Gary Lineker fighting back tears while delivering live TV message to colleague summed him up

Gary Lineker’s 26-year tenure with Match of the Day comes to a close on Sunday evening, as the presenter cuts ties with the BBC completely following recent social media controversy

Gary Lineker was visibly moved as he delivered a heartfelt message to his former Match of the Day colleague, Alan Hansen, last year. While presenting BBC’s live coverage of Euro 2024 with Alan Shearer, Lineker took a moment to speak about the Liverpool legend who was at the time seriously ill in hospital.

The Scottish pundit, a mainstay on MOTD until 2014, found himself hospitalised in June due to ill health, and Lineker, showing his solidarity, reached out to the 69-year-old on television. He said: “Before we move on, it’s been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day.

“The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn’t it Alan?” Shearer responded: “Oh absolutely. We’re great friends with Al, we know his character, we know how tough he is.

“So, we’re thinking of you big man. We’re with you, we’re hoping and we’re praying for you.” Lineker added: “We certainly are. Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.

“To use an analogy of Alan’s favourite pastime, golf, you may be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan. I’ve never known a more competitive person in my life – we’re all with you, Big Al.”

Thankfully, Hansen has since left the hospital and is recovering well, with the former First Division champion getting ready to present Liverpool with the Premier League trophy come Sunday. It is reported that Hansen is set to present the trophy to Virgil van Dijk after his club’s final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield, with Mark and Jo McVeigh of the Owen McVeigh Foundation also contributing to the ceremony.

The McVeighs established the charity in loving memory of their son Owen in 2015, who passed away from leukaemia, and they’re dedicated to supporting families going through similar situations in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Meanwhile, Lineker is gearing up for his Match of the Day finale on Sunday, severing his ties with the BBC following an impressive 26-year run anchoring the leading football highlights programme.

The former Leicester City and Tottenham striker had initially said in November that he would hang up his MOTD microphone after the 2024/25 Premier League season whilst still intending to host the BBC’s FA Cup and World Cup programmes in 2026. However, a sudden shift unfolded this week as Lineker shared that he will leave the BBC entirely.

This decision came in the wake of controversy stirred by a social media post Lineker shared about Zionism, which included a rat emoji – something historically linked to anti-Semitism. Facing backlash over the contentious post, Lineker took to social media on Monday to confirm his full departure from the broadcasting corporation.

He said: “Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji.

“If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.

“I would like once again to say I’m sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that.”

He added: “So I think it’s best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season’s FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show.”

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