BBC statement: Will Brighton, Leeds, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Everton be on Match of the Day tonight?

The BBC has apologised after it was forced to pull several sports programmes following a boycott by presenters and pundits in support of Gary Lineker.
By Derren Howard
Published 11th Mar 2023, 15:57 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2023, 16:04 BST
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The broadcaster said it would air only “limited sport programming” over the weekend and was “working hard to resolve the situation”.

Saturday’s TV and radio sporting timetables were changed at the last minute and Sunday’s Match Of The Day 2 has also been thrown into question.

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It comes after Lineker was told to step back from hosting the Saturday edition of the highlights programme in a row over impartiality.

Gary Lineker looks on from the stands during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea FCGary Lineker looks on from the stands during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea FC
Gary Lineker looks on from the stands during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea FC

Fellow presenters including Alex Scott, Kelly Somers and Jason Mohammad said they were pulling out of their shows, which resulted in Football Focus and Final Score being scrapped from the BBC One schedule, while 5 Live’s radio coverage was also altered.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that.

“We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans.

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“We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon.”

On Saturday, Bargain Hunt aired in place of Football Focus on BBC One at noon, while The Repair Shop is due to run instead of Final Score at 4.30pm.

Ahead of the antiques show starting, a continuity announcer said: “Saturday lunchtime on BBC One, now, in a change to the schedule, it’s Bargain Hunt.”

Match Of The Day is due to go ahead on Saturday evening without a presenter, pundits and several regular commentators, but the Sunday edition may also face disruption after football pundit Jermain Defoe announced he would not appear.

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Today’s Premier League matches were Bournemouth v Liverpool, Everton v Brentford, Leeds v Brighton, Leicester v Chelsea, Tottenham v Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace v Man City.

Defoe tweeted: “It’s always such a privilege to work with BBC MOTD. But tomorrow I have taken the decision to stand down from my punditry duties. @GaryLineker.”

BBC Radio 5 Live was also affected on Saturday, with host Mark Chapman not at the helm for 5 Live Sport.

His stance throws further doubt into whether Match Of The Day 2 will air as normal on Sunday as he is due to host.

Related topics:BBC OneJermain DefoeTottenhamEvertonBournemouthLeedsGary Lineker