Gary Lineker's foul-mouthed response amid uncertainty over Match of the Day future
Former England striker Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for 25 years, but the 63-year-old could be about to lose his job - not that he is up for talking about it
by Felix Keith · The MirrorGary Lineker told a reporter to “f*** off” when asked about rumours he could be about to lose his job with the BBC as Match of the Day presenter, it has been claimed.
Lineker has reportedly been in negotiations with the BBC over a potential new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. The 63-year-old has presented the flagship Premier League highlights programme since 1999, but could fall victim to changes at the organisation.
He is the BBC’s highest earner, pulling in £1.35million per year for fronting their football coverage, yet had reportedly been considering taking a pay cut to £1m-a-year to sign a new deal. However, the Daily Mail claims to have seen an internal email from the BBC which suggests a statement is being prepared to announce his departure.
When approached by a reporter from the newspaper outside his home in Barnes, south-west London, Lineker was not in the mood to talk. He simply said: “'F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away.”
A BBC spokesperson said: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."
Lineker was suspended by the BBC last year after sparking a row by tweeting criticism of the government’s asylum policy. The BBC initially insisted that Lineker had breached the corporation’s impartiality rules but later backed down after his colleagues stepped back in solidarity, leaving Match of the Day in chaos, without a presenter, pundits or commentary.
BBC director general Tim Davie ended up holding personal talks with Lineker which preceded his return and brought about a review of the BBC’s impartiality agreement. BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski has made a splash since taking the role in April by sacking Jermaine Jenas following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace and there are rumours that Lineker could be next, albeit under very different circumstances.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast to speak about the 60th anniversary of Match of the Day, Lineker admitted he didn't know how long left. "I don't... I don't know!" he said. "It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least.
“So we'll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.
"All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"
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