Lineker Departs Match of the Day After Controversy

Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years, concluding his long tenure with an emotional farewell, thanks to colleagues, and tributes from football legends including Pep Guardiola and Paul Gascoigne. His exit follows a social media controversy involving an anti-Semitic post, for which Lineker publicly apologized. He will be replaced as host from the 2025/26 season. The farewell was marked by Lineker fighting back tears, losing his script for the first time, and being presented with gifts from Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. An on-air production error mistakenly showing David Moyes as West Ham manager was noted by viewers but did not overshadow the send-off. Lineker's compassion, highlighted by a past heartfelt message to ill colleague Alan Hansen, was celebrated by fans and peers.