Premier League clubs Liverpool and Bournemouth are set to throw their backing behind the Match of the Day pundit team, in protest against the BBC.
The subject of this weekend’s edition of 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
After Lineker was first backed by co-presenters Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Alex Scott and more, in refusing to take their respective places in the Match of the Day studio this weekend, the show’s commentary team followed suit late on Friday night:
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.
— Steve Wilson (@Wilsonfooty) March 10, 2023
And yet, as alluded to above, the fallout does not appear set to come to an end any time soon.
Instead, as per talkSPORT, amongst other sources, both Bournemouth and Liverpool are ready to lead the way in boycotting any and all interviews with the BBC before and after their Premier League weekend opener tomorrow afternoon.
This decision, in turn, is expected to be followed in due course by the rest of the clubs across England’s top-flight for the entirety of the weekend.
Bournemouth and Liverpool will take a stand for the Premier League tomorrow in the early kick off and refuse to speak to the BBC, pre and post match.
All Premier League clubs are expected to follow the same procedure. [@talkSPORT]
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) March 10, 2023
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