Jurgen Klopp to Lead Boycott of Match of the Day from Managers and Players amid Gary Lineker row

Jurgen Klopp to Lead Boycott of Match of the Day from Managers and Players amid Gary Lineker row

 

In the midst of the continuing Match of the Day controversy, Jürgen Klopp may refuse to talk to the BBC in solidarity with Gary Lineker.

Liverpool face Bournemouth in an early Premier League match this Saturday, and rumors claim manager Jurgen Klopp may avoid speaking with the BBC in favor of speaking with other networks.

Lineker would “step back” from his Match of the Day hosting duties, the BBC confirmed on Friday, after he “broke guidelines” by labelling the government’s new Migration Bill as “beyond dreadful” on social media.

The decision, which was not reached amicably with Lineker, has sparked outrage among fans and several of Lineker’s Match of the Day colleagues.

Immediately after revealing his resignation, frequent pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also confirmed they would not be appearing on the show this weekend. Many others have subsequently followed suit, including many prospective stand-in hosts and all six commentators scheduled to work on Saturday night’s program.

It is also understood that Premier League players have contacted The Professional Footballers’ Association and may decide to boycott BBC interviews this weekend. The organization has stated unequivocally that it will support any individuals who choose not to fulfill their contractual media duties with the broadcaster.

Despite contact with the PFA, allegations of Klopp refusing to speak to the BBC are the first time a specific person has been touted to avoid the organization in the aftermath of the Lineker saga.

The possibility of players and clubs declining interviews for Match of the Day would be another huge issue for the BBC, which announced in a statement on Friday night that Saturday night’s broadcast would take place without a host or studio guests.

A BBC spokesperson said: “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. We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”

The BBC may also be forced to use the World Feed commentary over the top of their highlights after the show’s commentators also decided to boycott this weeks show.

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