Gary Lineker reveals dare from friends that sparked BBC complaint

Jack Otway
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:19:49 +0000

Gary Lineker has disclosed that his friends once challenged him to slip the word "cappuccino" into a Match of the Day broadcast, a stunt that prompted an official complaint to the BBC.

The 65-year-old former England striker shared the amusing anecdote on the Rest is Football Podcast, revealing that a viewer took offence at his choice of beverage terminology.

The complaint accused Lineker of being out of touch with ordinary people simply for using the Italian coffee term rather than saying "coffee."

Lineker, who fronted the flagship football highlights programme for over two decades, found the grievance particularly entertaining given the various controversies he has faced throughout his career.

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The incident occurred during a promotional segment for Match of the Day 2, which was scheduled to air alongside Wimbledon coverage.

Lineker explained on the podcast that presenters regularly record trails highlighting upcoming programming, and his mates had dared him to work the caffeinated drink's name into one of these spots.

Rising to the challenge, he told viewers: "The tennis is at two o'clock, and as the tennis is playing you can have a cappuccino to keep yourself awake for Match of the Day 2 tonight."

The seemingly innocuous suggestion proved enough to prompt a written complaint from one disgruntled viewer.

Recounting the viewer's reaction, Lineker said: "Somebody complained saying 'He is not a man of the people, all f***ing cappuccino, why can't he say coffee?'"

The former striker found the whole affair deeply amusing, particularly when measured against other criticisms he has weathered over the years.

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"Of all the things I have been hammered for in my life, it was hilarious," he remarked.

"It was a complaint because I was too posh saying cappuccino not coffee."

The grievance stands out as one of the more unusual pieces of feedback during his lengthy broadcasting career.

Lineker served as the face of Match of the Day for 26 years, having taken on the presenting role in 1999 and departing at the conclusion of last season.

His tenure produced numerous memorable moments, none more famous than his decision to present the programme in his underwear following Leicester City's remarkable Premier League triumph in 2016.

The former Barcelona forward stepped down from the role in 2025, bringing an end to one of British television's longest-running presenter partnerships with a single programme.

Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman have since taken over presenting duties on the iconic BBC football highlights show.