A historic moment for Match of the Day is upon us – the post-Gary Lineker version of the iconic show. Lineker, who had anchored Match Of The Day since 1999, delivered a heartfelt farewell during his premature BBC departure on May 26 this year.
His exit came after a social media controversy when he shared content about Zionism that included imagery of a rodent, a symbol with historical antisemitic connotations – which he claimed he had no knowledge of.
The broadcaster’s top-earning talent issued a so-called “complete apology” for the social media clip he circulated, which ultimately triggered his early BBC exit. Lineker had been scheduled to present BBC Sport’s FA Cup coverage for the 2025-26 campaign.
However, out with the old and in with the new, as the show’s trio of new hosts have lined up for special photo shoot to mark their hosting debuts taking place this weekend with the much-needed return of the Premier League.
Alongside MOTD 2 host Mark Saggers, former Sky Sports stalwart Kelly Cates (the daughter of footballing god Kenny Dalglish) and well-known BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan all stood together to hold a very old-fashioned football, while – for some reason – posing on top of and around a table.
The posh photo-shoot was not done in the MOTD studio, and some images show the trio sitting on some old-style football stadium seating on top of fake grass.
It’s all a bit odd, however thy were officially announced to take over from Lineker in January, when BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said: “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season.
“They’re brilliant at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analysed.
“Outside of Match of the Day we’ve got some great new shows, voices and surprises lined up for the 2025-26 season across audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.
“It’s a truly exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
Onwards and upwards, to a Lineker-free future.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
