Gary Lineker takes aim at BBC chief after Match of the Day airs without him for the first time
WATCH NOW: Gary Lineker announces departure from BBC
The 64-year-old took a sly dig at the BBC Sport director
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Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker demonstrated his backing for the BBC's new-look Match of the Day, but laid a sly dig at the BBC.
The former host posted photographs of himself viewing Saturday's inaugural episode from his living room. The 64-year-old shared an image on social media with the caption "Can't miss Match of the Day."
He had previously posted about his home viewing arrangement, writing "I could get used to this."
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According to a BBC insider, Lineker's public endorsement was significant given that others in similar circumstances might have actively discouraged viewership, but he chose to support the new presenting team.
Gary Lineker posted discussed watching Match of the Day for the first time since his departure from the show
|YouTube
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker expressed enthusiasm about the programme, stating: "I mean, I must say I enjoyed it.
"I went out for dinner then I came home and I got in in time to watch it. I thought it was really good. Chappers did a great job."
He then appeared to dig at BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski indirectly, commenting: "And despite all... there was a lot of talk that they were going to change things.
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Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney were in the studio on the night
|BBC
"And I think you know what it's like when you get a new guy in as new head of sport thinking he wants to do this, wants to do that. But in the end, if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Lineker's tenure as the programme's longest-serving presenter ended prematurely following a social media incident in which he shared content from the Palestine Lobby featuring an image of a rat, which carries anti-Semitic implications.
Though he removed the post and issued an apology stating he would "never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic," he concluded that withdrawing from his role was the appropriate action.
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The former England striker had initially planned to continue presenting the BBC's FA Cup coverage and the 2026 World Cup after announcing his departure in November 2024.
His £1.35million annual salary had made him the corporation's highest-paid presenter during his 26-year stint hosting the Saturday night institution.
The programme's transformation prompted divided opinions amongst viewers.
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Mark Chapman received praise online
|BBC
Some expressed disappointment at Lineker's absence, with one commenting that Match of the Day "is now dead" and praising the former host's "class and charisma."
Another viewer remarked: "Trying to watch MOTD and I miss Gary. It's just not the same. That man was in my life weekly for decades."
However, numerous viewers appreciated the programme's consistency, with one declaring: "Mark Chapman is a fantastic host."
Lineker himself commended Wayne Rooney's punditry debut alongside Alan Shearer, noting: "I thought Wayne Rooney did really well as well as yourself Alan, some good analysis in there."
However, Rooney was subject to heavy criticism online. The 39-year-old signed a bumper £800,000 contract with the BBC last month.