The BBC has confirmed that this weekend's edition of Match of the Day will air without presenter Gary Lineker or pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.
Earlier today it was announced that Lineker - host of the show for the last 24 years - had been suspended from the programme over his controversial Tweet earlier this week.
In the post, the 62-year-old had voiced his opposition to the government's plans to try to deal with illegal migrants crossing the English Channel, inferring that their language was similar to that used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Although the opinion was posted on his private social media account, the BBC said that he had broken the corporation's code of conduct relating to impartiality and would therefore be suspended until a resolution is reached.
Both Wright and Shearer subsequently confirmed that they would also skip the show out of "solidarity" for Lineker, who has yet to comment publicly on the developments.
A BBC spokesperson said tonight: "Some of our pundits have said that they don't wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
"We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry."
Lineker is the highest-paid on-air talent employed directly by the BBC, with an annual salary of around £1.35m. body check tags ::
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 23rd May 2024
