Match of the Day viewing figures have taken a big nostril dive since Gary Lineker’s controversial exit, in keeping with a report.
Lineker, 64, was axed by the BBC in disgrace in Could over his Instagram put up about Zionism that includes a rat that ignited an antisemitism row.
The previous England striker departed after sharing an Instagram story about Zionism that includes a rat – a vile antisemitic trope utilized by the Nazis to characterise Jews as vermin.
He stated that he understands ‘the error and upset that I brought on’ and can not work for the BBC presenting FA Cup matches this season and on the subsequent World Cup in North America in 2026 after he had initially prolonged his deal.
Lineker introduced his last present on the finish of final season, earlier than being changed by Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman within the highlights present hotseat.
However his exit has coincided with tons of of hundreds of viewers deciding to not watch the long-running present, and as an alternative opting to catch the net highlights.
Match of the Day viewing figures have plummeted since Gary Lineker’s BBC exit, in keeping with a report
Lineker was changed by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates because the present’s presenter
The Telegraph report that common viewing figures present that 2.39million followers are tuning into the present on a Saturday evening, in comparison with 2.68m this time final yr.
It’s also stated that one present was watched by almost 3million final season and got here near dipping beneath 2million this yr.
Analysis does, although, counsel that viewing figures have been falling earlier than Lineker’s exit, and the BBC have stated that highlights on their new on-line platform are being watched by 1.7m individuals on common every week.
In Lineker’s last season, the August-October interval noticed numbers drop from 2.92m individuals on common by greater than eight per cent.
The present has, nonetheless, retained its dominance within the timeslot, attracting a mean of 34.8 per cent of individuals watching tv, in comparison with 34.7 per cent for a similar interval within the earlier two years.
Match of the Day’s sister present, Match of the Day (broadcast on Sunday), has additionally seen a dip in viewing figures.
Lineker had already agreed to step down as Match of the Day host for this season earlier than the antisemitism row, however was nonetheless set to current FA Cup and World Cup video games.
That was scrapped in Could because the presenter, incomes £1.35m a yr because the company’s highest-paid presenter, departed with no pay-off.
Lineker shared a now-deleted reel on Instagram that includes a rat that ignited an antisemitism row
Lineker, 64. was as a result of proceed working with the BBC this season however had his £1.35million-a-year contract scrapped
Saying his exit in a BBC assertion, the previous England footballer stated: ‘Soccer has been on the coronary heart of my life for so long as I can bear in mind – each on the pitch and within the studio.
‘I care deeply in regards to the recreation, and in regards to the work I’ve executed with the BBC over a few years. As I’ve stated, I might by no means consciously repost something antisemitic – it goes in opposition to every little thing I stand for.
‘Nevertheless, I recognise the error and upset that I brought on, and reiterate how sorry I’m. Stepping again now feels just like the accountable plan of action.’
The BBC’s director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, emailed employees minutes later and stated: ‘I recognize the final week has been troublesome and emotional for a lot of of you. Thanks for all of the messages and conversations, even when a few of them weren’t straightforward to have’.
He added: ‘It’s unhappy to be saying goodbye to such an excellent broadcaster and I additionally need to thank Gary for his years of service’.
The BBC have been approached for remark.
