Alan Shearer is reportedly at the centre of a high-profile dispute with BBC executives, having cut his appearances on Match of the Day to around one per month. According to the Daily Mail, the long-serving pundit clashed with the broadcaster’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, in a row that has sparked claims of a civil war behind the scenes at the football highlights show.
Presenter and pundit unrest
Last season marked a significant chapter in the show’s history, as it was the first time in over 20 years that Gary Lineker did not host. Instead, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan took over presenting duties, forming what was described as a formidable trio.
However, the Daily Mail reports that presenters, pundits and the production team are upset with what they consider Kay-Jelski’s plans to take the programme “in a different direction”. A source told the outlet: “The view inside Match of the Day is that Alex’s ego has grown out of control. His decisions and attitude have left a lot of people very angry and upset.”
Accusations of a new direction
The source added: “He has never worked in television before and had turned up here wanting to make changes while earning an absolute fortune. Some are convinced he wants to change BBC Sport from a traditional, terrestrial model into something more YouTube-like. It has caused an internal mutiny.”
The feud between Shearer and Kay-Jelski is said to have begun when the former Newcastle striker was not informed that Match of the Day had been nominated at the Sports Journalism Awards. Shearer was reportedly not told about the nomination, nor was he invited to the ceremony, where the show went on to win programme of the year. Further anger came from none of Kay-Jelski’s management team calling or texting him to offer their congratulations.
Pundit changes for the new season
Elsewhere, the BBC have been fending off suggestions of a mass exodus of pundits after six big-hitters were left off the broadcaster’s press release announcing plans for the new season. Martin Keown, Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha and Theo Walcott were all absent, despite having played key roles in the past.
Four new faces are said to have joined the team, with Ashley Young, Robbie Keane, Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Frank set to feature this season. Match of the Day aired for the first time this season over the weekend and was presented by Chapman.
