BBC executives reportedly delivered a final slight to presenter Gary Lineker by cancelling his planned interview with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah at the last moment, just before Lineker`s final appearance hosting Match of the Day.
While Lineker was scheduled to speak with the prolific goalscorer, concerns reportedly arose that the conversation might veer into controversial territory regarding Gaza, especially given Lineker`s recent online controversy related to a post.
According to a source, the decision to cancel the interview was made by BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who took up the position last summer.
Reports indicate a strained relationship between Lineker and Kay-Jelski, with the former England captain allegedly giving the director the cold shoulder at the FA Cup final.
An insider stated, “The intention was for the interview to be featured across BBC platforms during the weekend of Gary’s last Match Of The Day. This included airing on Football Focus the day before and being available online and on social media.”
“Unexpectedly, it was pulled. Some believe the cancellation was to prevent Gary and Mo from discussing Gaza.”
“Salah has publicly supported Palestinians in Gaza, and Gary has also expressed his views. It was felt this topic might naturally arise during their chat.”
“It appears they cancelled it rather than risk potential editorial complications. Having just navigated one controversy, facing another would have been a nightmare situation for them.”
This incident follows Lineker`s temporary departure from his BBC role after sharing a social media post critical of Zionism that contained an image widely interpreted as an antisemitic slur.
Amidst significant pressure on the BBC, Lineker issued two apologies and subsequently agreed to step back from presenting Match of the Day, a role reportedly worth £1.3 million annually.
The former Tottenham player is now understood to be focusing on his Goalhanger Podcasts business and considering offers from other broadcasters.
Lineker had previously been temporarily suspended from Match Of The Day in March 2023 following comments about the UK`s small boats immigration policy but was reinstated after fellow presenters boycotted the show in support.
The BBC`s official statement claimed, “The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary’s last Match of the Day. It would be wrong to suggest anything else.”
However, a source countered, “A multi-platform interview with a star player could have been aired at any time. Salah was keen to talk to Gary, so cancelling it entirely seems short-sighted.”
