The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have released a statement confirming that Premier League players will not be asked to conduct interviews with the BBC's Match of the Day. The BBC released a statement regarding their decision to take MOTD host Gary Lineker off the air from their coverage this weekend.
The ex-England international was said to have "stepped back" from the programme after controversy regarding posts on social media. Lineker made comparisons between language in the Government's new immigration policy and "Germany in the 30s", comments which resulted in him being asked to 'step back' from his role on Match of the Day.
Following the news, Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, who regularly feature on the Match of the Day panel decided not to feature on the programme in a show of solidarity with Lineker - whilst commentators who cover matches for the show have also taken the decision not to feature. A spokesperson from the BBC revealed that Match of the Day will be going ahead, but with no presenters or pundits during the show: "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," they said.
READ MORE: Ian Wright and Alan Shearer make major BBC Match of the Day decision after Gary Lineker 'stood down'
The PFA statement read: "We have been informed that players involved in today's (Saturday) games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day. The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight's programme.
"During those conversations we made clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments. This is a common sense decision that ensures players won't now be put in that position."
During a live news bulletin on Channel 5, former BBC Sport presenter Dan Walker revealed he was in conversation via text message with Lineker about the news. "I'm actually texting the man himself at the moment," Walker said.
"I've asked Gary Lineker the question about whether he is stepping back or whether the BBC have told him to step back. I've told him that if responds to me I will read out that text on air.
"There is one word in there I can't use, but he has said, 'no, they've told me I have to step back', so Gary Lineker wants to continue to present Match of the Day and is not apologising for what he said, he says its a BBC decision to force him to not present the programme at the moment."
BBC's Football Focus and Final Score programmes could also be in jeopardy this afternoon with a number of Lineker's colleagues choosing to stand with him. Alex Scott tweeted that: "I made a decision last night that even though I love doing football focus and we had an incredible week winning an SJA award that it just doesn't feel right going ahead with the show today. Hopefully I will be back in the chair next week..."
Match of the Day is still set to go ahead, but will broadcast only match highlights with no punditry, commentary or analysis.
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