Match of the Day commentators boycott BBC show as Gary Lineker decision backfires

The BBC faces another nightmare ahead of Saturday's Match of the Day (MOTD) episode, with commentators ready to boycott the show. Gary Lineker will step down from presenting duties amid growing controversy on Twitter, while many top pundits have made themselves unavailable in solidarity with the former England striker.

A BBC spokesperson claimed on Friday that Lineker's Tweet comparing the government's asylum policy to 1930s Germany went against editorial guidelines and would "step back" from its presenter role.

suggest the 62-year-old has not agreed to step down from Saturday's show. The news set off a domino effect of blows to the broadcasting company with Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, who were due to appear alongside Lineker, telling the BBC they would not be showing up.

A host of other frequent guests such as Jermaine Jenas and Micah Richards have also announced that they will not be available, leaving the BBC to issue a statement confirming that the show will air without expert analysis or presenter for the first time in its 59-year history.

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Even simple match coverage can be tricky to produce, as BBC commentator Steve Wilson claims commentators have decided to step down. "As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night's show," he wrote on .

"We are reassured that football fans who wish to watch their teams can still do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish."

There have also been rumors that the players are in discussions with the PFA not to do MOTD interviews. All in all, putting together the flagship football highlights program could prove next to impossible for the BBC in a blow following its decision to temporarily ban Lineker.

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