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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Gary Lineker sends 'gutted' message after Everton relegate Leicester

Gary Lineker has congratulated Everton after they avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League campaign.

As a result of Abdoulaye Doucoure's wonder-strike midway through the second-half, the Match of the Day presenters' boyhood club, Leicester City, were relegated. The Foxes beat David Moyes' side at the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Wout Faes but it wasn't enough as the Blues ensured they saw the job through.

The Everton midfielder, who penned a one-year extension in midweek, continued his brilliant turnaround under Sean Dyche. Jordan Pickford was on-hand to deny Bournemouth's efforts on goal with Dominic Solanke and Matias Vina frustrated by the Blues shot-stopper.

PLAYER RATINGS: Abdoulaye Doucoure gets perfect score for stunning Bournemouth goal

READ MORE: Incredible scenes at Everton's Goodison Park after win over Bournemouth

In a 17-word tweet, Lineker expressed the 'gutting' feeling post-match but congratulated the club where he spent a season before moving to Barcelona.

"Absolutely gutted, but glad it’s @Everton. Have a lot of love for that great football club. Congratulations," he said.

From a Leicester perspective, the 62-year-old added: "A word on @lcfc [Leicester City]: If 8 years ago, you’d have given me the option of winning the Premier League and the FA Cup and then get relegated, I’d have snapped your hand off.

"Also I’d have told you not to be so utterly ridiculous."

Leeds United also slipped into the English second tier alongside Leicester and already-relegated Southampton. Sam Allardyce couldn't manage to keep the Elland Road club afloat as they were demolished in west Yorkshire by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Saints' fate was sealed after a 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham a number of weeks ago.

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