Lineker’s remarks on the second set of Hillsborough inquests
I will be for ever grateful for Lineker’s concise but considered remarks on Match of the Day on 30 April 2016 following the exoneration of Liverpool fans that week by the second set of Hillsborough inquests. He said: “Well, whatever happens on Sunday, nothing comes close to the victory achieved by the Hillsborough families this week. We’ll leave you with the words of the BBC’s Peter Jones from the day of the tragedy. After 27 years, the truth is out.”
Edward Barrett, 54, Bebington
A rude interruption
When he was rudely interrupted by loud moaning noises during his broadcast at a cup tie at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium, while Alan Shearer was in the commentary box. It was absolutely priceless. I also think Shearer should replace him: he has a great sense of humour, the fans love him, he has so much knowledge, he’s presentable and he is a great working-class icon.
Leigh Culyer, 61, Newcastle
Lineker’s homage to Maradona
Lineker’s homage to Diego Maradona was my favourite moment. It was beautifully told, full of warmth and genuine emotion, reminding us that Lineker was a man who as a player rubbed shoulders with the elite of football.
David Roles, 75, Birmingham
A discussion regarding the new handball rule
It’s got to be the discussion regarding the new handball rule. Referring to the wording, Gary remarks: “It’s got to be about making yourself bigger. We’ve all done that with our hands.” Alan Shearer and the other pundits bravely suppressed their amused reaction.
Ian, 71, Hertfordshire
The early days
My favourite moments of Gary’s presenting career were in the early days. He had such an excellent rapport with Alan Hansen and Des Lynam, sharing enthusiastic match analysis, cracking jokes and tapping into the expectations and disappointments of the audience. I especially enjoyed his presence in the studio when the 1998 Fifa World Cup was going on. It was sometimes more entertaining to hear their banter than watching the football.
His knowledge of the game and insight of how life is on the field allowed him to relate to his fellow commentators, many of whom had been players themselves. Gary was never above firing a few one-liners, and I think his presenting style put his guests at ease. He allows fellow presenters to speak and had that rare ability to not make the show all about himself. I think football fans will miss him, and though some have criticised him in recent years for being politically outspoken, I think his work on the show was very memorable, and heralds the end of a very long era.
Ronald Owen, 44, London
A stirring comment after the World Cup
On one of the many occasions England were booted out of a World Cup, just before the credits rolled on the broadcast Lineker said: “Just remember, at the end of the day … it gets dark.”
Kevin, 66, Peak District
His inexplicable love for Balotelli
He once said of Mario Balotelli: “He’s my favourite Premier League player, but I don’t know why.” And in that he line he captured the beguiling oddity of the Italian perfectly, from his “Why always me?” goal celebration to scoring with his shoulder. For me, there’s only one choice for Lineker’s successor: James Richardson.
Anthony Abdool, London
His welcome to two of England’s greatest strikers
He starts the programme by saying something along the lines of: “Welcome to Match of the Day, with two of England’s greatest strikers in the studio, and Ian Wright.” Wright, to give him his due, laughs out loud.
Trevor, London
Presenting in his pants
As a Leicester City fan, it has to be him presenting in his pants after our miraculous title win in 2016. It was just a shame that he had to discuss a defeat to newly promoted Hull City! I was also at the match just after his suspension from the programme when we played Chelsea (alas another loss!), where it was lovely to hear widespread support for a true Leicester legend.
Mick Puddepha, Ayrshire
The walkout
The walkouts after Lineker’s comments on the Conservatives’ immigration policies. Wrighty stuck with his brother, risking his own job. The fact that everyone else joined in shows that, despite being well paid, Lineker is well respected by his peers. He has played abroad, he has succeeded in Spain and in England. He was a legend of not one but two World Cups. He tried his hand in Japan. Gary is someone people will risk their careers for. That is a good egg there.
Antony, 49, Illinois
‘We’ll be back after this short break’
When ITV took over Match of the Day for a couple of years and Gary signed off the last BBC showing with: “We’ll be back after this short break.”
Clever, understated class from Lineker. I have no idea who should replace him – but Mark Chapman has put the time in to earn a shot.
Sam Carlisle, 52, Sheffield
