Match of the Day commentators have taken a bold stance to show their support for their colleague Gary Lineker by confirming in no uncertain terms that they will step down from Saturday night’s broadcast following the BBC’s axing of Lineker after the latter revealed he was “told to step back” from his Match of the Day presenting duties.
The popular BBC host was hoisted off the show after he labeled the government’s asylum plans as “beyond awful” and even boldly likened the language used in it as being “not dissimilar to that used in Germany in the 30s”. That was audacious, to say the least.
The publicly-funded broadcaster confirmed that the former football legend would be taking a step back from presenting Match of the Day, with Lineker insisting that he was instructed to take a step back from his duties – which is a whole world of difference from having stepped back of his own volition.
Numerous pundits came out to offer their support to Lineker in the aftermath of the news, with notables like Alan Shearer and Ian Wright among those confirming they wouldn’t be participating in this weekend’s broadcast.
The BBC was then left with no other recourse but to confirm that the show would proceed with neither presenters nor pundits, but in another fascinating reaction on Friday night, leading match commentators including Steve Wilson, Simon Brotherton, Conor McNamara and Robyn Cowen stated they would also not be taking part.
A statement released on Twitter by six announcers set to cover games on the broadcast read: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast. We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.
“However, in the circumstances we do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the program.”
To exacerbate the situation, further adding to the gravity of the impasse for the BBC, there is also the prospect of players and managers refusing to complete their media commitments with the BBC. The Professional Footballers’ Association – the body which represents Premier League players – said they will support any individuals who decide to not speak on the show, even though they are contractually obliged to do so.
Responding to several pundits pulling out of the show, a further BBC statement said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the program while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
“We understand their position and we have decided that the program will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”