The BBC described Gary Lineker's presenting abilities as "second to none" in the statement that confirmed he would be "stepping back" from his Match of the Day hosting duties on Friday.
Such language implied that the decision, which had come amid social media comments made by Lineker earlier in the week, had been reached amicably and would only be temporary. But once it became clear that it was the BBC's call - rather than a joint one - to suspend the 62-year-old from the role he's held for over two decades due to a "breach of guidelines", the statement sparked a major backlash from several of Lineker's colleagues and the general public.
As things stand, Saturday's Match of the Day will now go ahead without a host or any pundits for the first time ever after several regulars refused to appear on this weekend's broadcast. And in addition, the six commentators who were scheduled to cover Saturday's fixtures also confirmed they would not be participating in the show late on Friday night.
