Take one Match of the Day presenter off the air, then the rest will follow out of solidarity.
It’s a lesson the BBC are learning after controversially axing Gary Lineker in the aftermath of the presenter criticising the Conservative Government’s policy on immigration. The 62-year-old had tweeted that he’d be in the studio and presenting the Saturday night highlights show as normal, but then the beeb released a statement saying he was “stepping back” while they tried to reach an agreement of social media use.
However, Lineker has reportedly denied he agreed to this and the broadcaster has effectively taken him off the air. The move has sparked outrage, with fans and viewers rushing to back Lineker and condemn the TV institution. In solidarity, Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, who were both due to appear in their regular punditry roles alongside Lineker this weekend, have pulled out.
This now leaves the BBC in a pickle. Do they try and tempt the trio back on by reversing their stance? Or do they draft in replacements - if they can in these circumstances - to ensure the programme still goes out, with many already planning to boycott if it does.
The show this weekend will be aired without any presentation or analysis, but this could rumble on if Lineker is kept on the back burner. Record Sport looks at who could fill Lineker, Shearer and Wright’s shoes.
Gabby Logan
Wife of former Scotland rugby star Kenny, Logan has filled in for Lineker on MOTD many times in the past, so knows the gig. Fronted up coverage of the Lionesses’ successful European Championships campaign last summer. Has been with the broadcaster since 2006.
Mark Chapman
“Chappers” presents Match of the Day 2 on a Sunday night, as well as hosting Sports Report on BBC Radio 5 Live. A contractor like Lineker, has been the anchorman on Sky Sports for carabao Cup clashes this season.
With work seemingly plentiful for Chapman, may feel he’s in a position to say no if asked should he disagree with the call to banish Lineker.
Adrian Chiles
The former ITV man has BBC experience, starting his career with business news programme working lunch. Is another MOTD2 veteran, as well as extensive experience hosting England matches on both channels, while also having The One Show and Daybreak on his CV.
Manish Bhasin
A Leicester native like Lineker, Bhasin has a wealth of football presenting experience on The Championship, The Football League show and has filled in on Match of the Day 2 as well.
Robbie Savage
A regular BBC pundit, could well be in Shearer or Wright’s seat on Saturday night. Forms a radio double act with Chris Sutton.
The former Celtic striker may be more interested in his former club’s Scottish Cup clash against Hearts on Saturday lunchtime. A former teammate of Shearer’s at Blackburn, may want to stay out of the whole scenario.
Danny Murphy
The former Liverpool midfielder is a fixture on Match of the Day 2 alongside Chapman. However, he's also often on the Saturday night version alongside Lineker and may want to stand by his colleague. Fellow pundit Jermaine Jenas has already tweeted that he won’t be stepping in.
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