FA Cup hero picks side after Gary Lineker slammed for 'farmers' league' comment

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Gary Lineker provoked a backlash for his comments on the Newport County star (Image: Getty Images)
Gary Lineker provoked a backlash for his comments on the Newport County star (Image: Getty Images)

Newport County star Will Evans has come to the defence of Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day presenter's quip that the striker has played in a 'farmers league'.

Lineker angered some Cymru Premier fans when he commented on the former Bala Town and Cardiff Met forward's journey. Following the FA Cup clash between Newport and Manchester United, he said: "He's gone from farmers' league to the big time in the FA Cup."

Evans however, took no disrespect and believed it was more in reference to the fact he previously lived on a farm. The 26-year-old scored the Exiles second goal to equalise against United before falling to a 4-2 defeat.

He said: "If I'm honest, I think it was a passing comment. The fact that I was living on a farm and I've played in that league, I can see how it was misinterpreted.

"I think it was just one of those, it rolled off the tongue, that I was a farmer and that I've played in that league. I'm backing Gary. I don't think he meant anything by it."

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Having received some foul-mouthed criticism in the aftermath of the comment, Lineker responded to one user on X. He said: "It was a reference to being a farmer."

Evans' effort against United added to an impressive season at Rodney Parade. The Welshman has hit 20 goals in 38 appearances this term to earn a burgeoning reputation.

FA Cup hero picks side after Gary Lineker slammed for 'farmers' league' commentWill Evans celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Newport County and Manchester United (Ryan Hiscott)

Chairman Huw Jenkins has revealed that multiple bids were rejected for Evans during the January transfer window. The goalscorer is simply enjoying his time with Newport however.

He said: "I've heard rumours, I've seen things online and people send me stuff, but I'm a Newport County player. Every time I step on the pitch, I love representing the club.

"For me it's all background noise, it's nothing to do with me. If that's happening in the background then so be it. I knew I was staying here and I just want to keep proving to the fans that I can still do it for Newport. I love it here."

Scott Trotter

Match of the Day, Gary Lineker, Premier League, WhatsApp, Newport Corporation, Champions League, FA Cup

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