Football Focus and Final Score will NOT air on Saturday as they are shelved by bosses

Football Focus and Final Score will not air on Saturday as they were shelved by bosses amid a mass boycott in solidarity with Gary Lineker.

The presenter, 62, found himself embroiled in a dispute over impartiality after comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum policy to 1930s Germany on Twitter.

Earlier on Friday, the BBC announced that Lineker would be taking a break from hosting Match of the Day.

Match of the Day regulars Ian Wright and Alan Shearer quickly stepped out of their pundit roles in support of Lineker, prompting mass walkouts from other pundits, commentators, and even players.

BBC soccer presenter and former England player Alex Scott said she will not present Football Focus on Saturday.

PFA spokesperson: ‘We have been informed that players involved in today’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day.

‘The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective stand and be able to show their support for those who chose not to be a part of tonight’s show.

“During those conversations, we made it clear that, as your union, we would support all members who could face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments.

“This is a common sense decision that ensures that the players are not now in that position.”

More to follow…