The BBC has just announced that no presenters or pundits will feature on this weekend’s episode of Match of the Day.
Gary Lineker was asked to step down from his role as presenter of the show after receiving criticism for his social media activity.
The BBC released a statement addressing the matter after which both Ian Wright and Alan Shearer tweeted that they would be boycotting the show.
I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) March 10, 2023
Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) March 10, 2023
This was followed by a host of other pundits declaring that if asked they would refuse the job, forcing the BBC to announce that the show will go ahead without any presenters.
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.”