The BBC have suspended Gary Lineker from Match of the Day, with the situation said to be unfolding at the state broadcaster
(Image credit: Tim P. Whitby/WireImage via Getty Images)
Gary Lineker, presenter of the BBC's Match of the Day, has been left on the bench this weekend with his future in doubt.
Lineker this week tweeted his support for refugees, labelling a recent government policy as an "Immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".
The BBC later announced that "until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media," Lineker would be standing aside from presenting duties on the Premier League highlights show.
Will the BBC sack the Match of the Day presenter?
Lineker has been the face of BBC's football coverage for over two decades (Image credit: Getty Images)
Interestingly, Lineker himself does not think of himself as an employee of the BBC, labelling himself in one interview as "freelance". However, the Beeb may still decide to cut ties with the presenter, who is still one of their highest earners, despite working elsewhere, too.
According to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, a senior BBC insider was asked whether the state broadcaster and Lineker could part company. The insider in question seemed optimistic that it would not come to that, replying, "Hopefully it will be resolved."
Ian Wright has said he won't appear on Match of the Day in solidarity with Lineker (Image credit: Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Despite this, it is still uncertain as to what happens next. With Lineker reportedly refusing to apologise for his tweet, it seems as if the BBC will either have to back down in the face of mounting pressure from other pundits and fans – or remove Lineker permanently.
Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have both announced that they will be standing in solidarity with Lineker and refusing to appear on MOTD this weekend.
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Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.
