The BBC’s flagship football show, Match of the Day, has been thrown into turmoil after its two main presenters, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, announced they were standing down in solidarity with Ian Wright.
The move comes after Wright, who had been a regular on the show since 2016, was dropped from the line-up for the upcoming season.
The BBC said the decision was taken to “refresh” the show, but Lineker and Shearer have both expressed their disappointment at the decision and have decided to stand down in solidarity with Wright.
Lineker, who has been the show’s main presenter since 1999, said he was “sad and disappointed” to be leaving the show.
“I have been proud to be part of the Match of the Day team for the past 21 years and I am sad and disappointed to be leaving,” he said.
“I have enjoyed every minute of it and I want to thank all the production team, the pundits and the viewers for their support over the years.
“I wish the show every success in the future and I will continue to watch it with great interest.”
Shearer, who joined the show in 2015, said he was “saddened” by the decision to drop Wright.
“I have been proud to be part of the Match of the Day team for the past five years and I am saddened by the decision to drop Ian Wright,” he said.
“I have enjoyed every minute of it and I want to thank all the production team, the pundits and the viewers for their support over the years.
“I wish the show every success in the future and I will continue to watch it with great interest.”
The BBC said it was “disappointed” by the decision of Lineker and Shearer to stand down, but said it respected their decision.
“We are disappointed that Gary and Alan have decided to stand down from Match of the Day,” a BBC spokesperson said.
“We respect their decision and wish them both well for the future.
“We are now looking at the line-up for the new season and will make an announcement in due course.”
The BBC has yet to announce who will replace Lineker and Shearer on the show, but speculation is mounting that former England internationals Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard could be in line for the roles.
The news of Lineker and Shearer’s departure has been met with sadness by many football fans, who have praised the pair for their years of service to the show.
Lineker and Shearer have been a fixture on Match of the Day for more than two decades, and their departure marks the end of an era for the show.
The BBC will now have to find suitable replacements for the two main presenters, and it remains to be seen how the show will fare without its two most recognisable faces.
