Commentators join Match of the Day walkout over Gary Lineker suspension

This Saturday’s Match of the Day has become even more farcical as the commentators have confirmed that they will not be involved, following confirmation that there will be no presenter or pundits on the show.

Gary Lineker has been suspended from his Match of the Day duties by the BBC over a tweet which criticised the government’s new asylum policy.

Lineker being forced out of action this weekend prompted a string of regular pundits on the show to confirm that they will not be appearing on Saturday night.

Ian Wright was first to stand in solidarity with Lineker, followed by the likes of Alan Shearer, Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas.

The BBC confirmed that Match of the Day will go ahead with no presenter or pundits and there has been another blow for viewers as commentators have now pulled out.

In a joint statement, six commentators confirmed: ‘As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.

‘We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.’

As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast. We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.

One of the six commentators to step down, Steve Wilson, tweeted earlier on Friday: ‘So sad that this has become the story rather than the tragedy of human beings struggling to find sanctuary.

‘Having taken in refugees himself, Gary has surely earned the right to express his opinion.’

As confirmed in the joint statement there will still be commentary available on Match of the Day as the BBC can use the world feed, but no longer their own commentators.

The Independent also reports that some clubs may turn down requests for players and managers to be interviewed by Match of the Day, further sending the programme into a circus.

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