Gary Lineker to miss Match of the Day tonight as BBC presenter says 'I've been silenced'

Gary Lineker to miss Match of the Day tonight as BBC presenter says 'I've been silenced'

WATCH NOW: Gary Lineker blasted for 'thinking he's untouchable'

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/02/2024

- 14:02

Updated: 10/02/2024

- 16:41

The former Tottenham and Barcelona star won't be appearing on the show this evening

Gary Lineker has revealed he's set to miss tonight's Match of the Day after saying that he's 'been silenced'.

However, the BBC presenter isn't in trouble for any of his posts on social media - with a cold robbing him of his voice instead.


Lineker said on X: "Some good news for some: I’ve been silenced….with a rotten cold that seems to be lasting forever.

"Hate missing hosting @BBCMOTD but I’ll be watching."

Fans have reacted to Lineker's post, with many sending the 63-year-old messages of support.

"Get well soon Gary, we need you in strong voice," said one user.

A second said: "Get well soon, big man."

A third stated: "Sorry to hear that. Get well soon!"

And a fourth weighed in by saying: "I hope you feel better now. I've had it for four weeks now."

Others were, however, quick to say they were now MORE interested in Match of the Day now Lineker wouldn't be appearing on the programme.

A fan said: "Defo gonna watch tonight then. Fantastic news this."

A second quipped: "We fast forward all the talking anyway."

And a third stated: "Well viewing figures will go up by one."

Lineker has been the host of Match of the Day ever since 1999. It is currently unclear who will fill in for the veteran on tonight's edition of the show.

Mark Chapman often presents Match of the Day 2 and could be in line for a temporary promotion.

Jermaine Jenas is a candidate, too, with the former Newcastle star often hosting The One Show.

And Alex Scott is a third option, with the ex-Arsenal star already working on the BBC's Football Focus.

Lineker has often attracted controversy for his social media activity, with the former Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester star never afraid to mince his words.

And he last month revealed he'd had death threats after retweeting a post that called for Israel to be banned from international football.

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Gary Lineker BBC

Gary Lineker has revealed he won't be presenting Match of the Day tonight

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There are plenty of Premier League games happening on Saturday.

Manchester City lead Everton in the early kick-off with Erling Haaland breaking the deadlock.

Wolves host Brentford, with Fulham, Tottenham, Luton and Liverpool playing at home to Bournemouth, Brighton, Sheffield United and Burnley respectively.

Newcastle travel to Nottingham Forest in Saturday night's late kick off.

And there are three more games to come in the coming days, too.

Jermaine Jenas

Jermaine Jenas could replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day tonight

GETTY

West Ham play at home to Arsenal as the Gunners look to continue their quest for a first Premier League title triumph since 2004.

Manchester United will lock horns with Aston Villa at 4.30pm.

And Crystal Palace host Chelsea on Monday night in the final game of the weekend.

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