Ian Wright boycotts Match of the Day after Gary Lineker decision

Former Arsenal striker and popular Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright has said he will not be doing the show this weekend.

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that Lineker will step back from the role after facing backlash for his social media activities.

Lineker took to Twitter to liken the government's new asylum policy to Nazi Germany, which led to major backlash. Since then, it was reported that the BBC will speak to the former England striker, now a decision has been made.

The BBC said in a statement: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.

“We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.

The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.

“When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can't have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”

Now, Wright has responded on Twitter by saying he will not be doing this weekend’s show.

He wrote: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”

Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) March 10, 2023

Fans were quick to praise the pundit’s decision.

One said: “Your surname begins with a W for a reason.”

Another tweeted: “Top man Ian”

A third fan added: “Proud of you Wrighty for standing up for what you believe in!”

Someone else wrote: “You are a good man.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “You’re a good man Ian, many people will appreciate it.”

It is unconfirmed who will take over from Lineker for tomorrow's show, but Jermaine Jenas is the bookies' favourite to host.