Gary Lineker replaced by Alex Scott on Match of the Day as viewers left confused | Football | Sport
The Beeb did not provide any reasoning for the glaring omissions on set as Scott broke down Saturday’s action alongside Stephen Warnock and Martin Keown.
Lineker has been Match of the Day host since 1999, following Des Lynam’s 11-year tenure. He first started as an analyst on the hugely popular show after retiring from football in 1994.
And the 63-year-old is set to continue in the role for years to come despite close friend Wright announcing his MOTD departure at the end of the season.
But while Scott is a talented, widely respected presenter, Lineker’s absence from his hosting duties on Saturday night was felt by loyal viewers, sparking a wave of confusion on social media.
@snerkfondler asked: “Match of the day where is lineker?” Meanwhile, @MarkHil10062095 fumed: “C team match of the day punditry team …where’s the A team Lineker, shearer and wrighty. @BBCMOTD”
A seemingly concerned @AmigoNews20 questioned: “Are they phasing out Gary Lineker from MOTD?”
@BrewersFayre1 ranted: “8 Premier League games, a truly bumper Saturday, and BBC trot out Alex Scott and Steven Warnock?!
“Surely we deserve better than this. Lineker’s awful, sure, but that’s two #motd’s on the trot without him. What’s he doing instead? We pay him enough surely!”
Some were more content with Lineker’s absence than others, including @paceyhitman, who wrote: “Not sure why people are so upset about Alex Scott on MOTD. It’s refreshing not to have to listen to Lineker’s s**t puns and dad jokes. “
@nsmjourno believes Lineker will be on Match of the Day duty this weekend. “Gary Lineker hasn’t been sacked, stop guys. He’s just on Match of the Day 2 for some reason after a huge Sunday of football,” a post read.
Lineker’s absence was only addressed once during the 90-minute show as Scott introduced Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win against Luton Town.
“Well I’m sitting in his seat this evening, keeping it warm, but Gary Lineker scored twice the last time Spurs hosted Luton in a top-flight game, that must have been a long time ago,” she explained.
Scott is among the frontrunners to replace Lineker once the ex-England international calls it a day. Gabby Logan, Jermaine Jenas and Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman are also thought to be in the frame.
Lineker could be on duty for a blockbuster MOTD 2 on Sunday night after a crucial day in the title race. Liverpool host Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield before Manchester City clash with Arsenal.
