Alan Shearer has confirmed he won't appear on Match of the Day this Saturday and has told the BBC of his decision.
The popular highlights show finds itself in chaos as its main stars join in solidarity to support Gary Lineker, who has been told he must stand down as presenter following comments he made on social media criticised the Conservative's new asylum policy and comparing it to Nazi Germany.
Shearer is a regular pundit on the show and would've been expected to give his insight as normal, but will not appear in light of recent decisions. He said on Twitter: "I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night."
The Newcastle legend is the latest man to take a stand with Ian Wright earlier confirming he too would boycott the programme this weekend. "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity," he said on social media.
It comes after the BBC announced on Friday afternoon that Lineker had stepped back from his role - but this is something he denies. Several sources, including Dan Walker of Channel 5 News, who stated live on air that Lineker told him "they [the BBC] have told me I have to step back".
The BBC said it had held "extensive discussions with Gary and team in recent days" and "has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media".
It also added: "When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can't have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies."
Lineker has hosted the show for more than two decades and has received a huge backing from the world of sport and beyond. His son George has said on social media: "Shouldn’t apologise for being a good person. He’s only going to come out on top. Up the Gaz."
The Mirror has launched a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated at the BBC and as the host of Match of the Day. Sign it here.
