The BBC have released a statement regarding their decision to take Gary Lineker off the air from their Match of the Day coverage this weekend. The ex-England international was said to have "stepped back" from the programme after controversy regarding posts on social media.
Lineker made comparisons between the Government's new immigration policy and "Germany in the 30s", comments which caused quite a stir. Calls over his job were made and despite talks being held on Thursday over his position, a statement on Friday confirmed that the footballing icon would not feature for the broadcaster until an agreement was reached over social media usage.
It led to plenty of outrage and eventually the dominoes began to fall over those who were touted as potential options to take the hotseat. First was regular guest Ian Wright, who took to Twitter to say: "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity."
READ MORE: Gus Poyet calls on Tottenham to set Antonio Conte deadline and agrees with Richarlison
That was then followed up by Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, and Micah Richards all taking to their own social media to claim they would not take part, while Alex Scott also suggested she would not be involved. The snub from some of the nation's biggest and most recognisable pundits left question marks over how the show would go ahead on Saturday.
A spokesperson from the BBC revealed that Match of the Day will be going ahead, but with no presenters or pundits during the show. “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary," They said.
“We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
READ MORE:
Ian Wright makes major BBC Match of the Day decision after Gary Lineker 'stood down'
BBC confirm Gary Lineker to 'step back' from Match of the Day role
What time is Match of the Day on? Gary Lineker replacements after BBC drop bombshell statement
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
