‘Never be a bystander’: Alastair Campbell believes Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day ‘for the last time’ after he was AXED from the show as Tony Blair’s doctor says presenter ‘has values’
- Lineker, 62, was taken off the air by the BBC after a series of strongly worded tweets.
- The BBC said it had ‘decided’ that Lineker would take a break from presenting
- The game of the day will be broadcast on Saturday night without presenters.
Alastair Campbell believes that Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for the last time.
Lineker, 62, was embroiled in a dispute over impartiality after comparing on Twitter the language used to launch a new government asylum-seeker policy to Germany in the 1930s.
The BBC said it had “decided” that Lineker would take a break from presenting the featured show until a “clear and agreed position” was reached on his use of social media.
Saturday’s match day will now take place without a presenter, pundits and several regular commentators.
Speaking to Sky News on FridayTony Blair’s spin doctor, 65, said: “Because Gary Lineker does have values…
Alastair Campbell thinks Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for the last time
Lineker, 62, was embroiled in a dispute over impartiality after comparing on Twitter the language used to launch a new government asylum-seeker policy to Germany in the 1930s.
“And he’s principled, I suspect we’ve last seen him at Match of the Day.”
He continued: “And I suspect with Alan Shearer, and I thank him and I praise him for that, because I think he’s doing the right thing.”
‘There is a very famous phrase, “never be a bystander”.’
Former England footballers and MOTD regulars, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, previously announced they would boycott the show, in solidarity with Lineker.
On Friday night, several of the show’s commentators shared a joint statement online, announcing that they would also be leaving Saturday’s broadcast.
“As MOTD commentators, we have decided to withdraw from tomorrow night’s broadcast,” the statement read.
“We take solace that football fans who want to watch their teams can still do so, as management can use the World Feed comments if they want.
“However, given the circumstances, we do not believe it is appropriate to participate in the program.”
The statement was shared by MOTD commentators including Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Rowen and Steven Wyeth.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards and former footballer Jermaine Jenas, who were not due to appear on MOTD this weekend, also backed their fellow pundits.
Alan Shearer and Ian Wright previously announced that they would boycott the show, in solidarity with Lineker.
The BBC said it had “decided” that Lineker would take a break from presenting the featured show until a “clear and agreed position” was reached on his use of social media.
Announcing the decision regarding Lineker on Friday, a BBC spokesperson said the broadcaster had been “in extensive discussions with Gary and his team over the last few days”. We have said that we consider his recent activity on social media to be a violation of our guidelines.”
They continued: ‘The BBC have decided they will stop presenting Match Of The Day until we have a clear and agreed position on their use of social media.
‘When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
“We’ve never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have an opinion on issues that matter to him, but we’ve said that he should stay away from taking sides on political issues or political controversies.’