All of the BBC commentators have decided to step back from this weekend’s Match of the Day amid the Gary Lineker saga.
Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999, was told by the BBC yesterday to step back from the programme following his tweets regarding the government’s attitude to the Illegal Immigration Bill.
Several presenters and pundits then came out in support of Lineker, saying they will not be featuring or stepping in for the former striker for this evening’s broadcast, with the show now set to feature no in-studio presenter or punditry team.
Now, the programme’s commentary team have confirmed that they too will be pulling out of the show tonight, with the BBC expected to use radio commentary over the afternoon’s highlights.
Steve Wilson was one of the commentators to take to Twitter to announce him and his colleagues’ decision to step back, saying it would not feel right to take part in the show amid the ongoing situation.
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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.
— Steve Wilson (@Wilsonfooty) March 10, 2023
However, in the circumstances, we do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme.
— Steve Wilson (@Wilsonfooty) March 10, 2023
Many football fans have also expressed their desire to not watch this evening’s broadcast of the show as the BBC continue to have their treatment of Lineker questioned.