Gary Lineker was dealt one final snub by the BBC when they axed his interview with Liverpool star Mohammed Salah without warning.
Lineker, 64, was due to leave the BBC next year after fronting their World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
However, after he posted an Instagram story that caused outrage online, he was forced to step down early.
The post criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat which is historically used as an anti-Semitic slur.
Gary Lineker apologised for his social media posts
PAThe ex-Spurs star issued an apology and said that he would leave Match of the Day at the end of this season. In his final episode of the football highlights show he was due to talk to Salah, but BBC bosses axed the interview without warning.
An insider told The Sun: “The plan was for the interview to be shown across the BBC the weekend of Gary’s final Match Of The Day.
“That would include on Football Focus the day before as well as online and on social media.
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“Out of nowhere, it got cancelled.
"Some people think they didn’t want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza.
“Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too.
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Gary Linekerwas supposed to front coverage of next years World Cup for the BBC
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"It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation.
“It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues.
"They’d only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.”
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The 64-year-old is now said to be focusing on his Goalhanger Podcasts business.
This is not the first time Lineker has come to blows with the BBC, he was suspended in March 2023 after posting about the small boats controversy but was reinstated into his role after a boycott by his co-stars.
The BBC said: “The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary’s last Match of the Day.
Gary Lineker is said to be focusing on his podcast business
Reuters“It would be wrong to suggest anything else.”
However, a source insisted: “A cross-platform interview with the Champions’ star player could have aired anytime.
"Salah wanted to speak to Gary so to axe it entirely seems short-sighted.”
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