Joe Hart Reflects on Gary Lineker's Departure from Match of the Day
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart has publicly commended Gary Lineker for his "incredible work" on Match of the Day, following Lineker's controversial exit from the BBC flagship programme at the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Hart, a regular pundit on the show, shared his insights exclusively with The Mirror, highlighting Lineker's welcoming nature and pivotal role in the programme's success.
Controversial Exit and Apology
Lineker's departure came after a series of controversies, most notably a social media post about the Israel-Palestine conflict that included an image of a rat, which is historically recognised as an antisemitic insult. Despite apologising and confirming he had not spotted the image, the 65-year-old former Tottenham star announced he would step down from the BBC before the FA Cup and World Cup coverage.
Lineker stated: "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." This move marked the end of his over 25-year tenure on Match of the Day, a period during which he became synonymous with the show.
Hart's Personal Tribute to Lineker
In his interview, Hart expressed deep gratitude for Lineker's mentorship and integration into the Match of the Day family. He remarked, "Gary was unbelievable, brilliant, what he did for Match of the Day, very welcoming to me. I can't thank him enough for how he integrated me into the MOTD family, and he was an incredible spearhead for it." Hart's comments underscore Lineker's importance in boosting the programme's popularity in modern football broadcasting.
The ex-goalkeeper also reflected on the inevitability of change in football, noting, "The world keeps spinning, I find that in football. That was one of the things I learned very, very early. You had such important people leave, you had managers leave, and you felt like it was going to be a huge hole."
New Presenters and Moving Forward
Lineker has been replaced by Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman, who have been fronting the coverage throughout the current campaign. Hart praised the new lineup, saying, "He's moved on and the presenters who have come in have been excellent. You know, Kelly, Gabby, Mark Chapman, all brilliant in their own rights. Like I say, the world keeps spinning. They are doing a top job, but no one will ever forget the incredible work that Gary did."
Hart believes the BBC has handled the transition well, with the new presenters maintaining the show's quality while honouring Lineker's legacy. He added, "The footballing world has to move on and believes the BBC have done so in the right way with their new-look programme."
Hart's Return to the Pitch
In related news, Hart has announced his return to the pitch as part of the Soccer Aid line-up at London Stadium this May. Soccer Aid for UNICEF, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, will see Hart participating in the charity match, with adult tickets starting from £20 and juniors from £10. This event highlights Hart's ongoing involvement in football beyond punditry.
Hart's remarks offer a balanced perspective on Lineker's exit, acknowledging both the controversies and the lasting impact of his contributions to Match of the Day. As the show continues with its new presenters, Hart's insights remind fans of the programme's evolution while celebrating its storied past.
