Alan Shearer determines his Match of the Day continuance following Gary Lineker's contentious BBC departure, described as a close associate.
Gary Lineker Bids Farewell to 'Match of the Day' Following Controversy
Veteran sports broadcaster Gary Lineker, a fixture on the BBC's "Match of the Day" for 26 years, has said his final goodbyes to the iconic show following an anti-Semitism scandal.
The controversial incident stemmed from Lineker's sharing on Instagram an image from the pro-Palestine group Palestine Lobby, which included a rat emoji – a symbol historically used to denigrate Jewish people. Lineker subsequently apologized for the oversight.
The news of Lineker's departure brings an end to a storied run on "Match of the Day" that began in 1999. In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Lineker's close friend and fellow pundit, Alan Shearer, confirmed he would continue his role on the program. Shearer praised Lineker as a "brilliant broadcaster" and a "great friend," expressing that they would all miss him.
The final broadcast, which featured a seven-minute tribute video, served as a moving send-off for Lineker. Notable figures such as Pep Guardiola, Virgil van Dijk, Ian Wright, and even Andrea Bocelli all paid tribute to Lineker during the emotional episode.
In November, Lineker had announced his intention to leave "Match of the Day" at the end of the season, but was due to remain with the BBC through the 2026 World Cup, as he was set to present the USA, Canada, and Mexico-hosted tournament. However, the social media controversy expedited his exit, and he will not be part of the BBC's coverage for the 2026 World Cup or the upcoming FA Cup season.
Despite his departure from the BBC, Lineker, Shearer, and fellow pundit Micah Richards will continue to collaborate on their popular podcast, "The Rest is Football."
Meanwhile, other elements of Lineker's media career remain unaffected. His athletic pursuits and hosting of other programs, such as the "Premier League Summer Series," will continue as planned.
Back in December, Shearer had suggested to Mirror Football that Mark Chapman could be a logical successor to Lineker as the host of "Match of the Day." The BBC has since confirmed that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over as hosts from the start of the next season, marking a new era for the award-winning program.
As Lineker moves on from his longtime role, he maintains a positive outlook, expressing gratitude to his colleagues and fans for their support throughout the years.
- Gary Lineker, a prominent figure in European football news, will no longer be a part of the BBC's "Match of the Day" due to the recent controversy.
- Despite no longer hosting "Match of the Day," Lineker and his colleagues, such as Alan Shearer, will continue their collaboration on their popular podcast, "The Rest is Football."
- Onward, Lineker plans to continue his involvement in sports, remaining active in his athletic pursuits and hosting other programs, like the "Premier League Summer Series."
