Other shows at risk from walkout as revolt may spread to rugby and WSL
‘I cannot see why you would ask somebody to step back for that. But that’s the world we live in’
SWATHES of BBC programming have been thrown into doubt amid the ongoing chaos over Gary Lineker being stood down from Match of the Day.
Match of the Day 2, the flagship Sunday highlights show, is at risk of not being aired, as Mark Chapman has informed the BBC he will not present it.
The status of Chelsea v Manchester United – a potentially pivotal match in the Women’s Super League – needs to be confirmed, while discussions are taking place over Scotland v Ireland in rugby’s Six Nations, with Gabby Logan due to present BBC One’s coverage from 2.15pm.
Reshmin Chowdhury is scheduled to host the WSL match at Kingsmeadow from 12.15pm.
Of the rugby, the BBC website promises that “Gabby Logan introduces coverage… Analysis from Martin Johnson, John Barclay and Tommy Bowe.”
Whether the whole team will appear is unclear, but sources said that backstage discussions took place as to the make-up of the show, Match of the Day 2 and the WSL match at Kingsmeadow.
The issue for many pundits, commentators and presenters extends beyond showing solidarity with Lineker, it is understood.
Many are asking whether they will be also expected to remain politically impartial in public statements when they are freelance broadcasters whose involvement with the BBC is only part of a wider portfolio.
The toxic fallout from the decision to force Lineker off air spread yesterday, with Football Focus and Final Score, both signature Saturday shows, wiped from BBC One schedules.
BBC Radio 5 Live axed its Saturday football show minutes before air and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the furore a “s---storm”.
“I cannot see why you would ask somebody to step back for saying that,” Klopp said.
“But that is the world we are living in. Everybody is so concerned with doing things in the right manner and saying the right stuff to everybody.”