Famous football faces stand squarely in support of the suspended Gary Lineker who was forced off tonight’s Match of the Day in a row about impartiality.
The BBC confirmed today that MOTD will proceed without hosts and pundits to focus on “match action“.
Match of the Day regular Alan Shearer often joins Lineker to analyse and discuss the day’s matches, but he confirmed last night that he will not appear on Saturday night.
I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) March 10, 2023
Arsenal folk hero Ian Wright has also decided to skip tonight’s programme.
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
MOTD commentators Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Rowen and Steven Wyeth shared a statement to say they would be stepping down from Saturday’s broadcast.
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
The respected football journalist and broadcaster Mark Chapman will also not present BBC Radio 5 Live Sport this afternoon. The programme was due to air from 12pm to 3pm.
Premier League footballers will not be asked to do interviews for Match of the Day. The Professional Footballers Association said “The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme.
“During those conversations we made clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments.
“This is a common sense decision that ensures players won’t now be put in that position.”
The BBC’s Final Score has also been dropped in solidarity with Gary Lineker.
Marc Webber, a BBC commentator, said reporters have “decided to stand down from our duties today.” “As a result, no Final Score will be broadcast today,” Webber said. “We all love the BBC and are proud to work for such a great broadcaster.”
