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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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

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      Man City’s FA Cup clash against Burnley could look very different on TV with no build-up or post-match reaction

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      VINCENT KOMPANY’S FA Cup return to Manchester City could be the next high-profile victim of the Gary Lineker Tweet storm.Kompany takes his Burnley side to the Etihad for a tea-time kick-off next Saturday that is due to be screened by the BBC.
      Vincent Kompany is set to take his Burnley side to Man City next weekCredit: Alamy
      Gary Lineker was pulled from Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But unless there is a resolution to the row that has rocked the Corporation, fans tuning in may just see the match without any build-up or post-game reaction – and with a break for other programming at half-time.
      Burnley’s clash at City and Sunday’s last eight tie between Brighton and Grimsby are now at risk of being scaled-down productions as the crisis continues.
      The FA will hope for a resolution over the coming days although talks with broadcasters may take place if the situation escalates further. 
      BBC sport output was slashed yesterday as presenters, pundits and commentators on television AND radio refused to work in protest at Lineker’s effective suspension.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      After the Beeb announced on Friday that last night’s edition of Match of the Day would be composed purely of match highlights with no studio presentation or punditry, the knock-on effect was felt across the network.
      Presenter Alex Scott and others pulled out of the lunchtime Football Focus show, which was replaced by Bargain Hunt.
      Final Score’s lead presenter Jason Mohammad and his colleagues also joined the boycott in protest at the treatment of Lineker, with the Beeb scheduling The Repair Shop instead.
      And the backlash spread to Radio Five Live, initially with Colin Murray confirming the live recording of Fighting Talk would not take place “for obvious reasons”.
      Most read in Football
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      With presenter Mark Chapman withdrawing his services along with the scheduled Prem commentators, there was no Sport on Five either, with a series of pre-recorded podcasts filling the airwaves.
      The growing off-field drama saw Prem chiefs intervene to ensure players at yesterday’s six games were not put in a position where they would be embarrassed by being asked to appear in front of the BBC cameras for post-match interviews.
      In a statement, the PFA said: “We have been informed that players involved in today’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day
      “The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those with chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme
      “During those conversations we make clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments.
      “This is a common sense decision that ensures players won’t now be put in that position.”
      The expectation is that Match of the Day 2 tomorrow night will also be a pundit and presenter-free zone after Jermain Defoe announced: “It is always a privilege to work with BBC MOTD.
      “But tomorrow I have taken the decision to stand down from my punditry duties.”
      In addition to the live FA Cup ties, next weekend’s Match of the Day broadcasts could again be affected, although there would then be a two-week window for the March international break which could allow time to find a solution. More

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      Match of the Day in major doubt as it emerges episode could be entirely SILENT because of BBC rights issue

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      THE BBC has reportedly insisted that Match of the Day will go ahead tonight.However, the show will be a shorter program with no commentary, as per reports.
      Match of the Day could be in silence tonightCredit: BBC
      The MoTD commentators have stepped down in support of Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      The football highlights programme has lost its commentators for the show as they have refused to work in support of show host Gary Lineker.
      The show was at risk of being scrapped due to the BBC not being able to get any commentary for the highlights.
      This means that when highlights of the games are being shown that there will be no commentators describing the action, according to The Athletic.
      The BBC have no rights to the commentaries supplied by Premier League Productions.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Last night Match of the Day commentators released a statement saying they would be standing down from duty this weekend in support of Lineker after the BBC yanked him off air over a Nazi tweet row.
      Gary compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany – causing him to be suspended by the Beeb.
      They suggested that the BBC would still be able to use the commentary from the tournaments world feed so viewers would still have some description of the games.
      However, it is believed that the BBC’s contract is only for video highlights and therefore will have to supply its own commentary.
      Most read in Football
      It is not yet known if the BBC have requested the Premier League provide commentary, but an insider told The Times that the BBC are sorry for the “limited sport programming this weekend”.
      The insider added that it was “working hard to resolve the situation and hopes to do so soon”.
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      Football Focus was axed just hours before it was scheduled to go on air today as pundits also refused to work.
      Fans earlier put the boot into the BBC – with some claiming they will boycott Match of the Day after Lineker was taken off air.
      The former England striker has taken time today to go up to Leicester and watch his side face Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. More

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      Gary Lineker arrives to watch boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea after BBC pull him off Match of the Day

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      GARY Lineker has arrived to watch his boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea after the BBC pulled him off Match of the Day.Lineker, 62, was axed from the show after he compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Gary Lineker arriving ahead of the Premier League match at the King Power StadiumCredit: PA
      Lineker is watching his boyhood club Leicester play Chelsea
      The presenter poses for photographs with fans in the standsCredit: PA
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with Lineker
      The former England footballer jokes with friendsCredit: AFP
      Leicester City fans hold up signs in support of former player LinekerCredit: Reuters
      Lineker has been suspended by the BBCCredit: PA
      His fellow presenters are refusing to appear on air in solidarity today – meaning Match of the Day is being forced to go ahead without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      And the chaos spread further when Football Focus’s Alex Scott chose to not host the programme following the suspension storm.
      But Lineker looked cool, calm and collected as he arrived at the King Power Stadium roughly an hour before the Foxes’ Premier League clash.
      In the stands, before kick-off he was spotted joking and posing for selfies with fans.
      MORE ON LINEKER DRAMA
      When the match began he appeared nervous with his hands over his mouth as Chelsea took a 1-0 lead over his old team.
      However, when the Foxes’ equalised he was seen celebrating with his son and friends.
      It comes as a BBC spokesperson said they will air “limited sport programming” over the weekend and is “working hard to resolve the situation”.
      Yesterday Lineker was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from Match of the Day.
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Read More on The Sun
      And pundit Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Lineker smiles leaving his home in London this morning More

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      Fans call for glamorous BBC Sport host Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

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      FANS have called on BBC Sport host Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. Lineker was suspended from the show after he compared the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      BBC Sport host Emma Louise JonesCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Fans have called on Emma Louise Jones to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma Louise Jones also presents for Leeds TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      The former Premier League star was deemed to have breached the BBC’s guidelines and was forced to step back from his presenting role.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      It has led to some fans filling up presenter Jones’ Instagram comments in a bid to have her replace Lineker.
      One said: “What you doing Saturday night? Fancy the MOTD Gig?”
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Another posted: “MOTD needs you.”
      One added: “All set for MOTD tonight?”
      Another commented: “Can you be the new presenter for MOTD please.”
      Jones has also presented for Leeds TV in the past and for BBC Radio 5 Live.
      Most read in Football
      Match of The Day has plunged into chaos as Jones’ BBC colleagues have refused to work in solidarity with Lineker.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      Even matchday commentators pulled out of the show.
      The BBC confirmed that tonight’s Match of the Day will be aired with no commentators or hosts.
      No player or manager from the Premier League will be giving any interview to the show too.
      Gary Lineker has been taken off air by the BBCCredit: Alamy More

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      Inside Gary Lineker’s stylish home with plush velvet sofas, stunning art and cute dog amid Match Of The Day suspension

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      MATCH Of The Day anchor Gary Lineker’s stylish home life at his £4million Surrey mansion has been revealed following his suspension by the BBC.The broadcaster temporarily pulled sports pundit Gary, 62, from his Match Of The Day hosting role on Friday after he sparked a major backlash when he took to Twitter to hit out at the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
      Gary Lineker’s stylish home life has been revealed following his Match Of The Day suspensionCredit: Instagram
      The Match Of The Day anchor, 62, has been suspended from his BBC show role after comments made about the Government’s illegal migration billCredit: Alamy
      Back on home turf, Gary is a fan of modern artworkCredit: Instagram
      Since then, a host of his colleagues including s Alan Shearer and Ian Wright revealed they were refusing to star on the sporting show.
      This prompted similar reactions from the BBC Football Focus team, which is today being scrapped – and replaced with fan-favourite series Bargain Hunt.
      The former England star’s home life came under the spotlight back in 2020 when he invited a refugee to live in one of the five bedrooms of his mansion.
      Yet his Instagram page gives a glimpse into the cozy pad, adorned with trendy touches.
      read more gary lineker
      One image sees Gary preparing for a Zoom call while perched on a turquoise-coloured sofa, accentuated with mustard-shade cushions.
      Behind him a piece of modern art sits on the wall, featuring speckles of gold, grey and blue and positioned next to a gold lamp.
      In another room adorned with football shirts on the wall, Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who he welcomed into the fold last year – can be seen fast asleep on a red sofa.
      Meanwhile, in a separate living space, a similar piece of brush-stroke art painted on canvas fills the wall.
      Most read in Football
      It sits above a chic white marble cabinet, with coffee table books seen perched on the side.
      Another space – which the pundit appears to use for family gathering – has a classic touch with exposed wooden floorboards.
      There’s a red and white rug thrown over the floor while a huge glass light fitting adds a modern edge.
      The walls are painted a fresh green which allows the room to flow easily through the patio door to the garden outside.
      Gary is often seen celebrating his son’s birthday’s in the space, as well as playing host to his pals in his garden, which boasts a wooden dining table.
      Meanwhile, Gary, who has fronted MOTD since 1999, has been suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      A BBC statement said: “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.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      A spokesperson added that the Beeb considered Gary’s “recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines” and that he should “keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies”.
      The row ignited after Gary tweeted in reference to the Government’s new immigration bill, saying: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
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      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?”
      Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who arrived into the family last year – clearly enjoys relaxing on his red sofaCredit: Instagram
      The pundit has given a glimpse into his home on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      There’s an outdoor space perfect for entertainingCredit: Instagram
      A casual socialising space features exposed wooden flooringCredit: Instagram More