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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.
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Gary Lineker expected to announce early BBC exit before 2026 World Cup
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is expected to announce he has quit the BBC and will not front its coverage of the 2026 World Cup, it has been reported. The 64-year-old has headed up Match of the Day since 1999, when he took over from Des Lynam. Lineker announced he would be stepping down from the BBC last year. An announcement on Lineker's departure is expected on Monday amid reports that the BBC's bosses now consider his position "untenable". The Sun reported that a source said: "It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career." The 64-year-old's departure comes after he "apologised unreservedly" for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated by the lobby with an image that is historically used as an antisemitic slur. The post prompted calls for Lineker to be sacked by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). In his apology, Lineker said: "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. "It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly." The former Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, and Tottenham striker is still expected to host his final Match of the Day next Sunday according to The Sun but will not play a part in the next World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He anchored the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup final on Saturday, which saw Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0. Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-UK government's new asylum policy. He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC to rebroadcast a documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, to BBC iPlayer. Last November, Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match of the Day at the end of the season but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. The presenter has been the BBC's highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35 million in the year 2023/24, according to the corporation's annual report published in July. When he stepped down, it was reported that he was open to staying on at Match of the Day but was not offered a new deal for the show. The Leicester-born star will be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman, who will share the presenting role on Match of the Day from the next Premier League season. Lineker joined the programme having started as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter, also working on Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting. The former England striker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment, and money.
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.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Alan Shearer apology at start of FA Cup coverage said it all about Gary Lineker
Alan Shearer famously stood by Gary Lineker when he was forced to step away from his role with BBC Match of the Day, following his stance on the then-Government's controversial policy on asylum seekers Alan Shearer's apology to Match of the Day fans in the wake of Gary Lineker's suspension spoke volumes about his relationship with his long-time co-presenter. Lineker infamously found himself pulled from his hosting duties with the BBC in March 2023, following an impartiality row due to his views on the the then-UK Government's new asylum policy. In a post on X following the Government's announcement, Lineker compared the language used by the Conservatives to that of Nazi Germany. He wrote: "Good heavens, this is beyond awful," adding: "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?" Soon after, the BBC announced that Lineker was temporarily relieved of his duties with Match of the Day, until they reached "an agreed and clear position on his use of social media." As a result, Shearer, Ian Wright and a host of others refused to appear on the show in Lineker's absence, with the showing on March 11, 2023, cut to 20 minutes long and without analysis or punditry. Speaking about his co-hosts showing solidarity, Lineker told the The Rest Is Politics podcast: "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." However, Lineker was back to work the following week for Manchester City's quarter-final clash against Burnley in the FA Cup, alongside Shearer and Micah Richards. And it didn't take long for Shearer to apologise to viewers who missed out on their usual MOTD fix due to the debacle. He said at the start of the broadcast: "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 time is ticking down on Lineker and Shearer's working relationship together with the BBC. While Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day since 1999, he announced late last year that the 2024/25 Premier League season will be his last one fronting the flagship show. The 64-year-old will be replaced by a trio of presenters for 2025/26, with Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, as the show is set to see significant revamping. However, Lineker will continue to work for the BBC on their FA Cup coverage, as well as the 2026 World Cup. Elsewhere, Lineker will also continue to run his The Rest Is Football podcast with Shearer and Richards. It comes as Lineker and Shearer are expected to front the BBC's coverage of this weekend's FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley. The Cityzens will look to atone for last year's final, in which they suffered defeat to neighbours, Manchester United in a shock 2-1 loss. A result for the Blues will mark the third FA Cup that Pep Guardiola has brought back to the Etihad, as well as the club's seventh in total. It's a polar opposite state of affairs for the Eagles, however, who are yet to taste victory in a final of the FA Cup. The London-based side have made two finals over the years in 1990 and 2016, but suffered defeat to the Red Devils on both occasions. And many fans will hope that it's third time lucky for Palace under Oliver Glasner.
Euronews
10-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Canada's new PM Mark Carney vows country will 'never be part of US'
Former central banker Mark Carney is set to become Canada's next prime minister after succeeding Justin Trudeau as leader of the governing Liberal Party. ADVERTISEMENT Canada's next prime minister declared that his country would "never, ever become part of the US" after being elected leader of the governing Liberal party. Mark Carney was appointed Liberal leader after Justin Trudeau resigned, following plummeting popularity levels and criticism from his own ministers. Carney — who is set to be sworn in the coming days — won the leadership vote by a landslide. He used his first speech to take a defiant stance against threats from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the "51st state". "Canada will never, ever be part of America," Carney declared. The former Bank of England governor also vowed Canada would win a trade war with the US after Trump threatened multiple tariffs against the neighbouring country. Last week, Trump signed orders exempting many goods from his 25% tariffs. However, the White House said 62% of Canada's imports would still face levies. Canada has responded with retaliatory tariffs that Carney pledged would remain in place "until the Americans show us some respect." 'We didn't ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves,' Carney said. 'They [the US] should make no mistake, in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.' Carney's previous roles saw him navigate financial crises as head of the Bank of Canada. In 2013, he was appointed governor of the Bank of England, under then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, becoming the first non-citizen to run the English central bank since its founding in 1694. A former Goldman Sachs executive, Carney worked for 13 years in London, Tokyo, New York and Toronto, before being appointed deputy governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003. In 2020, he served as the United Nations' special envoy for climate action and finance, under UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Canada's Liberal Party has seen its approval ratings improve amidst a trade war with the US ahead of the country's general election, which could be called in the coming weeks. Canada's opposition Conservatives hoped to make the election about Trudeau, whose popularity declined as food and housing prices rose substantially and immigration surged. Mark Carney speaks during his Liberal leadership campaign launch in Edmonton, Jan. 16, 2025 Jason Franson/AP Carney was quick to point out the differences between the US and Canada during his speech, declaring the US is 'a melting pot. Canada is mosaic," he said. 'America is not Canada. And Canada will never, ever will be a part of America in any way, shape or form." ADVERTISEMENT After decades of bilateral stability, the vote on Canada's next leader is now expected to focus on who is best equipped to deal with the threat posed by Trump. 'These are dark days, dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust,' Carney said. 'We are getting over the shock but let us never forget the lessons. We have to look after ourselves and we have to look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.' However, Carney may not keep the job for long, as he is expected to trigger a snap election shortly. Either he will call one, or the opposition parties in Parliament could force one with a no-confidence vote later this month. The Liberal Party are mandated to hold a general election on or before 20 October. Trudeau urged Liberal supporters to get involved and support the new leader. 'This is a nation-defining moment. Democracy is not a given. Freedoms is not a given. Even Canada is not a given.'
