Television

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker remains tight-lipped as he steps out amid war with BBC over Nazi immigration tweet as MotD2 to air tonight

      by

      GARY Lineker today remained tight-lipped amid his impartiality war with the BBC. The 62-year-old pundit refused to address the ongoing row over his inflammatory tweets comparing the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill to 1930s Nazi Germany, which saw him taken off air.
      Gary Lineker stayed tight-lipped as he left his home todayCredit: LNP
      Mark Chapman, who is the regular presenter of Match of the Day 2Credit: PA
      There was no pre-game chat as Chelsea took on Manchester United in WSL todayCredit: Getty
      At around 12.30pm on Sunday, he was spotted walking his dog outside his home in Barnes, West London.
      Asked whether he still wanted to work at the Beeb or if he was in talks with the director general about his future, the ex-England star simply stated: “I can’t say anything.”
      Lineker was told to step back from hosting Match of the Day while bosses try to get him to agree to stop posting political messages online.
      His likening of Tory immigration rhetoric and Nazi Germany sparked outrage in some quarters – with Home Secretary Suella Braverman claiming his comments diminished the tragedy of the Holocaust.
      READ MORE ON THE LINEKER ROW
      It was 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”.
      BBC pundits and commentators refused to work following the backlash, deciding to support longstanding presenter Lineker.
      It caused a football blackout, with several TV and radio programmes, including the Saturday edition of Match of the Day, Football Focus and Final Score, disrupted or forced off air following a boycott by figures like Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott.
      Sunday night’s edition of MOTD2 will air – but without presenters or commentary.
      Most read in Football
      The Beeb does not have the rights required to use world feed commentary, an issue that saw last night’s 20-minute broadcast go without.
      Commentator Guy Mowbray tweeted: “As yesterday, there will be no ‘normal’ MOTD(2) programme tonight.
      “The scheduled commentary team are in full agreement with our BBC Sport colleagues. We hope that a resolution can be found ASAP.”
      Tonight’s programme will show only highlights of Manchester United vs Southampton, West Ham vs Aston Villa and Fulham vs Arsenal and Newcastle vs Wolves.
      There was also no pre-game chat before this afternoon’s Women’s Super League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United amid the storm.
      It follows several last minute timetable changes yesterday which resulted in Football Focus and Final Score being scrapped from the BBC One schedule.
      MOTD, which Lineker has hosted for almost 25 years, was cut to just 20 minutes, with no commentary, analysis or interviews.
      It also went out without its famous theme tune – instead broadcasting only short highlight clips of the day’s matches.
      It did, however, see its viewing figures soar by 500,000 to 2.6million – the highest number since November 2022.
      MOT2 will take a similar “reduced” format at 10:30pm after host Mark Chapman decided not to present for BBC Radio 5 Live Sport on Saturday and pundit Jermain Defoe announced he would not appear on the Sunday highlights programme.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      BBC Radio 5 Live was yesterday forced to cancel its coverage of Saturday’s football after Chapman, 59, and co-presenter Colin Murray, 46, pulled out in support of Lineker.
      It followed similar boycotts from other high-profile names, includingKelly Somers and Jason Mohammad, who stood down in solidarity with Lineker.
      The BBC said it would air only “limited sport programming” over the weekend and was “working hard to resolve the situation”.
      In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans.”
      BBC director-general Tim Davie later apologised personally for the disruption to the sport schedule but insisted he will not resign from his role.
      On Saturday, Bargain Hunt aired in place of Football Focus on BBC One at noon, while The Repair Shop ran instead of Final Score at 4.30pm.
      BBC presenter Murray tweeted that 5 Live’s Fighting Talk was not airing “for obvious reasons” in a decision by the entire team.
      Pre-recorded content replaced the live broadcasts, with Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast aired during Fighting Talk’s slot followed by The Footballer’s Football Podcast, which played on Radio 5 Live when 5 Live Sport would have aired.
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast.
      Pundit Glenn Murray pulled out of appearing on Football Focus and Final Score on Saturday while fellow former players Dion Dublin and Leon Osman were among those announcing their absence from coverage.
      Mohammad also confirmed he would not be hosting Final Score.
      ‘VERY DIFFICULT DAY’
      On Friday evening, several MOTD commentators shared a joint statement online, announcing they would be stepping down from Saturday’s broadcast.
      The group, including Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Cowen and Steven Wyeth, said they did “not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme” given the current circumstances.
      Ian Dennis, a BBC employee, did cover Leeds against Brighton for 5 Live radio but said it was a “very difficult day”.
      Lineker was taken off air for a tweet which compared the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy tackling evil people traffickers with Nazi Germany.
      The broadcaster said it had “decided” Lineker would take a break from presenting the highlights programme until an “agreed and clear position” on his use of social media had been reached.
      Former BBC director-general Greg Dyke said the corporation had made a “mistake” and “undermined its own credibility” by taking Lineker off air.
      A spokesman for the Professional Footballers’ Association said in a statement on Twitter that it had “been informed that players involved in Saturday’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match Of The Day”.
      I disagree with Gary Lineker on small boats profoundly.Jeremy HuntChancellor
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the free speech row ends “in a timely manner”- but that it was a matter for the BBC, not Government.
      Conservative politicians have lined up to slam Mr Lineker, who is on a taxpayer-funded salary of £1,350,000.
      Jeremy Hunt today said he “profoundly disagrees” with the controversial comments made.
      The Chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News: “I disagree with Gary Lineker on small boats profoundly.
      “I personally think that he was wrong to say what he said.”
      MP Simon Clarke echoed his words, telling the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “I disagree very profoundly with what Gary Lineker said.
      “I think the comparisons to 1930s as he’s made are deeply inappropriate and actually very tasteless.”
      Asked why it matters what a sports presenter says, he replied: “Mr Lineker has a huge reach and the reality is that he is obviously operating on a publicly-funded broadcaster, he is someone whose platform largely derives from his role at the BBC, he’s saying things which are partisan and I think which are also deeply unfair.”
      ‘TASTELESS TWEET’
      He called the situation a “mess” and said the BBC needs to resolve “ambiguity” in its guidelines as Lineker is freelance a sports presenter, not a political journalist.
      Mr Clarke continued: “I don’t like cancel culture of any kind, I don’t like to see people being taken off air.”
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer also waded into the row, saying: “The BBC has a 10-point plan in relation to impartiality.
      “It is absolutely important that it maintains impartiality so that the public retains trust in it.”
      In the Commons, DUP MP Gregory Campbell called for “multimillionaire lefty Lineker” to have his pay docked.
      And Red Wall MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said: “Whilst the elderly lost their free licence, the BBC have now given Gary Lineker a different sort of free license – one that allows him to say what he wants, when he wants and without fear of sanction.
      “Everybody is entitled to their opinions, but as a public service broadcaster you would expect the BBC to hold him to the same standards they would expect from other members of their staff, who would not get away with such appalling comparisons.”
      The Illegal Migration Bill bans migrants who arrive on small boats from ever settling in Britain.
      Read More on The Sun
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Ms Braverman has repeatedly insisted the plan does not break the law, and said the country’s top legal minds have worked day and night to ensure it’s feasible.

      Alex Scott also packed Lineker amid the stormCredit: Getty
      Pundit Jermain Defoe has given Lineker his supportCredit: Getty
      Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: BBC More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC suffer huge technical error just seconds into Chelsea vs Man Utd as already-limited coverage descends into farce

      by

      THE BBC suffered another farce as the world feed commentary cut after just 19 seconds in a major technical gaffe.The Beeb were showing today’s top-of-the-table Chelsea vs Manchester United crunch clash in the WSL.
      Commentary cut out seconds into Chelsea vs Manchester UnitedCredit: BBC
      The programme started with a general view of the Kingsmeadow pitchCredit: BBC
      The BBC Sport graphics failed to distract from the unusual situationCredit: BBC
      But with no pundits or commentators working for the broadcaster as they stood in solidarity with Gary Lineker, the commentary was provided by Nigel Adderley, who “welcomed viewers from around the world” and referenced the “global audience”.
      However, just 19 SECONDS into the match at Kingsmeadow, the sound cut out – leaving TV viewers only able to hear the stadium noise – just like on Match of the Day last night.
      It was just a brief technical blip though, and Adderley’s dulcet tones returned 22 seconds later.
      The Beeb already had the rights to show the 12.30pm kick-off, with the show set to start 15 minutes earlier on BBC Two, before the major fallout following Lineker’s suspension.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Instead, the schedule was changed to start at 12.25pm to allow time for a ten-minute Hairy Bikers apple pie masterclass, with the WSL listing on BBC iPlayer stating: “Reshmin Chowdhury presents the action as Chelsea entertain Manchester United.”
      But instead of the usual format of a presenter and pundits either in a studio or pitchside, fans were greeted by initial silence and a general camera view of the pitch – and pointedly no sign of Chowdhury or any other pundits.
      There was the Beeb’s WSL theme tune and intro compilation featuring Chelsea and United stars.
      But then it went straight into the world feed with commentator Adderley’s introduction.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Blue Is The Colour pumped out over the Kingsmeadow tannoy as the players lined up in the tunnel – with the song even heard during the theme tune video.
      The BBC were able to use the world feed, aimed primarily at the US and global audience, for commentary amid the BBC boycott due to a separate contract with the FA.
      But with no presenter or pundits for such a mammoth game in women’s football, it had a very different feel from the usual pre-match build-up – although the graphics with the line-ups retained the BBC Sport branding and style.
      Half-time consisted of highlights from last week’s Continental League Cup final with no analysis on the live match.
      And there will be no post-match reaction or live interviews.
      One viewer said: “The sound has not been great so far (not a comment on Nigel Adderley). The BBC have totally killed their sport provision.
      “Normally you’d see putting a high profile WSL game on terrestrial TV with all the associated pomp as a real honour – this is not as good as the FA Player.”
      Another joked: “Are the sound engineers also showing solidarity at the BBC? The volume pitchside and the world feed commentary are completely mismatched 🤣🤣🤣”
      Commentator Nigel Adderley welcomed viewers from around the worldCredit: BBC
      Sam Kerr opened the scoring for Chelsea at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
      And a third fumed: “It’s a real shame that the biggest WSL game of the season is being impacted by the BBC’s idiotic decision to suspend Gary Lineker. The last thing women’s football needs is reduced coverage.”
      Alex Scott and Kelly Somers regularly present the WSL Match of the Day matches but both refused to work on Football Focus while Eilidh Barbour likes tweets from her colleagues regarding the boycott.
      The WSL coverage is the latest BBC sports programme to be affected by the decision to suspend Lineker for his tweets relating to the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
      A “farcical” Match of the Day, which he has presented since 1999, looked totally bizarre with no theme tune, studio chat, punditry, interviews or commentary.
      Pundits and commentators including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright stood in support with Lineker – who made the most of his free Saturday after being told to step back by the Beeb to go and watch his beloved Leicester at the King Power.
      COVERAGE CHAOS
      The reduced-length, 20-minute MOTD was watched by 2.58million people last night – up 500,000 on the previous week – no doubt because curious fans were simply intrigued by how the show would look.
      Football Focus, Final Score and BBC Radio 5 Live Sport were all pulled just hours before they were set to go on air on Saturday, too.
      Later tonight, Match of the Day 2 – usually presented by Mark Chapman who refused to present 5 Live Sport – will have no host or pundits in a similar reduced format.
      As revealed by The Sun, BBC boss Tim Davie is in a personal stalemate with Lineker as neither man prepares to back down in the impartiality row.
      BBC bosses have demanded Lineker agree to stop posting political messages online after he criticised the Government’s small boats policies.
      Read More on The Sun
      But a source close to the £1.35m-a-year England legend insisted he would carry on, despite the reaction to his comparison between Tory immigration rhetoric and Nazi Germany.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” — but said of quitting: “My job is to serve licence fee-payers and I look forward to resolving this situation.”
      Gary Lineker was told to step back by the BBC over his Twitter commentsCredit: Alamy More

    • 288 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker ‘will never apologise, never back down’ in BBC row – but WILL return to Match Of The Day, says son George

      by

      GARY Lineker will “never apologise” or back down amid his migrant tweet row with the BBC, his son says.But George, 31, stressed his dad is open to a return to the Beeb after being pulled off Match Of The Day for comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      George Lineker said his dad Gary will ‘never apologise’ for his comments that saw him suspended from Match Of The DayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker is open to a return to the BBC his son George saysCredit: PA
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-airCredit: BBC
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is now locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweetsCredit: BBC
      The pundit’s suspension sparked chaos on Saturday – with Match Of The Day going ahead without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      The show ran for just 20-minutes as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air without even playing the theme tune.
      Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Gary’s eldest praised his dad as a “good man” who stands by his word.
      He added: “That’s why he was pulled off the show – because he wouldn’t apologise.
      Read More on this story
      “To take him off the air for having a voice is harsh, and I think he was surprised, and a bit disappointed.”
      George went on to address whether his dad will return to the BBC, as it was reported broadcasters are queuing up to poach the veteran presenter.
      He explained: “Will he go back to Match of the Day? I think so – he loves Match of the Day. But he won’t ever back down on his word.”
      George noted Gary’s passion for standing up for those without a voice, pointing to the ex-England star’s decision to host two refugees at his home.
      Most read in Football
      The pundit sparked a free speech row when he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      ‘BREACH OF OUR GUIDELINES’
      The BBC said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mr Lineker was later asked to step back from presenting Match Of The Day – which he’s done since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      It comes as ex-tennis pro and LBC presenter Andrew Castle claimed Gary admitted on Thursday his comments were “a step too far”.
      Mr Castle told his LBC show today: “I was with Gary Lineker for half a day, plus, on Thursday, I was working with him.
      “I said to him, that I thought to draw the parallels between, you know, the rise of Nazism in the 30s and early 30s government and the immigration policy of a serving Conservative Party was a step too far and he agreed.”
      In a statement after suspending the veteran broadcaster, the BBC said they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The decision sparked chaos at the BBC as Match Of The Day’s commentators, pundits and presenters all refused to go on air in solidarity with Mr Lineker.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid a growing staff mutiny.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as well as a staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficultTim Davie, BBC Director General
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is now locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      Mr Davie 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, he 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.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      As his employer fought fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea, alongside his sonCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘A farce’ – Match of the Day fans left ‘speechless’ by bizarre commentary and pundit free highlights after Lineker row

      by

      VIEWERS slammed a “farcical” Match of the Day as the BBC aired Premier League highlights with no presenter, pundits or commentators.The much-loved show, created by BBC back in 1964, aired on Saturday night in a bizarre 20-minute format amid the carnage of the Beeb’s Gary Lineker tweet row.
      Gary Lineker was controversially pulled off the programme on FridayCredit: PA
      Fans did not enjoy the ‘farcical’ Match of the Day that aired on SaturdayCredit: BBC
      This was what replaced the traditional MOTD introCredit: BBC
      The flagship programme had no presenters, pundits or commentators after staff masterminded a mutiny in solidarity with Lineker.
      Co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the show into crisis.
      The show’s commentary team also stood down – with the dulcet tones of Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen all falling silent.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Premier League match highlights in a largely silent presentation.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Even the iconic theme tune and opening sequence were absent as Liverpool’s loss to Bournemouth followed a brief “Premier League highlights” frame.
      And footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
      Most read in Football
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      One added: “Bit speechless watching Match of the day.”
      Some viewers insisted they enjoyed the change.
      One fan wrote: “Fantastic match of the day instead of listing to all the b******s!”
      Another said: “Honestly. This match of the day without presenters and over the top commentary is f***ing miles better !!!”
      And a fellow fan commented: “Absolutely loving Match of the Day. No talking, no commentary… just football! Love it.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan was not convinced by their argument.
      Piers wrote: “BBC should now adjust the licence fee so that everyone on Twitter pretending to prefer Match of the Day in the new format can pay £1 less a month but only ever watch it that way in future.
      “Spoiler alert: nobody would take that deal. It’s s***.”
      Pundit Ian Wright was among the first to pull out in a show of support for Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      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.
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      Mr Davie 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, he 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.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.

      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Match Of The Day cut to 20 minutes in bizarre show with no THEME TUNE or commentary as BBC reels from Lineker crisis

      by

      MATCH Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air.The flagship footie programme didn’t even play it’s iconic theme tune to kick-off the show and an announcer apologised for the slimmed down offering.
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-airCredit: BBC
      Viewers were left speechless as the Match Of The Day theme tune was not played and highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentaryCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was pulled off the programme on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to ‘1930s Germany’Credit: PA
      Viewers were left speechless as highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentary.
      And there were no presenters or pundits in the studio after staff walked out in a growing mutiny following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
      It came as co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Prem match highlights.
      Read More on this story
      As the show began, an announcer said: “We’re sorry that we’re unable to show our normal Match Of The Day including commentary tonight.
      “But here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”
      The show ended with a jingle as the Premier League table standings were shown before abruptly ending.
      Footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      Most read in Football
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      FALLOUT
      BBC One then showed Tom Hanks drama Sully about the Hudson River plane landing.
      Earlier, a Beeb insider told The Sun on Sunday last night’s show would be “the biggest own goal in the BBC’s history”.
      They added: “Match of the Day is a British institution, so everyone at the BBC from the top down was adamant the show must go on.
      “But the sorry excuse of a programme which went out probably did more damage than if it was taken off air for the weekend while things were resolved.”
      Mr Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      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.
      The biggest own goal in the BBC’s historyBBC insider on Match Of The Day
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      Mr Davie 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, he 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.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.” More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Defiant Gary Lineker refuses to back down in migrant Twitter row with BBC after day of chaos for its football coverage

      by

      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverage.Davie insisted he would not quit while Lineker refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      BBC boss Tim Davie was last night locked in a personal shootout with Gary Lineker after a day of chaos for the Beeb’s sports coverageCredit: Getty
      Bosses have demanded that the Match of the Day host agree a deal to stop posting political messages
      The saga saw Match of the Day cut from 80 minutes to just 20 and several other football shows axed as other stars walked out in support.
      BBC bosses have demanded Lineker agree to stop posting political messages online after he commented on the Government’s small boats policies.
      But a source close to the £1.35million-a-year England legend insisted he would carry on.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” — but said of quitting: “My job is to serve licence fee- ­payers and I look forward to resolving this situation.”
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends “in a timely manner”.
      Lineker is set for crisis talks but former BBC Director General Greg Dyke feared the fallout could spell the end of his career at the Beeb.
      In a dramatic 24 hours:

      FOOTBALL Focus and Final Score were cancelled after Alex Scott, Kelly Somers and Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera;
      FIGHTING Talk and the 606 show on Radio 5 Live were pulled;
      BBC Director General Tim Davie apologised but insisted he would not resign;
      PAL and follow presenter Ian Wright threatened to quit if the BBC got rid of Lineker;
      IT emerged Lineker confided in TV pal Andrew Castle that he had gone “too far” in his tweets.

      Most read in Football
      Fury erupted among fellow BBC stars when Lineker, 62, was kicked off air on Friday after comparing the Government’s migrants crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Sources say Lineker was left stunned by the BBC’s move but has been thrilled with the show of support from stars and the public.
      He is now set for crisis talks with Mr Davie, who admitted last night in Washington that it had been “a difficult day”.
      But he insisted he was keen for the broadcaster to return. He said: “Success for me is Gary getting back on air. We’ve got the best sports broadcaster in the world. We want to make sure that he can come back.”
      He said he planned to “calmly resolve the situation”.
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the row ends ‘in a timely manner’Credit: PA
      For the first time Football Focus was not broadcast
      Asked in a BBC News interview if he should resign, he replied: “Absolutely not.”
      He also declined to say if he had spoken to Lineker in the last 24 hours. It was reported last night that ITV and BT were looking to poach the veteran presenter.
      Ex-Arsenal striker and Match of the Day co-host Wright — who with fellow pundit Alan Shearer was among the first to pull out in support — yesterday launched a scathing attack on the BBC.
      He said: “I’ll tell you something. If they do – the BBC get rid of Gary Lineker – I’m out, I’m gone. I’m not staying there. On his own platform he should be able to say what he wants to say.”
      The BBC’s decision caused outrage on social media – where #IStandWithGaryLineker trended with celebs showing their support.
      Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings, 29, was understood to be the first current Premier League star to speak out on the issue. He tweeted: “Big up Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.”
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast
      Colin Murray pulled out of Fighting Talk
      A day of scheduling chaos saw Football Focus replaced with an old episode of Bargain Hunt while The Repair Shop was shown instead of Final Score.
      Radio 5 Live’s traditional Saturday football coverage was also ripped to shreds, with Colin Murray pulling out of Fighting Talk and Mark Chapman standing down from presenting duties.
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast.
      Pundit Dion Dublin tweeted: “In solidarity with my BBC Sport colleagues NO 5live for me today!”
      Ex-footballer Glenn Murray also pulled out of Football Focus and Final Score duties.
      He tweeted: “I was meant to be up in Media City today but reflecting last night I felt it was the right thing to do to step away from Focus and Score today. Hoping normal service resumes next week.”
      The BBC yesterday apologised and said it was “working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon”.
      The scheduling mayhem is also set to continue into today, as former Spurs star Jermain Defoe pulled out of punditry duties on Match of the Day 2 tonight.
      Meanwhile, it emerged that Lineker confided to a friend that his controversial tweets about migrants were a “step too far”.
      Former tennis star Andrew Castle said on his LBC show yesterday: “I was with Gary Lineker for half a day, plus, on Thursday, I was working with him. His phone was going absolutely mad.
      Final Score was cancelled as Jason Mohammad refused to go in front of the camera
      Meanwhile Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman stood down from presenting duties
      “I said to him, that I thought to draw the parallels between, you know, the rise of Nazisim in the 30s and early 30s government and the immigration policy of a serving Conservative Party was a step too far and he agreed. And he said so.
      “He’s alluded to that. If he was to apologise, then fine I suspect he could go back on air but it’s gone a little bit too far for that.”
      Lineker has been told by the BBC to re-think his social media use — but ex-BBC boss Mr Dyke said yesterday he was entitled to express controversial views.
      He told Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a long-established precedent in the BBC that is that if you’re an entertainment presenter or you’re a football presenter, then you are not bound by those same rules.”
      However he added it was “quite clear” he did not intend to give the BBC any assurances about his future conduct and that “therefore I suspect this is the end of Gary Lineker as a BBC presenter as we’ve known him”.
      PM Sunak also waded into the row last night – insisting he is right to take “tough decisions” to fix the migration crisis. He added: “It is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand.”
      He and son Angus saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from LondonCredit: Reuters
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was “caving in” to Tory MPs by telling Lineker to step back from Match of the Day.
      He accused the government of blaming “anybody else” rather than “accepting that they’ve broken the asylum system”.
      Some BBC commentators did take to the airwaves yesterday, though they admitted it was a tough decision.
      Ian Dennis worked on the Leeds v Brighton game for Radio 5 Live at 3pm, while Alistair Bruce-Ball was set to follow suit for the late game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
      Ex-footballer Chris Sutton also decided he was going to work on 606 before BBC bosses scrapped the show anyway.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the BBC is not acting impartially and was ‘caving in’ to Tory MPsCredit: Getty
      A source said a number of staff see a distinction between BBC radio and television. They added: “Some feel they have been backed into a corner by the raft of withdrawals and have been placed into a very difficult position.”
      The situation has also affected freelancers, who rely on BBC contracts. Lineker posted his tweet criticising the Home Office last Tuesday, and the BBC finally caved into pressure on Friday evening.
      It said in a statement: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”
      Pic-me-ups with fans
      Lineker brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club LeicesterCredit: Rex
      A Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, ‘Gary Lineker for Prime Minister’Credit: Reuters
      LINEKER brushed off his suspension by snapping selfies with fans at his hometown club Leicester.
      He and son Angus, 25, saw The Foxes lose 3-1 to Chelsea after travelling up from London.
      Back in the capital, a Man City fan at the Crystal Palace match held a sign, right, saying, “Gary Lineker for Prime Minister”.
      TV rivals moving in
      LINEKER could triple his £1.35million earnings by jumping ship to ITV. 
      Insiders say the station have long been keen to poach the star who, if he went, would be free to share his political views.
      BT Sport, which is to rebrand as TNT Sports, are also said to be interested in Lineker. A source said: “He’s in demand.”

      Slim love for Gary
      FATBOY Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his support.
      Fatboy Slim used a projection of Gary Lineker last night during a gig in Manchester to show his supportCredit: Twitter / @FatboySlim
      The DJ, real name Norman Cook, later tweeted: “I’m with Gary”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, social media jokers put up brutal memes to mock the BBC row.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day.
      One parody had PM Rishi Sunak on a bus asking an OAP to host Match of the Day More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC boss Tim Davie refuses to resign over Gary Lineker row but admits ‘difficult day’ as presenters walk out in protest

      by

      THE BBC’s crisis-engulfed director general says he will “absolutely not” resign over the fallout of Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match Of The Day.Mr Lineker, 62, was pulled off the flagship footie show on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      Despite the furore, the Beeb’s director general Tim Davie will not step downCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was pulled off Match Of The Day on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to ‘1930s Germany’Credit: Reuters
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1Credit: Reuters
      The free speech row triggered a mass walk out of presenters – plunging Match Of The Day into chaos and Football Focus being pulled off air.
      But despite the carnage engulfing the taxpayer funded corporation, the Beeb’s defiant director general Tim Davie said he’s going nowhere.
      Describing the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” he apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
      He told the BBC on Saturday: “I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming.
      Read More on this story
      “As a keen sports fan I know to miss programming is a real blow and I’m sorry about that.
      “We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      And asked if he was sorry about the way he handled it, he said: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s this balance between free speech and impartiality.
      “I honestly do not believe, despite a lot of the commentary, that this is about left or right – it’s about our ability.
      “We’re fierce champions of democratic debate, free speech, but with that comes the need to create an impartial organisation.”
      On impartiality, Mr Davie added: “We should be fighting for this in this world, calmly, rationally fighting for a BBC that really actually champions free speech.”
      He did not confirm whether he had spoken to Mr Lineker in last 24 hours.
      But he said: “Everyone wants to calmly resolve the situation.
      “Gary Lineker’s the best in the business – that’s not for debate.”
      As his employer battled fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      TWITTER ROW
      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, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes tonight as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air.
      The flagship footie programme didn’t even play it’s iconic theme tune to kick-off the show and an announcer apologised for the slimmed down offering.
      Viewers were left speechless as highlights of today’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentary.
      And there were no presenters or pundits in the studio after staff walked out in a growing mutiny following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
      It came as co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Prem match highlights.
      As the show began, an announcer said: “We’re sorry that we’re unable to show our normal Match Of The Day including commentary tonight.
      “But here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”
      The show ended with a jingle as the Premier League table standings were shown before abruptly ending.
      BBC One then showed Tom Hanks drama Sully about the Hudson River plane landing.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Mr Sunak said the free speech row was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.”
      talkSport’s Alan Brazil appears on an ad outside rival broadcasters the BBC on SaturdayCredit: Sasha Kennedy-Carr More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp comes out swinging for Gary Lineker after BBC axing and brands Match of the Day crisis a ‘s***storm’

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP has slammed the BBC’s treatment of Gary Lineker.The Liverpool manager insisted that he can not see “any reason” why the former England striker would have been asked to “step back” from presenting.
      Jurgen Klopp has hit out at the BBCCredit: Getty
      He slammed the treatment of Match of the Day host Gary LinekerCredit: Reuters
      Lineker was pulled off the flagship footie show on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The corporation said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of guidelines” and ordered Lineker stepped back until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Klopp was asked about the situation after Liverpool’s shock defeat to Bournemouth.
      He said: “They asked him to step down for the things he said?
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      “So my problem with the situation how I understand it – and I’m not native – is that I cannot see any reason why they would ask anyone to step back for saying that.
      “I can’t. I’m not sure if that’s a language issue or not.
      “But that’s the world we are living in.
      “Everybody is so concerned about doing things in the right manner, saying the right stuff to everybody, and if you don’t do that you create a s***storm that we didn’t have when we were young.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “It’s a really difficult world to live in.
      “If I understand it right then this is about an opinion about human rights.
      “That should be possible to say. What I don’t understand is why everyone goes on Twitter and says something.
      “I don’t understand the social media part of it. I’m too old for that.
      “If I’ve got it right then for me there’s no reason (for the BBC to have stood Lineker down).
      BBC staff were at the Vitality Stadium but they did not conduct any interviews after the game.
      When asked if he would have spoken to the broadcaster, Klopp responded: ‘I’m not so much in the situation to be honest.
      “It’s not that the guy with the BBC mic today is obviously a bad person.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I heard about the rules of the BBC that you aren’t allowed to have these kind of opinions.
      “How I said – a difficult world to live in, to fulfil all the expectations and the rules, especially in public.” More