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

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      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

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      ‘Throwing me off’ – Eagle-eyed viewers spot bizarre Ederson kit quirk in Man City’s win over Crystal Palace

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      EDERSON caused a stir on social media with his choice of socks during Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.Some eagle-eyed fans went into total meltdown when they noticed that the City goalkeeper was actually wearing Palace’s away socks at Selhurst Park.
      Ederson kept a clean sheet as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 1-0Credit: AFP
      Fans noticed Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson wore Crystal Palace’s away socksCredit: AP

      The Brazil international had to don white socks because the blue ones he was supposed to have would’ve clashed with the Eagles’ home socks.
      That didn’t go unnoticed during the game as fans took to Twitter to express their shock.
      One tweeted: “Ederson’s socks are throwing me off.”
      Another posted: “Has Ederson borrowed somebody’s socks?”
      Read More on Football
      A third wrote: “Sunday League at its finest.”
      This Palace supporter joked: “The closest we’ve been to winning a game in 2023.”
      And that one tweeted: “Ederson wearing palaces away socks?”
      Ederson’s surprise kit quirk, though, had no effect on his performance as he still picked up a clean sheet.
      Most read in Football
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      City won 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s penalty just 12 minutes before full-time.
      The Brazilian shot-stopper helped Pep Guardiola’s side close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal by two points.
      However, the Gunners have a game in hand as they are scheduled for action at Fulham on Sunday. More

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      Football fans horrified at ‘monstrosity’ pizza with sausage and KIWI FRUIT sold in J League

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left horrified by a pizza covered in sausage and kiwi sold at a game. The J League was home to the strange treat which gathered a big reaction from fans on Twitter.

      The Footy Scran account has become popular for tracking the good and bad of matchday meals at football grounds.
      And the Kiwi pizza sold at J League club Cerezo Osaka is among the worst many fans had seen.
      Pictures show lumps of the fruit and sausage spread out across the pizza, sat on a paper plate with the stadium in the background.
      The awful creation was available for 1000 yen, which is around £6.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It is fair to say football fans were not impressed.
      One disbelieving tweeter said: “How about this monstrosity?”
      Another fan simply said: “Dear God.”
      While another added: “And here I thought we were still debating the presence of pineapple on a pizza.”
      Most read in Football
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      But one person said: “Why am I the only person that’s here for this?!
      “Looks pretty on point, I can’t lie.”
      Football fans have previously taken to Twitter to express disgust with some food they have been dished on match days. 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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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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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      ‘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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      I suspect we’ve seen Gary Lineker on Match of the Day for the LAST time after he was pulled off air, pundit reveals

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      ALASTAIR Campbell believes Gary Lineker may have presented Match of the Day for the last time.Mr Lineker, 62, was pulled off the show on Friday following a free speech row.
      Alastair Campbell believes Gary Lineker may have presented Match of the Day for the last timeCredit: Rex
      Mr Lineker, 62, was pulled off the show on Friday following a free speech rowCredit: Alamy
      The corporation said the pundit’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mr Lineker 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.
      But as scores of pundits refused to present tomorrow’s episode in solidarity with Mr Lineker, the BBC said the show would go ahead but without presenters.
      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
      Speaking to Sky News on Friday, Mr Campbell said this may be the end for Mr Lineker’s presenting of the football analysis show.
      The former spin doctor – who hosts a podcast run by Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – explained: “Because Gary Lineker does have values…
      “And he does have principles, I suspect we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      He added: “And I suspect that with Alan Shearer – and I thank and praise him for that – because I think he’s doing the right thing.
      Most read in Football
      “There’s a very famous phrase, ‘never be a bystander’.”
      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 row was triggered 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?”
      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.”
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      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.”
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tomorrow nightCredit: Alamy
      And Alex Scott shared a meme sayin: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Getty
      Jermaine Jenas ruled himself out as wellCredit: PA
      Micah Richard’s says he backed the pundits in their decisionCredit: Alamy
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA 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.
      read more in Football
      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.”
      Most read in Football
      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