Reason Gary Lineker is not hosting Match of the Day after "silenced" claim
Gary Lineker is absent from Match of the Day after being silenced by a "rotten cold".
The former Barcelona and England forward has been a near ever-present on the BBC's Premier League highlights show since taking the reins from Des Lynham in 1999. He is missing from this weekend's offering due to illness.
Taking to Twitter earlier on Saturday, Lineker wrote: "Some good news for some: I’ve been silenced….with a rotten cold that seems to be lasting forever. Hate missing hosting @BBCMOTD but I’ll be watching".
Instead of Lineker, the host of Match of the Day 2, Mark Chapman, will present the programme. It will air on BBC One at 10.30pm and will take a close look at seven Premier League fixtures.
Despite being sidelined through illness, Lineker was still well enough to offer his thoughts on the day's Premier League action. The 63-year-old hailed Manchester City's Erling Haaland after his game-winning brace against Everton.
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Lineker wrote in response: "Superb from @ErlingHaaland. What a goal scorer." Lineker also praised Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson for his late strike that saw off Brentford.
He wrote: "Brennan butter for Johnson as he scores a huge winning goal for @SpursOfficial," alongside applause emojis. Lineker did not just spend his afternoon tuning into the Premier League.
Mark Chapman will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day (Getty Images)Who was your standout performer in this weekend's Premier League action? Share your thoughts in the comments below
After watching Jude Bellingham score twice in Real Madrid's top-of-the-table clash vs Girona, he wrote: “2 more goals for @BellinghamJude in the big game in @LaLigaEN. An absolute superstar. Ridiculously brilliant display from @vinijr too.”
Lineker's latest absence comes after a row with BBC bosses last year. He was temporarily taken off air after breaching impartiality guidelines. That triggered a wild backlash from fans, while colleagues such as Ian Wright and Alex Scott pulled out of their broadcasts in solidarity. Lineker was quickly reinstated.
He currently earns around £1.3million per year from the BBC and has two years left on his current deal. Asked recently about his long-term plans, Lineker revealed that he was not currently thinking about his future.
He said: "I don't know. I've still got almost two years left on my contract. So it's too early to contemplate that at the moment. But I mean I love doing Match of the Day, but, you know, obviously, what happens with... football rights and things like that, will determine things and you know, things change."
He is expected to return for next weekend's Match of the Day broadcast. Manchester City ’s home clash with Chelsea is anticipated to be among the headline games.
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