Lineker set to get ‘farewell montage’ on Match of the Day despite antisemitism row

 The BBC will pay tribute to Gary Lineker when he presents his final Match of the Day this weekend, despite the antisemitism row that forced the presenter’s early exit from the broadcaster.

The end of Lineker’s 26-year run fronting the highlights show will be marked with a tribute segment, which is expected to include a montage of memorable moments, according to BBC insiders.

It is understood Lineker will be given the opportunity to thank viewers and his fellow pundits, in what could prove to be an emotional sign-off during the live broadcast on Sunday night.

However critics had previously urged the BBC not to allow Lineker a “hero’s farewell” after announcing he would not return to present live FA Cup games and next summer’s World Cup, as planned. 

Lineker, 64, was unable to save his job after he shared an Instagram post about Zionism that included an Emoji of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.

Despite calls for him to be dropped immediately, the BBC allowed Lineker to present last weekend’s FA Cup final and to finish the Match of the Day season.

The i Paper this week revealed that the BBC has also terminated a deal with Lineker’s Goalhanger production company to air the popular The Rest Is Football podcast, which features the host discussing the week’s action with Shearer and Micah Richards, on the BBC Sounds platform.

What Lineker’s final MOTD could look like

Although Lineker’s relationship with senior BBC figures has been strained by the row, the corporation believes most viewers will expect to see a warm send-off for one of the broadcaster’s longest-serving faces.

Sunday night’s bumper 100-minute show will include highlights from all 10 Premiership matches played on a dramatic final day of the season, with several clubs battling for European spots.

We will of course be marking Gary’s final Match of the Day after 26 years on air on Sunday night,” a BBC source said. “There is likely to be a montage and other elements.”

The planned farewell could be similar to Ian Wright’s last MOTD as a pundit a year ago, The i Paper understands.

Overcome with emotion, Wright told Lineker and fellow commentator Shearer that the show “meant the world to me” and said how much he would miss their Saturday night banter.

Lineker is expected to thank the pundits who have worked alongside him and say a few words about what the show means to him. The extended show is due to finish at 12.10am.

Viewers will be keen to hear if the former England star makes any reference to the events which brought about his premature exit, even in one of his trademark wry asides.

In an email to staff this week, BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski said he was “sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster”. 

“Let’s finish the season strongly with Gary’s final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead.”

But previously Leo Pearlman, chief executive of Gavin & Stacey producer Fulwell Entertainment, said: “The BBC’s decision to allow Lineker a final appearance on Match of the Day, effectively offering him a hero’s farewell, despite the fact that he is leaving the corporation because of his use of an antisemitic trope comparing Jews to vermin, is deeply disturbing.”

Lineker will be replaced by Gabby Logan, March Chapman and Kelly Cates when a revamped MOTD returns in August.

ITV poured cold water on suggestions it could sign up Lineker, paid £1.35m a year at the BBC, to front its World Cup coverage from North America.

Disney + is putting together a new football presenting team after announcing on Friday it has bought the rights to the Uefa Women’s Champions League, streaming 75 live matches. But the US giant is likely to want a female-led presenting line-up for the games.