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Irish Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Alan Shearer's feelings on Gary Lineker made clear on BBC's FA Cup coverage
Alan Shearer's heartfelt apology to Match of the Day viewers over Gary Lineker's exclusion emphasises the deep connection with his co-host. Mired in a row over impartiality, Lineker found himself sidelined from his BBC presenting role in March 2023 after expressing his views on the then-UK Government's approach to asylum seekers. Taking to Twitter after the Tories revealed their new policy, Lineker drew stark parallels between their language and that used in 1930s Germany, tweeting: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful," He went on to say: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries." "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?" The BBC later confirmed that Lineker would step away from Match of the Day while the two sides reached an agreement on his use of social media. In a show of unity, fellow presenters including Shearer and Ian Wright withdrew from their posts, leading to the March 11, 2023, broadcast being significantly trimmed to a mere 20 minutes without commentary or analysis. A touched Lineker spoke on The Rest Is Politics podcast, saying: "I must admit, I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. "When it first one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn't need to do that.", reports the Express. Despite the hiccup, Lineker was soon back helming Manchester City's FA Cup quarter-final match against Burnley, flanked by Shearer and Micah Richards. Upon their broadcast return, Shearer promptly took a moment to address the audience about the recent disruption. He remarked: "I just need to clear up and wanted to say how upset we were for the audience that missed out last weekend. It was a really difficult situation for everyone concerned and through no fault of their own some really great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation and that wasn't fair, so it's good to get back to some sort of normality and be talking about football again." To which, Lineker added: "Absolutely, I echo those sentiments." It comes as the clock winds down on the longstanding professional partnership between Lineker and Shearer at the BBC. This statement comes amid the ticking clock on the enduring collaboration between Lineker and Shearer with the BBC. The ticker is running as Lineker is set to hang up his hat as the Match of the Day's frontman following the 2024/25 season. With the 2025/26 season, viewers will witness a significant shift in presentation style for the show with Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan slated to form the new presenting trio, leading the programme into fresh territory.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's £50m demand, mega Sky Sports offer and next career move confirmed
Following fierce backlash, which included accusations of anti-Semitism, to a recent social media post which featured a rat emoji, Gary Lineker will reportedly leave the BBC sooner than planned Gary Lineker's 28-year tenure at the BBC is coming to an abrupt and bitter end in the wake of his controversial social media post about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The 64-year-old, who is due to step down as Match of the Day host this month, is expected to announce his full departure from the broadcaster on Monday, with BBC bosses reportedly deeming his position "untenable". Initially, Lineker was set to continue fronting the BBC's coverage of next season's FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup next summer. However, these plans appear to have now collapsed. His relationship with the broadcaster looks irreversibly damaged following accusations of anti-Semitism against the former footballer. The post, which Lineker quickly deleted, featured a rat emoji alongside content described as 'anti-Zionist'. The rat imagery, widely recognised as an anti-Semitic trope, sparked a fierce backlash and reignited scrutiny over his social media conduct. This isn't Lineker's first clash with the BBC over impartiality, a contractual obligation for its presenters. Previous controversies, including his 2023 suspension for comments on UK immigration policy, have strained relations, with this latest episode appearing to have pushed the BBC to breaking point. Lineker's imminent departure will mark the end of his long association with the company. Here, Mirror Football examines what lies ahead for the ex- England striker, as well as two near-miss opportunities that could have seen him join rival broadcasters. Next career move Lineker has built an impressive audio broadcasting empire over the past decade through his Goalhanger Podcasts company, which produces hit shows like The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Football. The latter, hosted by Lineker alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, is one of the most downloaded sports podcasts in the country. It's no surprise, then, that Lineker has been shifting his focus toward podcasting over television presenting. In a 2023 interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan, he revealed that his next career move "won't be more telly," adding, "I think I'll step back from that now... I think I'll probably focus more on the podcast world." Speaking to FourFourTwo, Lineker explained: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast. I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel." The Rest Is Football boasts some of the nation's highest engagement figures, with nearly 20million listens during the Euro 2024 tournament. Meanwhile, The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics, and The Rest Is Entertainment consistently rank among the UK's top 10 audio shows. £50m demand Lineker recently revealed that he 'demanded' a £50m pay packet after being approached by ITV. After announcing he'd be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season back in November, offers of all shapes and sizes came flooding in. One was from Celebrity Big Brother – a show Lineker had no interest in appearing on. But rather than simply rebuffing their advances, Lineker's agent sent ITV a cheeky counter-offer instead. Lineker told podcast colleagues Shearer and Richards: "Do you know last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother? My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, 'Oh, yes. Gary's fee will be £50 million!' "He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, 'Oh, that's a little bit... that's not within our budget.'" Sky Sports talks Negotiations with ITV might have been light-hearted, but Lineker's talks with Sky Sports were very sincere. In March, the former BT Sport presenter claimed he'd been speaking to Sky for some time, but ultimately snubbed them – and a bigger salary – because of his loyalty to the BBC. "We've had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC," Lineker said. "I could have earned a lot more, though I know I've been well paid anyway, obviously. "I've had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do. It's not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays. "Also, I'm quite loyal. I've had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18." Cooking show When one thinks of Gary Lineker and food – crisps typically come to mind. However, that association might have shifted had the longstanding Walkers ambassador accepted offers to launch his own cooking show. In an interview with The Times, Lineker, who describes himself "a pretty good" cook, explained that he'd been pitched several ideas for a cooking programme. But despite his culinary confidence, he declined the offers, opting to focus on other ventures. "I've been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don't want to, because while I'm a very keen cook and I think I'm a good cook, I'm not Gordon f***ing Ramsay," he said. "I enjoy cooking, but I didn't see myself doing that on screen," he admitted. "I'd like to tell you I'm a very good cook. I'm pretty good. I've been doing it for 10 years now, and I'm obsessive. So if I do something and I realise I'm reasonably good at it, I'll throw my heart and soul at it."
Sydney Morning Herald
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A golden boy of British soccer finds his future in doubt after outrage over Instagram post
Lineker first earned the public's affection with his prolific goal-scoring at the 1986 World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot. He was admired not only for his footballing intelligence with Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, but also for his sportsmanship, famously completing his career without ever receiving a yellow or red card. 'Gary's behaviour is starting to wear a bit thin.' Senior BBC Sport manager The corporation is said to be discussing the fallout at the highest levels. BBC director-general Tim Davie, speaking at BBC Sport headquarters in northern England this week, did not name Lineker directly but made his expectations clear. 'The BBC's reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us … We need people to be exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies. Simple as that.' The question now is whether his immense popularity and longstanding legacy will be enough to see him through this crisis or if the BBC will ultimately sever ties. Testing the limits This isn't the first time Lineker has tested the limits of BBC impartiality. In 2023, he sparked a media storm after likening UK immigration rhetoric to that of 1930s Germany – comments that led to his temporary suspension. Back then, his colleagues rallied to his side, forcing the BBC to back down. This time, however, the mood is different. Media reports describe frustration, not solidarity. 'Gary's behaviour is starting to wear a bit thin,' one senior figure at BBC Sport reportedly told staff. 'We've got enough to be getting on with.' In November, Lineker and the BBC agreed to part ways after the 2026 World Cup. That arrangement now looks in jeopardy. Lineker has built a media persona on being politically engaged, particularly vocal on refugee rights and, more recently, Gaza. But this time, his activism has veered into territory the BBC considers deeply problematic. Away from the BBC, Lineker's career remains buoyant. His foray into podcasting has been lucrative, with his production company Goalhanger co-creating The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and other chart-topping shows that pull in millions of listeners weekly. The former striker has become a media entrepreneur as much as a broadcaster, with a presence that rivals mainstream outlets in reach and influence. But none of that offers a free pass from institutional standards. The BBC, still navigating its own identity in a politically divided Britain, is under increasing pressure to draw the line, especially when the controversy involves its best-paid presenter. It's a difficult equation: ditch Lineker and risk backlash from loyal fans, or stand by him and alienate staff and viewers offended by his online actions. For now, Lineker is still standing. He will be at Wembley on Saturday, microphone in hand, fronting a show he has defined for more than two decades. For a man who built his career on calm precision in front of goal, Lineker now finds himself on an unfamiliar side of the scoreboard – and the final whistle may be closer than he thinks.
The Age
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
A golden boy of British soccer finds his future in doubt after outrage over Instagram post
Lineker first earned the public's affection with his prolific goal-scoring at the 1986 World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot. He was admired not only for his footballing intelligence with Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, but also for his sportsmanship, famously completing his career without ever receiving a yellow or red card. 'Gary's behaviour is starting to wear a bit thin.' Senior BBC Sport manager The corporation is said to be discussing the fallout at the highest levels. BBC director-general Tim Davie, speaking at BBC Sport headquarters in northern England this week, did not name Lineker directly but made his expectations clear. 'The BBC's reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us … We need people to be exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies. Simple as that.' The question now is whether his immense popularity and longstanding legacy will be enough to see him through this crisis or if the BBC will ultimately sever ties. Testing the limits This isn't the first time Lineker has tested the limits of BBC impartiality. In 2023, he sparked a media storm after likening UK immigration rhetoric to that of 1930s Germany – comments that led to his temporary suspension. Back then, his colleagues rallied to his side, forcing the BBC to back down. This time, however, the mood is different. Media reports describe frustration, not solidarity. 'Gary's behaviour is starting to wear a bit thin,' one senior figure at BBC Sport reportedly told staff. 'We've got enough to be getting on with.' In November, Lineker and the BBC agreed to part ways after the 2026 World Cup. That arrangement now looks in jeopardy. Lineker has built a media persona on being politically engaged, particularly vocal on refugee rights and, more recently, Gaza. But this time, his activism has veered into territory the BBC considers deeply problematic. Away from the BBC, Lineker's career remains buoyant. His foray into podcasting has been lucrative, with his production company Goalhanger co-creating The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and other chart-topping shows that pull in millions of listeners weekly. The former striker has become a media entrepreneur as much as a broadcaster, with a presence that rivals mainstream outlets in reach and influence. But none of that offers a free pass from institutional standards. The BBC, still navigating its own identity in a politically divided Britain, is under increasing pressure to draw the line, especially when the controversy involves its best-paid presenter. It's a difficult equation: ditch Lineker and risk backlash from loyal fans, or stand by him and alienate staff and viewers offended by his online actions. For now, Lineker is still standing. He will be at Wembley on Saturday, microphone in hand, fronting a show he has defined for more than two decades. For a man who built his career on calm precision in front of goal, Lineker now finds himself on an unfamiliar side of the scoreboard – and the final whistle may be closer than he thinks.
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Alan Shearer's apology that said it all about his relationship with Gary Lineker
Alan Shearer's apology that said it all about his relationship with Gary Lineker Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was suspended by the BBC in 2023 after breaking impartiality guidelines, leading to widespread repercussions Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have worked together for years (Image: Ryan Hiscott, Getty Images ) Alan Shearer's apology to Match of the Day viewers after Gary Lineker's suspension was telling of their long-standing on-screen partnership. In March 2023, Lineker was taken off the air by the BBC due to an impartiality dispute sparked by his comments on the then-UK Government's asylum policy at the time. Lineker had posted on X, criticising the Government's announcement and likening their language to that of 1930s Nazi Germany. He wrote: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful," and added: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?" Following this, the BBC temporarily removed Lineker from his Match of the Day hosting duties until a clear stance on his social media use was established. In response, Shearer, Ian Wright, and other pundits also stepped away from the show, resulting in a significantly shortened 20-minute episode without analysis on March 11, 2023. Reflecting on the solidarity shown by his co-hosts, Lineker told The Rest Is Politics: "I must admit, I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. When it first one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn't need to do that," reports the Mirror. However, he was back on the air for Manchester City's FA Cup quarter-final match against Burnley, presented alongside Shearer and Micah Richards. At the beginning of the broadcast, Shearer apologised to viewers who missed the previous week's MOTD episode due to the controversy. Article continues below He said: "I just need to clear up and wanted to say how upset we were for the audience that missed out last weekend. It was a really difficult situation for everyone concerned and through no fault of their own some really great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation and that wasn't fair, so it's good to get back to some sort of normality and be talking about football again." Content cannot be displayed without consent Lineker then added: "Absolutely, I echo those sentiments." It comes as the working partnership between Lineker and Shearer at the BBC is nearing its conclusion. Since becoming the face of MOTD in 1999, Lineker announced late last year that he would be presenting the show for the last time during the 2024/25 Premier League season. A new trio of hosts - Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan - will replace the 64-year-old for 2025/26, as the show undergoes significant revamping. However, Lineker will continue to work for the BBC on their FA Cup coverage, as well as the 2026 World Cup. In addition, Lineker will also continue to run his The Rest Is Football podcast with Shearer and Richards. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer will be back together again for coverage of the FA Cup final (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below Lineker and Shearer are set to lead the BBC's coverage of this weekend's FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley. The Cityzens are keen to make amends for last year's final, where they were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by local rivals, Manchester United. A win for City would mark the third FA Cup that Pep Guardiola has won for the Etihad side, as well as the club's seventh overall. It's a stark contrast for the Eagles, however, who have yet to savour victory in an FA Cup final. Palace have reached two finals in 1990 and 2016, but were defeated by the Red Devils on both occasions. Many supporters will be hoping that it's third time lucky for Palace under Oliver Glasner.
