Premier League players are reportedly in talks to “boycott” BBC media duties in the wake of Gary Lineker’s removal from Match of the Day.
Regular presenter Lineker was pulled from the line-up for tonight’s programme on Friday evening after comments he had made on social media regarding the government's new immigration policy.
Shortly afterwards, pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer announced they would not be working on the show in solidarity with their colleague.
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This led to the BBC announcing it would not have any presenters or pundits on this evening's programme - which gets under way at 10.20pm on BBC One - and will instead have highlights only from today's six Premier League fixtures. Liverpool take on Bournemouth in the lunchtime kick-off, while Everton host Brentford at 3pm.
According to The Mirror, Premier League players are in talks to “boycott” media duties for the BBC. The report states that players are “discussing ways to show their solidarity with many already vocal about xenophobia and discrimination in society.”
It has also been reported that the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has been contacted by many players across the country and that it has made it clear that it will support any unwilling to speak to the BBC before and after matches this weekend.
It was later confirmed on Friday night that Match of the Day commentators would also not be working on tonight's programme.
A statement released on Twitter by the six commentators who were set to cover the games for the programme reads: "As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night's broadcast.
“We know that football fans want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use world feed commentary if they wish. However, in the circumstances we do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme."
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