'Doesn't hold a grudge' - Gary Lineker puts feet up to watch Match Of The Day for first time since leaving BBC show in show of support for new presenters and pundits

The former England captain left his role at the BBC after the end of last season after becoming embroiled in more controversy following a social media post. Lineker's stepped down a year ahead of schedule and relinquished presenting duties for the FA Cup and World Cup 2026.

Match of the Day kicked off without Lineker on Saturday, with Mark Chapman taking up hosting duties. The show has tweaked its format, and that means Chapman will share presenting duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan. Lineker showed his support for the new presenters by putting his feet up and tuning in to watch the day's highlights. He posted on Instagram: "Can't miss Match of the Day."

Instagram

A source told The Sun that Lineker holds no hard feeling towards the programme, saying: "It's obviously a dramatic change for Gary to be watching from his sofa at home and not be in the thick of it. But he was keen to show his support to the new hosts, by sharing a picture of him tuning in last night. A lot of other people who left under the circumstances he did wouldn’t have done that. In fact, some perhaps might even have actively discouraged others from watching - but Gary doesn’t hold a grudge. He wanted to take the high road and cheer on the new guard to succeed."

Lineker is due back on screens in 2026 after landing a new job hosting ITV show The Box.