlier this season he would depart his role as Match of the Day host after almost three decades.But he had been due to stay for the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup next summer. The former England striker is now reportedly planning to expand on an existing role. According to The Guardian, Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football are in talks with DAZN. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe discussions are based around “launching shows featuring match clips of this summer’s Club World Cup.”Lineker’s Goalhanger Productions company are reportedly leading the talks with DAZN, who hold global rights to the tournament. Episodes of The Rest is Football were previously available on BBC Sounds after Goalhanger signed a one-year deal with the Beeb last November. Following Lineker’s departure, future episodes will not be streamed on the platform. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe outlet also claims TV insiders believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Any success this summer with the Club World Cup could see The Rest is Football return for extended World Cup episodes in 2026. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekLineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video last week which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly in a video message on Monday.The 64-year-old said in the clip: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”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.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Match of the Day legend Alan Hansen, 69, lands emotional role in Liverpool’s title triumph 11 months after health battle

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend Alan Hansen will present the Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk this weekend, it has been revealed.Arne Slot’s Reds clinched the title following a 5-1 win over Tottenham at the end of April.Virgil van Dijk will be presented with the Premier League trophy at Anfield this weekendCredit: PAReds icon Alan Hansen, the last Liverpool captain to lift the English title in front of fans, will present the trophyCredit: AFPLiverpool have already seen their name engraved on the trophyCredit: GettyAnd they will now be officially presented with their record-equalling 20th English league title – second of the Premier League era – on Sunday.Liverpool last won the title in 2020 but were forced to celebrate in front of a reduced crowd due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.But this time around, they will have the chance to celebrate in front of a full house at the Kop.Hansen, 69, is the last Liverpool captain to lift the trophy in front of fans as Sir Kenny Dalglish’s side were crowned champions in 1990.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs reported by The Telegraph, the iconic former defender and TV broadcaster will pass that baton on to present-day captain Van Dijk.This comes a year after he spent time in hospital recovering from a serious illness.Hansen, who won eight titles with the Reds and is a former pundit on Match of the Day, was present when Liverpool secured the title last month.He retired from media duties in 2014, but the vast number of well-wishes he received following his health battle shows his legacy is held in high esteem.Most read in FootballEarlier this year, he was awarded an MBE for services to football and broadcasting.Liverpool have failed to win a match since securing the title.Arne Slot shows his class as he leads Anfield in chant about Jurgen Klopp after sealing 20th title for LiverpoolA 3-1 loss to Chelsea was followed by a 1-1 draw at Arsenal and then a 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Monday, which came after Slot’s squad was seen partying in Ibiza.They have a chance to sign off their campaign with a flourish by beating FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Stoney-faced Gary Lineker breaks cover to walk dog amid BBC exit and cop probe into ‘rat’ online post

      by

      GARY Lineker takes his dog for a walk — as cops say they are looking into complaints about his online post.And with Lineker, 63, appearing to rule out a return to telly, Filbert had even more reason to be cheery.Gary Lineker was snapped taking his rescue dog Filbert for a walk following his departure from the BBCCredit: Ray CollinsCops say they are looking into complaints about Gary’s recent online postCredit: iNSTAGRAMThe pair stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTD.The ex-England star, out in South London, is stepping down as Match of the Day host on Sunday after sparking fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat picture.Lineker apologised, but the Met said it is assessing several complaints.In a statement he said: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”As I’ve said, I’d never consciously repost anything antisemitic – 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.”One woman said she suffered significant distress due to the post.Most read in FootballTim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.”Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.Gary Lineker sensationally quits BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after anti-Semitism row”Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.”His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. “We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”The former England star sparked fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat pictureCredit: Ray CollinsGary and Filbert stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTDCredit: Ray Collins More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Gary Lineker’s BBC exit will spark intense rivalry between Match of the Day hosts to lead BBC’s World Cup coverage

      by

      GARY Lineker’s BBC exit is set to spark an intense rivalry between his Match Of The Day successors over who will lead the World Cup coverage.Insiders said that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will also be competing to take the main presenting job for next year’s FA Cup Final.Gary Lineker’s BBC exit is set to spark rivalry between his MOTD successors over who will lead the 2026 World Cup coverageCredit: Ray CollinsGary, 64, announced he was leaving the BBC early following an anti-Semitism rowCredit: PAThe bookies currently have Kelly Cates, 49, as the frontrunner with odds of 2/1Credit: Getty – ContributorLineker, 64, yesterday confirmed The Sun’s story about his departure — announcing he was leaving the BBC early following an anti-Semitism row.It scuppered plans for Mark, 51, Gabby, 52, and Kelly, 49, to have supporting roles alongside him at his swansong during next summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.A source said: “Now Gary’s gone there has to be a lead anchor for the World Cup coverage. “Mark, Gabby and Kelly can definitely share the duties between them but it will boil down to who gets the big games.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“For example, who will be taking the lead role on the final — which will be the game they all want to be the leading voice on.“Mark, Gabby and Kelly are friends but they will be positioning themselves in the coming months because, naturally, it’s a competitive job and who wouldn’t want to be the frontrunner?“It’s become an inside joke that it’ll be like something out of Game of Thrones — with all of them vying to take the lead.”Insiders said the lead presenter for the FA Cup Final coverage next May, a month before the World Cup, is also up for grabs.Most read in FootballThe bookies currently have Kelly as the frontrunner with odds of 2/1, while Mark and Gabby are both at 3/1. The three will share normal MOTD presenting duties next season.Our source added: “Mark, Gabby and Kelly are all excellent broadcasters so it’s not going to be an easy decision to make. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”They can do the MOTD job-share fine but when it comes to the prestige of holding up the coverage for those major events, it’s inevitable someone’s nose is going to be put out of joint.”Former England striker Lineker is stepping down after Sunday’s MOTD, ending a 26-year career with the BBC.He sparked fury after sharing an online post criticising Zionism, and illustrated with a rat.Gary repeatedly apologised in a video statement yesterday.Mark Chapman, 51, is also in the lead to host BBC’s World Cup coverageCredit: GettyGabby Logan, 52, will also be competing with the other hosts to take the main presenting job for next year’s FA Cup FinalCredit: PAHe said: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I’d 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.”Read More on The SunBBC Director General Tim Davie called him a “defining voice in football coverage”.He added: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”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. More