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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's colleague sends Match of the Day goodbye message after final show
Gary Lineker finally said goodbye to Match of the Day, but not long after the ex-Tottenham star's farewell, one of his BBC colleagues also had their own message Not long after Gary Lineker said farewell to Match of the Day, BBC commentator Guy Mowbray send his thanks to the departing star and issued his own "goodbye" message – until the summer. After the Premier League season came to an end, Lineker, while holding back the tears, bowed out of the iconic Premier League highlights programme. He did so after presenting the flagship show for more than 25 years. But barely 24 hours after the ex-Tottenham Hotspur star left the show for good, Mowbray, who has worked for the BBC since 2004, had a message for his own social media fanbase. However, the experienced commentator, who has also been narrating the BBC's Champions League highlights programme this year, will only be away from Match of the Day screens until the start of next season. Thanking Lineker on X, he wrote: "Time to say goodbye (until August) Thanks Gary. Thanks to the whole @BBCMOTD team for another incredible end of season montage that worked on every level. Nobody does it better. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer." Mowbray, who is a commentator rather than a pundit who worked alongside Lineker, stood by the now ex-MOTD host two years ago amid the former Leicester striker's brief suspension from BBC duties. In March 2023, Mowbray was among those who boycotted the show after Lineker was stood down by the Beeb for one episode, following his criticism of the Conservative party's asylum policy. When a similar demonstration was going to take place for Match of the Day 2 the following day – after the previous days' boycott of the main show – Mowbray acted as a spokesperson for other colleagues. He wrote: "Update: As yesterday, there will be no 'normal' MOTD(2) programme tonight. "The scheduled commentary team are in full agreement with our BBC Sport colleagues. We hope that a resolution can be found ASAP." Around 18 months later, Lineker decided to step down from his position after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included a picture of a rat, which he later deleted and apologised for. Lineker was going to continue presenting live FA Cup coverage for the BBC as well as that of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, before stepping down. However, he chose to walk away at the end of this campaign, bringing his 26-year career with the BBC to an earlier than anticipated end. In his final Match of the Day monologue, Lineker said: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you've made my job so much easier. "Also, a huge thank you to those you don't see at home: the work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors, to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs, thank you all, you're the very best. "Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous. I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly for when they sit in this chair - the programme is in the best of hands. "And my final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all of your love and 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." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gary Lineker QUITS BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after explosive anti-Semitism row
GARY Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBC tomorrow and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row. The former Leicester City and England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday. 7 Gary Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBC Credit: Splash 7 A source said: 'It is an absolutely heart-breaking end to what has been an extraordinary broadcasting career' Credit: Getty A source told The Sun: 'It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.' Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable. The Match of the Day host's early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism. Ex-England striker Gary, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat. He had been due to host the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup but will instead bow out this Sunday. The source said: 'Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup. 'He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy. 'He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won't be back.' The ex-Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City striker steps back after 26 years with the broadcaster, where he was its highest-paid presenter on £1.35million a year. His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses. He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business. Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney's managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless And those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely. They added: 'Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong. 'He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over. 'And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.' Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers. The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation. HATE ROW APOLOGY In a statement that day Gary's agent said: 'Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. 'Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.' On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: 'On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. 'I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in. 'The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue. 7 The presenter will confirm his last Match of The Day will be on Sunday Credit: Getty 7 A young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 'Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.' BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: 'The BBC's reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. 'And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.' Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC's 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup. He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC's impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out. The BBC's reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. BBC boss Tim Davie Last month he was asked by the BBC's Amol Rajan whether it was within his remit to give a view on Middle East politics. Gary said: 'I'm sorry. It's more important than the BBC. What's going on there (Gaza) is the mass murder of thousands of children — probably something that we should have a little opinion on.' In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government's asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany. His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis. 7 The former England captain presenting the BBC's World Cup 2002 coverage Credit: BBC Gary said of his colleagues' support: 'I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. It's one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn't need to do that.' Six months later the BBC published rules for its presenters which said they would be 'allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning'. Gary responded by saying the rules were 'all very sensible.' He has previously said he believes the BBC wanted him to leave MOTD when he was negotiating a new contract last year. Gary said then: 'I think it was their preference that I didn't do it for one more year, so they could bring in new people.' Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan take over next season. Gary's replacement as World Cup host is expected to be announced shortly. 7 Gary stripped down to his boxers live on air when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016 Credit: PA:Press Association 7 BBC boss Tim Davie said: 'I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that' Credit: Getty
Metro
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal told signing Real Madrid star and striker would be 'real statement'
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Arsenal would be making a 'real statement' if they managed to sign Rodrygo plus a 'world-class' centre-forward this summer. Arsenal are preparing to splash the cash when the transfer window opens for business having once again fallen short in their quest for silverware this term. While a series of injuries to key players have hampered Arsenal, many fans and pundits alike have attributed the club's disappointing end to the season to the club's failure to capture a proven No.9. Newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is determined to put that right and has been working with Mikel Arteta on a shortlist of possible targets, which includes Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig's Benjmain Sesko and Ipswich's Liam Delap. The Gunners are also eager to fix other perceived frailties within the squad, with defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi expected to join from Real Sociedad. Strengthening at centre-back, left-back and on the left wing are other priorities at the Emirates. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Recent reports emanating out of Spain claimed Arsenal had made an approach over a proposed bid for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo, whose future is said to be 'up in the air'. 'He is is a wide player – they need a number nine, but if you sign him and a number nine, that's a real statement,' the ex-Tottenham and England shot-stopper Robinson told Football Insider of Arsenal's interest in Rodrygo. 'What it would cost you to get Rodrygo, and would he want to go to Arsenal, is two different things. 'The need for a number nine is pressing. '[Bukayo] Saka will play on the right-hand side, Rodrygo can play on the left – if you have those two as a wide pairing, that's one hell of a pairing to fit in behind a world-class number nine.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video According to Robinson, Arteta is not able to completely rely on either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard and finding an 'upgrade' on the left flank could certainly be an 'option'. 'With Martinelli and Trossard, neither of those two have hit the heights regularly, performance-wise, that you would expect from the likes of Saka,' he added. 'So to upgrade on that side, yes, that's an option for Arsenal. 'Raheem Sterling, his loan's not going to be made permanent, that's not going to happen. He'll be looking for pastures new at the start of next season.' It's understood Madrid are open to the prospect of selling Rodrygo this summer, though it may require an offer in excess of £85million to get a deal over the line. Spanish newspaper Marca last month claimed Rodrygo was going through 'his toughest time' yet at the Bernabeu and had been 'locked away in his house thinking about his future'. It's understood the Brazil international is feeling undervalued and has been thinking for some time that his spell with the La Liga giants could be coming to an end. Last year, Rodrygo revealed that he turned down the chance to join Arsenal's rivals Liverpool after bursting onto the scene as a precocious youngster at Santos. 'We didn't close the deal because I didn't want to,' Rodrygo told The Guardian . More Trending 'I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good. The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. 'I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football. 'It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. 'And that's what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it's true, I almost went to Liverpool.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal star could get 'itchy feet' with another trophyless season MORE: Carlo Ancelotti set to recall Man Utd star when he takes charge of Brazil MORE: Ian Wright fears Arsenal could repeat Man Utd's £72m transfer mistake
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tony Pulis set for shock new job in Egypt five years since Stoke legend's last role at Sheff Weds
STOKE management legend Tony Pulis is poised to swap the Potters for the pyramids by taking charge of Egypt's biggest club. The Welshman had six Premier League seasons at the bet365 Stadium, plus two as 2 Tony Pulis could be returning to management with Eygptian club Zamalek Credit: Getty Pulis, 67, left his last management job at But he has now reportedly begun talks with Cairo club Zamalek about becoming their director of football. The 14-time national champions and winners of 13 African titles are currently fifth in the Egyptian Premier League. Pulis has flown to Cairo after an invite from ex-Tottenham star Mido, who is a Zamalek board member. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Former Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbas hailed the veteran manager's arrival, acclaiming him as "one of the most prominent coaches in the history of the Premier League." Abbas wrote on social media: "The purpose of Pulis' visit is to study Zamalek's football infrastructure, and to assess the potential for development in line with international standards." Football is huge in Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Most read in Football 2 Former Wigan and Spurs star Mido is a Zamalek board member Credit: PA:Empics Sport CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Pulis has a wealth of management experience since first taking charge of Bournemouth in 1992. He had two spells as Stoke boss, totalling 10 years, where his team built a reputation for a no-nonsense style of play that featured lethal long throws from Rory Delap. He also led Gillingham, Bristol City, Tony Pulis' managerial career A glimpse at Pulis' time as a manager... 1992-1994 - Bournemouth 1995-1999 - Gillingham 1999-2000 - Bristol City 2000 - Portsmouth 2002-2005 - Stoke City 2005-2006 - Plymouth Argyle 2006-2013 - Stoke City 2013-2014 - Crystal Palace 2015-2017 - West Brom 2017-2019 - Middlesbrough 2020 - Sheffield Wednesday
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Harry Kane and Bayern pals BLOCKED from celebrating Bundesliga title in IBIZA as England star breaks 5,223-day drought
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HARRY KANE and his Bayern Munich team-mates were blocked by club officials from holding a title party in IBIZA. After 5,223 days of his career, the England captain finally clinched his first piece of silverware. 6 Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates were denied the chance to celebrate in Ibiza Credit: 6 He celebrated with Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Eric Dier Credit: 6 Max Eberl was not keen on the players taking the trip to celebrate Credit: AFP He did so without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 with Freiburg on Sunday. Bayern could have wrapped up the title themselves the day before but were held to a 3-3 draw by RB Leipzig. Kane was given special dispensation to watch the match from the touchline despite his suspension. But the draw meant that all the effort was in vain as they were made to wait an extra day. Kane and Co finally celebrated their Bundesliga title success in a posh Munich restaurant. And they wanted to jet off to Ibiza for the night ahead of Saturday's home game with Borussia Monchengladbach, when they will be presented with their winners' medals. But Munich sporting director Max Eberl insisted an island knees-up was not appropriate. Kane partied until 1.30am on Monday and mischievous Bayern stars played The Vengaboys hit 'We're Going to Ibiza!' through the restaurant sound system — although it lasted just 30 seconds before someone pulled the plug. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Later on social media, the striker said: 'What a night and what a celebration with the players and the staff. 'I am sure everyone is feeling it a little bit. Harry Kane celebrates with Bayern team-mates after FINALLY winning a trophy 6 'It has been a long time coming after a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication and it just feels sweet to win the title, the first one of my career.' Despite not heading off to Ibiza, Kane was still able to celebrate in style. He could be seen puffing a cigar and drinking champagne on social media with his team-mates. The striker was joined by fellow ex-Tottenham star Eric Dier for the celebrations. Bayern Munich also shared a mock-up picture of Kane sipping tea next to the Bundesliga title. 6 Kane, Kimmich and Dier puffed on cigars after the title was wrapped up Credit: x
