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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker breaks down in tears on Match of the Day farewell
Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio. A comprehensive video was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. Post-retirement, it traced his journey as a presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam. Several of his colleagues - Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all honoured Lineker both as a mate and a presenter. His children also shared their thoughts, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster. Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also paid their respects. Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker" while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him.", reports the Mirror. The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, also paid tribute. He is best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye." Lineker's final words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier." He also quipped: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits". BBC presenter Gary Lineker's tenure has been cut short following a backlash to his social media activity. His final appearance on Match of the Day took place on Sunday. Lineker had been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme for over 20 years, but his departure brings an end to an enduring relationship with the broadcaster. Hosting his final show, he quipped, "it wasn't meant to end this way", referencing both the Premier League season and his own BBC exit. The opening credits included a montage of Lineker's football career. Throughout his time at the BBC, the 64 year old had faced calls for dismissal, notably after posting criticism of the Government on social media. However, it was his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict that led to his eventual departure. Lineker recently faced criticism for sharing a Palestine Lobby post on Instagram that featured a picture of a rat, with the Campaign Against Antisemitism subsequently calling for his dismissal. BBC Director-General Tim Davie stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker released a personal statement, admitting: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gary Lineker left in tears at legends' words in emotional BBC Match of the Day farewell
Gary Lineker left in tears at legends' words in emotional BBC Match of the Day farewell Gary Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day after an emotional farewell before the show, which included a video tribute from a number of high-profile figures Gary Lineker was emotional during his last appearance on Match of the Day (Image: BBC ) Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio. A comprehensive video was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. Post-retirement, it traced his journey as a presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam. Several colleagues - including Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all lauded Lineker both as a mate and a presenter. His children also chimed in, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster. Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also offered their tributes. Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker," while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him," reports the Mirror. The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye", also paid homage. Article continues below Lineker's parting words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier." He added with a touch of humour: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits." The broadcasting career of the former England striker with the BBC has come to an abrupt end following a massive backlash over a social media post. Earlier this week, it was announced that his final appearance on Match of the Day would be on Sunday night. This marks the end of a relationship with the corporation that spans over two decades. He's been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme but will pass on the baton next season. Lineker began the show with a quip "it wasn't meant to end this way", which could also be interpreted as a comment on his sudden departure from the BBC. This followed the opening titles featuring highlights from Lineker's illustrious playing career. The 64-year-old has had several brushes with controversy at the BBC, surviving calls for his dismissal after criticising the Government in a social media post. His outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict ultimately led to his downfall. He posted and then removed a message on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, accompanied by an image of a rat, which led to demands for his dismissal from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker released a statement saying: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. Article continues below "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gary Lineker's emotional farewell marks end of an era at BBC
Gary Lineker , the face of BBC 's ' Match of the Day ' for over 26 years, bid an emotional farewell on Sunday, May 25, 2025, concluding a broadcasting chapter that began in 1999. His departure follows controversy over a social media post that sparked accusations of antisemitism and led to his early exit from the corporation. Lineker, 64, opened his final broadcast with a poignant remark: 'It wasn't meant to end this way,' subtly referencing the circumstances surrounding his departure. Throughout the show, tributes poured in from colleagues and football legends, including Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Ian Wright, and Peter Shilton. A montage celebrated his dual legacy as a prolific striker and a beloved presenter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Throw Away the Water After Boiling Eggs - The Reason is Genius! Tips and Tricks Undo At the program's conclusion, Lineker was presented with a commemorative cap and a golden boot by Shearer and Richards. Fighting back tears, he expressed gratitude: 'It's been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous.' He added, 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work, and I got the plaudits.' Potential reason for his departure Live Events Lineker's departure was precipitated by his sharing of an Instagram video from the Palestine Lobby, which featured a rat emoji, a symbol historically associated with antisemitic propaganda. Upon realizing the offensive nature of the imagery, he promptly deleted the post and issued an apology: 'I have stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.' Lineker will lose out on an estimated £800,000 (NZ$1.8m) after being forced to leave without a pay-off. Sources close to the corporation say the decision to drop him was made primarily by BBC chiefs who had run out of patience with his outspoken political views. Despite initial plans to continue hosting the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, Lineker and the BBC agreed to part ways entirely. BBC Director General Tim Davie acknowledged Lineker as 'a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.' Future of 'Match of the Day' The BBC has announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over presenting duties for Match of the Day starting next season. Lineker offered his well-wishes: 'I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark, and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the best of hands.' As the final credits rolled, Andrea Bocelli's 'Time to Say Goodbye' played, underscoring the end of an era in British sports broadcasting . The former England captain became the BBC's highest-paid presenter, having initially started out as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter. He also worked on Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting. His podcast, The Rest Is Football, will have its last episode on BBC Sounds this week, but The Rest Is History will continue on the platform.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gary Lineker cries after emotional Match of the Day farewell
Gary Lineker cries after emotional Match of the Day farewell Gary Lineker was reduced to tears as he was given an emotional farewell from Match of the Day following the announcement of his exit from the BBC earlier this week Gary Lineker wiped away tears after tributes were shown at the end of his final MOTD show (Image: BBC ) Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio. A comprehensive video tribute was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. After retirement, it traced his journey as a BBC presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam. Several of his colleagues - Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all lauded Lineker both as a mate and a presenter. His children also shared their thoughts, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster. Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also offered their tributes. Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker" while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him." The real reason Gary Lineker is quitting the BBC and next career step READ MORE: Gary Lineker took a moment to compose himself after the emotional tribute (Image: BBC ) The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, also paid tribute, reports the Mirror. He is best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye." Article continues below As the cameras turned back to Lineker in the studio, he could be seen wiping his cheeks with a tissue, struggling for a moment to address his final show. His parting words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier. "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits." After choking up, he continued: "It's been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century, it's been utterly joyous. I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the very best hands. "My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching, thank you for all of your support over the years. It's been so special and I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye... goodbye." Gary Lineker seamlessly evolved from footballing talent to all-star pundit (Image: BBC ) This marks the end of a relationship with the corporation that spans over two decades. He's been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme and will pass on the baton next season. Lineker began the show with a quip, "it wasn't meant to end this way", which could be interpreted as a reflection on the Premier League season or his sudden departure from the BBC. This followed the opening titles featuring highlights from Lineker's illustrious playing career. The 64-year-old has had several brushes with controversy at the BBC, surviving calls for his dismissal after criticising the Government in a social media post. His outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict ultimately led to his downfall. He shared, then deleted, a post from the group Palestine Lobby on his Instagram account, accompanied by an image of a rat. This sparked calls for his dismissal from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). Article continues below BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker released a personal statement, saying: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's final words on Match of the Day as he wipes away tears
Gary Lineker has bought the curtain down in his final Match of the Day as its host, ending more than two decades in the role after he and the BBC opted to go their separate ways Gary Lineker was reduced to tears as his Match of the Day stint came to an end with an emotional tribute lead by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in studio. A lengthy video ran, beginning with his playing days, which saw him end up excelling at Barcelona. Then following retirement it charted his rise as a presenter, where he took on the unenviable task of replacing the great presenter Des Lynam. Several of his colleagues - Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all paid tribute to Lineker as a bloke and a presenter. His children also offered their takes, underlining his quality as a father as well as a broadcaster. The likes of Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also paid their own tributes. Richards said: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker" whilst Shearer claimed: "He loves it, it means the world to him." The great Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, also paid tribute. He is best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye." Lineker's final words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with other the years, you've made my job a lot easier." He also joked: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits". The broadcaster has seen his time with the BBC come to an end earlier than planned following huge backlash to a social media post put out by the former England striker. It was announced earlier this week that Sunday's night Match of the Day would be his last. it brings down the curtain on a relationship with the corporation that goes back more than two decades. He's been a stalwart of the Premier League highlights programme but will hand over the reigns next season. Lineker opened the show by joking "it wasn't meant to end this way" before going on to make the words reflect the Premier League season, but it could equally apply to his sudden BBC exit. It came after the opening titles included highlights from Lineker's playing career. The 64-year-old has endured several close calls with the BBC, surviving sack calls when he put out a social media post criticising the Government. He's remained outspoken on the conflict between Israel and Gaza and it was that which ultimately cost him. He shared and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: 'Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker himself put out a statement where he said: ' Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. 'However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.'
