GARY Lineker showed his staunch support for the BBC as he backed its revamped Match of the Day launch following his controversial axe.
The popular presenter encouraged fans to stay loyal to the football highlights programme – despite being replaced by after 26 years.
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Gary tuned into the new-look series last night as it aired for the first time since his emotional exit in May – with Mark Chapman in the hot seat to kick off the new season.
Sharing a snap of him watching on TV, Gary told his social media followers: “Can’t miss Match of the Day.”
He had earlier suggested he was happy to be a spectator from home as she shared his set up on the sofa.
“I could get used to this,” Gary wrote.
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Kelly Cates, 49, and 52-year-old Gabby Logan will share hosting duties with Mark as the impressive trio make up the new presenting team on Saturdays.
An insider told The Sun: “It’s obviously a dramatic change for Gary to be watching from his sofa at home and not be in the thick of it.
“But he was keen to show his support to the new hosts, by sharing a picture of him tuning in last night.
“A lot of other people who left under his circumstances wouldn’t have done that.
“In face, some perhaps might even actively discouraged others from watching, but Gary doesn’t hold a grudge.
“He wanted to take the high road and cheer on the new guard to succeed.”
Broadcaster Chappers, 52, was last night joined by ex-England strikers Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney as they analysed games including Man City’s trip to Wolves and Aston Villa hosting Newcastle.
However, the show’s debut failed to impress with some viewers.
One said: “This is exactly why Gary Lineker was well paid for his services.
“He had been there, done it, won it, & worn the T-shirt, and was now doing the same thing when presenting a great show with class and charisma. #MOTD is now dead.“
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Another added: “Trying to watch MOTD and I miss Gary. It’s just not the same. That man was in my life weekly for decades.”
However, many appreciated that aside from fresh faces, not much had changed on BBC One’s flagship football show.
A viewer insisted: “Mark Chapman is a fantastic host.”
Gabby said before the launch: “The focus is only on us because Gary’s leaving and he’s such a huge name.
“We’re nowhere near the most important people on the show.
“The most important thing is the football, then it’s the pundits and what they think about it.
“What people will notice is that there isn’t much change.”
“It helps that we’re all really different from Gary, in that he goes in with a profile of his own as an England legend,” Kelly added.
“It’s a very different career path. An ex-player taking over would be a more direct comparison.”
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Gary announced in November 2024 he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby.
It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked.
A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.
“As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season.
The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.
He has since been signed by rival channel ITV – returning to Saturday night telly to host a new game show called The Box.
It will see 12 celebs put in boxes and given daring challenges, and is touted as the successor to Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
