The solidarity Match of the Day staff showed towards Gary Lineker wasn't anticipated by the BBC's higher-ups, it has been claimed.
Lineker was accused of crossing a line with comments comparing government language with that used in "1930s Germany", prompting the BBC to speak with the presenter. Reports suggested the 62-year-old would step back from presenting duties amid discussions with the national broadcaster, though he would later claim this was not his decision.
A number of other pundits and commentators ruled themselves out, while Premier League clubs confirmed their players would not be giving interviews to Match of the Day in the light of the controversy. For some associated with the Saturday night show, though, there had long been a feeling that a moment like this was on the horizon.
