The British Broadcasting Corporation have, late on Friday, provided an insight into how exactly they plan to navigate airing the upcoming edition of Match of the Day.
The subject of this weekend’s MOTD, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the English media headlines across the day to date.
This comes after confirmation was forthcoming that long-time programme host Gary Lineker had been relieved of his duties for the time being.
In response to his recent use of Twitter to express political viewpoints, the BBC unveiled a short statement, explaining that it had “decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”
It was added: “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
“We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
Gary Lineker to step back from presenting Match of the Day until agreement reached on social media use – BBC statement https://t.co/WMsgqRzWrw
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) March 10, 2023
In fact, in direct response to the decision, both Ian Wright and Alan Shearer swiftly made their backing for the ex-Tottenham star public, in confirming their intentions to boycott the BBC’s studios over the days ahead:
Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) March 10, 2023
I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) March 10, 2023
And swiftly following in such footsteps have been the likes of Micah Richards, Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas, too.
So, just how will Saturday’s highly-anticipated upcoming edition of Match of the Day actually play out?
Well, as alluded to above, as much has been revealed late this evening.
In a 2nd statement of the day, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the company’s intention to air a watered down version of the beloved show, which will ‘focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: No presenter or pundits will feature on Saturday’s Match of the Day.
✍️ BBC pic.twitter.com/uX7zZOtuJq
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) March 10, 2023
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