Gary Lineker has been a staple of Match of the Day for over three decades, but it appears that his time on the show may have come to an end. According to former Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy, Lineker was pulled off air during the recent round of Premier League fixtures.
Murphy, who was a regular on the show for several years, revealed the news on talkSPORT. He said: “I think Gary Lineker was pulled off air last weekend. I think it was a decision from the BBC.”
The news has come as a shock to many fans of the show, as Lineker has been a mainstay of the show since it first aired in 1964. He has been the face of the show since 1999, and has become synonymous with the programme.
Lineker has also become a popular figure in the football world, thanks to his witty and often controversial comments. He has been a vocal critic of the game’s governing bodies, and has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of players and fans.
It is not yet clear why Lineker was pulled off air, but it is likely to be related to the BBC’s ongoing cost-cutting measures. The broadcaster has been looking to reduce its spending in recent years, and it is possible that Lineker’s salary was deemed too high.
Whatever the reason, it appears that we have seen the last of Lineker on Match of the Day. It is a sad day for football fans, as Lineker has been a key part of the show for so long. His presence will be sorely missed, and it will be interesting to see who the BBC chooses to replace him.