BBC staff ‘relieved’ behind the scenes as Gary Lineker bows out of Match of the Day
Some BBC staff members are reportedly ‘relieved’ that Gary Lineker’s time at the broadcaster is over, with the 64-year-old presenting his final show on Sunday night.
The former England striker’s exit was recently confirmed after he’d shared a pro-Palestine video on social media, with that controversy ultimately one too many.
Lineker’s social media antics have been a talking point for a number of years. Despite the BBC having strict impartiality rules in place, the ex-Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona striker didn’t always toe the line.
Infamously, back in 2023, he compared the Conservative Government at the time to like ’30s Germany’ due to their immigration policy.
He was able to keep his job on that occasion but, less than two years on, has now presented MOTD for the last time.
Lineker bowed out of the show on Sunday following the conclusion of the Premier League season, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle all able to qualify for next year’s Champions League.
The presenter was moved to tears as he addressed viewers for the last time.
And the Daily Mail say there some staff members are ‘relieved’ that Lineker is no longer in the role, with the 64-year-old’s social media storms ultimately taking a toll on many within the broadcaster.
The unnamed member of staff said: “There’s a feeling of relief.
“We’re all subject to strict rules on what we can and can’t say and there was a feeling Gary could do what he wanted.
“Now nobody will have to brace themselves for what he posts next.”
Lineker’s BBC exit had been confirmed back in November. At that time, he was set to remain with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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However, his departure came swiftly with Lineker releasing a video on social media to announce that he’d be stepping away 12 months early.
On Sunday, Lineker paid tribute to everybody he’d worked with on Match of the Day.
“Let me take the opportunity to thank all the other pundits I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You’ve made my job so much easier,” he said.
“Also, thanks to all those you don’t see at home. The work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort.
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“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. 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 (Logan), Mark (Chapman), and Kelly (Cates) all the best when they sit in the chair The programme is in the best of hands.
“My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching.
“Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special.
“I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.”