Ian Wright has said that he 'wont be doing' Match of the Day with the BBC tomorrow, after the news broke that co-host Gary Lineker would be taking a 'step back'.
Earlier this evening, it was confirmed that 62-year-old Gary wouldn't be appearing for his usual duties, after backlash relating to his views on the Conservative Government's new Illegal Migration Bill.
A spokesperson from the BBC told the PA News Agency: "The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
Read more: Gary Lineker will 'step back' from Match of the Day over social media row
“The BBC 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. 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.”
Minutes after the news broke surrounding Gary's predicament with his employers, Ian, 59, took to Twitter to announce that he also would not be appearing in his usual Saturday night spot. He wrote: "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity."
And people were quick to praise Ian for his support of his long-time co-star and friend, with Laura Woods, posting three clapping hands emojis. Jeff Stelling, added: "Well played Wrighty," while Lloyd Griffith, penned: "I love you Ian."
Femi, said: "You were the reason I first gave a crap about football, back in 1996 (I was 6). And you've just cemented your position as a lifelong hero of mine," and Ben Foster, commented: "Heck yes Wrighty!"
Gary earlier this week found himself in hot water over his response to Suella Braverman's new Illegal Migration Bill. Quote Tweeting a post by the Home Office, he wrote: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful."
While Gary is allowed to have opinions on social media, the BBC have said that he should 'keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies,' and that he will remain out of the picture until the BBC have 'an agreed and clear position on his use of social media'.
Co-host and former NUFC legend Alan Shearer is yet to comment publicly on the situation.
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