Gary Lineker Disagreed with BBC Apology After Wolves vs Liverpool FA Cup Sex Noise Prank
The BBC was compelled to issue an apology after a sex noise prank disrupted its FA Cup coverage, but former host Gary Lineker saw the humorous side and publicly disagreed with the broadcaster's response. The incident occurred during the pre-match build-up for a Wolves versus Liverpool fixture, leaving viewers and pundits alike in a state of bemusement.
Prank Disrupts Pre-Match Analysis
Prior to the FA Cup match three years ago, which Liverpool won 1-0, Gary Lineker and pundits Paul Ince and Danny Murphy were attempting to discuss the game when loud moaning sounds of a sexual nature suddenly blared in the background at full volume. The noises played on a loop, making it difficult for the presenters to maintain their professional composure.
Lineker could not resist chuckling and made light of the circumstances, even as the relentless interruptions continued. It was initially unclear where the sounds originated, but the broadcaster cut away from the studio to co-commentator Alan Shearer in the gantry while viewers picked up on the bizarre audio.
Lineker's Light-Hearted Reaction
Shortly after kick-off, Lineker revealed on social media platform X that the cause was a hidden mobile phone taped to the back of the set. He tweeted a picture of the phone with the caption: "Well, we found this taped to the back of the set. As sabotage goes it was quite amusing."
The BBC later apologised to viewers who were offended and pledged to investigate thoroughly. However, Lineker, who left his long-standing role at the BBC last year, saw the funny side, joking on X: "Nothing to moan about, I guess." He continued to make light of the incident during the half-time segment and after the final whistle, quipping about Harvey Elliott's goal: "...which was not the only one we've had tonight."
Questioning the Need for an Apology
In an interview with Newsnight after the match, Lineker adopted a light-hearted stance and questioned the necessity of the apology. He said: "If you had told me this morning that tonight I would be on Newsnight talking about a porn scandal, I would have been terrified. But thankfully it was just something that happened in the studio."
He added: "I thought maybe it had gone to one of the pundits' phones but then we worked out that it was a prank. It was so loud that I could hardly hear what the pundits were saying. I have to say, I think it's funny. The BBC have issued some sort of apology - I know not why. We've certainly got nothing to apologise for."
Recollections from Lineker and Shearer
Months later, Lineker and Alan Shearer recalled the incident, with Shearer admitting he initially thought the noise was coming from his own phone. Shearer explained: "I'd been tricked by people sending me that video so many times and I'm thinking, 'Has it gone off on my phone, in my pocket?' I tried to be professional and ignore it; I only started laughing when you [Lineker] started laughing!"
Lineker interjected humorously: "It's the porn he was listening to the night before!" highlighting the camaraderie and jest that surrounded the event.
Prankster Behind the Stunt
The stunt was eventually revealed to be the work of notorious prankster Dan Jarvis, known online as Jarvo69 or BMWJarvo. Jarvis managed to walk into Molineux unchallenged by security and hide the phone on the BBC set. He posted a YouTube video live-streaming from his living room, detailing how he executed the prank with accomplices.
After considering planting the £20 phone with the extra-loud ringtone under a chair or table, Jarvis decided to attach it high on the wall of the set, hidden from view. He claims to have called the burner phone a dozen times during the broadcast, ensuring the disruptive noises persisted throughout the pre-match coverage.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of live broadcasting and the differing perspectives on handling such pranks, with Lineker's humorous take contrasting sharply with the BBC's formal apology.
