Now Jermaine Jenas has joined the ranks of former footballers who have decided to not host Match of the Day (MOTD) in solidarity with Gary Lineker. Lineker, the long-time presenter of the BBC’s flagship football show, has been the target of criticism from the British government for his outspoken views on the refugee crisis.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder, who is now a regular pundit on MOTD, said he would not be hosting the show in the wake of Ian Wright and Alan Shearer’s decision to do the same.
“I’m not hosting MOTD this weekend in solidarity with Gary Lineker,” Jenas tweeted. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon and I’ll be there to support him.”
The move comes after Lineker was criticised by the British government for his comments on the refugee crisis. Lineker has been a vocal supporter of refugees and has been critical of the government’s handling of the situation.
The former England striker has also been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of Brexit, and has been a vocal supporter of a second referendum.
The decision by Jenas, Wright and Shearer to not host MOTD in solidarity with Lineker has been widely praised by football fans and pundits alike.
The move has been seen as a show of solidarity with Lineker, and a sign that footballers are willing to stand up for what they believe in.
It is also a sign that footballers are willing to take a stand against the government’s handling of the refugee crisis and Brexit.
The decision by Jenas, Wright and Shearer to not host MOTD in solidarity with Lineker is a powerful statement, and one that will no doubt be remembered for a long time.