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      Fatboy Slim backs Gary Lineker live during concert sending fans wild after BBC pull Match of the Day host off air

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      DJ Fatboy Slim backed Gary Lineker during a live concert after the BBC pulled the Match of the Day host off air. 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”.
      DJ Fatboy Slim backed Gary Lineker during a live concertCredit: Splash
      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.
      And even DJ Fatboy Slim – real name Quentin Leo Cook – is in Lineker’s corner as he performed with a picture of the footballer in the background.
      A video was posted of fans reacting wildly, with Leo Cook tweeting: “Enough respect #ImWithGary.”
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      Lineker’s son George responded: “That’s so elite.”
      Match of The Day has plunged into chaos as 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.
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      Most read in Football
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      He explained on Friday: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent on Saturday night.
      Gary Lineker has been taken off air by the BBCCredit: Alamy More

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      Now Match of the Day commentators pull out of show amid Gary Lineker storm as fans say ‘there’s no point watching now’

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      MATCH of the Day’s commentators have pulled out of tonight’s show – hours after the BBC said the programme would go ahead without presenters or pundits.Commentators from an agency are expected to be shipped in to cover Saturday’s Prem games amid chaos sparked by Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day.
      Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie shows commentators, said he and his colleagues will not appear in Saturday’s Match of the Day
      Commentators from an agency will be shipped in instead to cover the Prem games
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with ‘1930’s Germany’Credit: PA
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      He explained on Friday: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent on Saturday night.
      Read More on this story
      They will likely be covered by commentary usually provided for football broadcasts outside the UK.
      It comes just hours after the BBC said the exodus of pundits acting in solidarity with Mr Lineker means Saturday night’s episode will show only football.
      And there will be no studio analysis for viewers.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      Most read in Football
      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.”
      Wight was the first to boycott the show when he tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      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.
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Gary Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      In a separate Tweet, Piers added: “REMINDER: BBC management told @GaryLineker to make political statements about Qatar’s human rights record at the start of the recent World Cup.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Alan Shearer joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tomorrow nightCredit: Alamy
      Jermain Jenas also pulled the plug on any chance of him turning up on Saturday’s episodeCredit: PA
      And Alex Scott shared a meme saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Getty
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA More

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      Premier League players could BOYCOTT BBC interviews before and after matches in solidarity with Lineker and pundits

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      PREMIER LEAGUE stars could reportedly boycott interviews with BBC before and after matches in solidarity with Gary Lineker.Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny after the Beeb yanked Lineker off air over his controversial tweet.
      MOTD hosts have staged a mutiny after BBC yanked Gary Lineker off airCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out, which saw them announce there would be NO HOST at all.
      Commentators could also join the boycott to force the show into a further radical change.
      The Times journalist Henry Winter has claimed that several players could boycott being interviewed by the broadcaster.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      He tweeted: “Football’s backlash against @BBC intensifies over its treatment of @GaryLineker. Many @premierleague players keen to show support for ex-pro pundits who step aside from @BBCMOTD. And @PFA will also fully support players who face fines for not completing required broadcast duties.”
      We reported how Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed Lineker had agreed to step back from presenting Saturday’s flagship highlights show.
      But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will.
      Most read in Football
      It left Match of the Day facing the prospect of having no host or pundits and now potentially no pre or post-game interviews either while they may also face boycotts from commentators who call the action.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return and tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      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.”
      Lineker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the showCredit: Twitter
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by 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.
      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”.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.” More

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      ‘No point watching now’ – BBC face huge backlash from footie fans after Gary Lineker is taken off air for migrants tweet

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      FOOTBALL fans have put the boot into the BBC and some claim they will boycott Match of the Day after Gary Lineker was taken off air.Many viewers are furious the Beeb made the presenter “step back” following his tweet attacking the government’s new immigration policy.
      The BBC say England legend Gary Lineker is ‘stepping back’ from MOTD while a ‘clear’ policy on his use of social media is agreedCredit: Alamy
      Ian Wright revealed he is showing ‘solidarity as he and Alan Shearer decline to go on MOTD this weekend in the absence of LinekerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Fellow ex-England players Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas, plus former Lionesses star Alex Scott, then refused to appear on the show as a sign of support for Lineker.
      That forced the BBC to decide there would be NO HOSTS at all this weekend.
      The BBC say former Tottenham and Barcelona striker Lineker will be absent “until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media”.
      But fans rushed in with comments like: “Oh no, cancel all EPL games tomorrow, no one to host MOTD.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Another said: “Lineker gets yellow card and sends off Wright and Shearer.” 
      A third vowed: “I’ll not be watching MOTD until he’s reinstated. Power to Lineker…”  
      The ex-Leicester City hero sparked huge controversy this week when he compared Government language used over the Illegal Migration Bill to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      Tories, including home secretary Suella Braverman, criticised Lineker for his “slur” and accused him of breaching BBC impartiality rules.
      Most read in Football
      But others, including hordes of football followers, have backed Lineker for both his opinion and his right to speak out.
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      And MOTD fans appear frustrated he will sit out Saturday’s show.
      One posted: “Not a massive fan of Lineker but he is Match of the Day, no point watching now.”
      A second viewer wrote: “It is heartening to see Lineker’s colleagues standing in solidarity with him against the BBC.”
      Another said: “Tragic if we never see him on MOTD again but I stand with @GaryLineker.”
      HOW IT STARTED
      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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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.” More

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      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ over Match of the Day storm as Ian Wright & Alan Shearer walk out in ‘solidarity’

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      GARY Lineker “wept” when he found out his pals had publicly backed him after the BBC took him off air.It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight following the decision to axe Lineker from the show.
      It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny following the decision to axe Lineker from the show
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Gary was reportedly left in tears when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      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.
      read more in Football
      “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.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      It comes as the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by 1930s Germany.
      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.
      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”.
      Others to join the mutiny include Mark Chapman and Jermaine Jenas.
      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed Ian Wright and Alan Shearer after the Match of the Day hosts pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said 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 MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “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 political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”

      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
      Read More on The Sun
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.” 
      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ when he found out his pals had publicly backed him as the BBC took him off airCredit: Alamy More

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      BBC announce Match of the Day WILL go ahead with NO presenters after Gary Lineker taken off air & hosts spark mutiny

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      MATCH of the Day will go ahead on Saturday – but WITHOUT presenters, pundits or commentators.The BBC said the exodus of pundits following Gary Lineker’s suspension means tonight’s episode will show only football replay.
      The BBC told The Sun the exodus of pundits following Gary Linker’s suspension means they will show only football replayCredit: PA
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      And there will be no studio analysis by pundits for viewers.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down. Commentators usually heard on football broadcasts outside the UK are expected to be shipped in.
      Read More on this story
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of co-hosts of Match of the Day launched a mutiny.
      Most read in Football
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.”

      Following the BBC’s suspension of Mr Lineker, Match of the Day co-host Wright said he will boycott Saturday’s episode in “solidarity”.
      He tweeted on Friday: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Micah Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Jemaine Jenas also ruled himself out of presenting duties.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will also not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      He explained on Friday night: “As commentators on MoTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent tonight.
      Read More on The Sun
      They will likely be covered by commentary usually provided for football broadcasts outside the UK.
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy
      And Alex Scott shared a meme saying: ‘Nah… not for me.’Credit: Getty
      Micah Richard’s says he backed the pundits in their decisionCredit: Alamy
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA More

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      Match of the Day plunged into meltdown as hosts stage mutiny after BBC pull Gary Lineker off air over Nazi tweet row

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      MATCH of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight after the BBC yanked Gary Lineker off air over the Nazi tweet row — plunging the flagship show into chaos.Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Pals said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his willCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
      The walkout has left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as the favourite to step inCredit: BBC
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
      READ MORE ON MOTD MUTINY
      It left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as favourite to step in.
      The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return.
      Tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      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.
      Jermaine Jenas confirmed he would not stand inCredit: PA
      Micah Richards has also ruled himself out of stepping in to cover LinekerCredit: Getty
      Alex Scott is another high-profile presenter showing solidarity with LinekerCredit: Getty
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      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”.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said 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 MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “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 political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      Linker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the show
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
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      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.”  More

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      Mark Chapman ‘rules himself out as Match of the Day host’ after Alex Scott says she WON’T take over from Gary Lineker

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      MARK Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host after fellow pundits pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mark Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Now, football pundit Mark Chapman is thought to have ruled himself out as host of tonight’s show.
      The Daily Mail’s Chief Sports Reporter Matt Hughes said in a tweet: “BBC desperately scrambling to secure a new presenter for Match of the Day, with Alex Scott and Mark Chapman both ruling themselves out following withdrawal of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright as pundits.”
      Chapman joined Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Alex Scott in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
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      Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Mr Shearer, 52, later followed suit, saying: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      And pundit Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.
      In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
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      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed the boycott.
      It is unclear who will present the show in place of the pundits.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s 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 earlier, 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 full statement read: “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.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time”
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      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More