A question of spoilsports?
As web trolls target Sue Barker’s rumoured successor, Lineker tells them: You’re the problem
GARY Lineker has sparked a furious row after he appeared to confirm footballer Alex Scott as the new host of A Question Of Sport.
The Match of the Day presenter yesterday tweeted congratulations to the former Arsenal defender on her rumoured appointment to the BBC sports quiz show after Sue Barker was axed. But in a message to trolls who have attacked Miss Scott’s apparent appointment, he said if they didn’t like it they ‘might be part of the problem’. The remark was seen by many as an accusation of racism or sexism on the part of commenters, triggering anger on social media. Lineker, a former England striker and one of the BBC’s most prominent sports presenters, wrote: ‘Congratulations and good luck to Alex Scott on being the new host for A Question Of Sport. Smart, knowledgeable and perfectly qualified for the role. ‘Oh... and if you have a problem with Alex getting the job, you might just be part of the problem.’ Lineker, who agreed to give up £400,000 of his £1.75million salary as
‘Appointment is speculation’
part of a five- year deal announced on Tuesday, deleted the tweet last night.
At the weekend it was announced that former tennis ace Miss Barker, 64, and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell had been axed from the programme so bosses can revamp it with fresh talent.
The BBC has denied that any conversations have taken place with Miss Scott, 35, who is of Irish and Jamaican descent, and a spokesman said it is ‘all speculation’.
Lineker’s comment came after The Sun reported that Miss Scott, who appeared on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, was poised to replace Miss Barker as host.
As the article circulated on social media, trolls on Twitter left comments saying Miss Scott had been appointed ‘because she ticks the gender/ age /colour boxes’.
Another wrote: ‘Oh well just another great programme ruined I definitely will not be watching Question of Sport in future shame as it’s one of my favourites.’
According to the newspaper,
Miss Scott is due to meet with show bosses next month before castings and contracts are signed in December.
A formal announcement is expected in the new year. ‘Alex is being lined up as host, as a direct replacement for Sue,’ a source said.
‘Like Sue, she’s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt. She’s a natural on camera and, crucially, lives and breathes all things sport. This has nothing to do with gender, nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke.’
Angry Twitter users hit back at Lineker’s ‘ appalling’ statement.
One wrote: ‘ Absolutely no need for the last comment. I have never watched A Question Of Sport but I expect fans of Sue Barker will be disappointed at her removal in the name of diversity.’
They added: ‘ Suggesting that these Sue Barker fans are racist is appalling as that is what I took your last comment to mean.’ And another said: ‘What a smug, arrogant man you are! What was the point of that last comment? You’re just baiting people... If she’s the right person for the job then good for her, no need to bring colour into it. You’re part of the problem!’
On Sunday, Miss Barker told of her sadness at being ousted from the show after 24 years.
‘I love the show so much they would have to remove me, it would have been tough for me to walk away,’ she told Sportsmail.
‘I’ve absolutely loved my 24 years fronting A Question Of Sport, it’s been my dream job,’ she added. ‘But I understand the BBC want to take the show in a new direction and I’m sad to say goodbye.’
Former rugby player Dawson, 47 – who was part of the 2003 World Cup-winning England side – joined the show in 2004 and ex-cricketer Tufnell, 54, joined in 2008.