Xuenou > Sports > Chris Sutton breaks rank over Gary Lineker row with fans ‘disappointed’ in BBC pundit
Chris Sutton breaks rank over Gary Lineker row with fans ‘disappointed’ in BBC pundit
Chris Sutton breaks rank over Gary Lineker row with fans 'disappointed' in BBC pundit,Chris Sutton failed to stand in solidarity with Gary Lineker like most of their fellow BBC employees, describing the situation as 'messy' after he wasn't able to host 606

Chris Sutton breaks rank over Gary Lineker row with fans ‘disappointed’ in BBC pundit

Chris Sutton failed to follow suit with his BBC colleagues by expressing his frustration at not being on air because of their dispute with Gary Lineker.

The Beeb's football coverage was thrown into disarray this weekend after Lineker was taken off Match of the Day hosting duties for failing to apologise about a tweet in which he compared the government's asylum policy to language used in 1930s Germany.

Several of his co-stars announced they wouldn't be working their usual duties in solidarity with him and as a result, most shows were cancelled while MOTD ran a 20-minute episode without pundits or commentators.

READ MORE: Match of the Day have Gary Lineker replacement booked – but BBC face more embarrassment

But Sutton said he "would have loved" to have carried on business as usual. Taking to Twitter on Saturday evening, he wrote: "There is no 606 tonight.

"I hope Gary Lineker and the BBC resolve this messy situation and Gary is back on MOTD soon but I’d have loved to have worked on our football phone in tonight and chatted about football and all of the days games."

Many fans weren't happy with his take. One replied: "Chris Sutton showing his true colours, disappointed."

What do you think of Sutton's tweet? Let us know in the comments section.

Presenter and former footballer Gary Lineker seen leaving his home on March 11, 2023
Gary Lineker's row with the BBC saw their football coverage decimated this weekend (Image: GC Images)

A second commented: "There’s no but in solidarity Chris." And a third teased: "Must be so hard for you Chris to miss a phone-in. Sending positive thoughts your way at this difficult time for you."

Others supported his stance, though, with one saying: "I agree Chris this is messy and it should have been resolved to get back to the football chats." Another added: "I will miss your show and the pleasure it gives. I would have ploughed on."

There's uncertainty surrounding the rest of the weekend's coverage and how long the issue could persist, with the BBC set to broadcast two of the FA Cup quarter-finals next week.

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