BBC football programmes Football Focus and Final Score will not air on Saturday, with stars including Alex Scott pulling out in solidarity with Gary Lineker.
Lineker, 62, has been stood down from Match of the Day presenting duties by the BBC after publicly criticising the language used around the UK Government’s migration bill, prompting a number of pundits, presenters, commentators and reporters to stage a walkout.
“We all love the BBC and are proud to work for such a great broadcaster. More importantly, we consider it an absolute honour to keep people up to date on football on a Saturday at 3pm.
“A lot of work had already gone into today’s show. Many of us are freelancers – only paid per game. We have made a salary sacrifice today.
“But I can’t stand by and see a colleague unsupported like this for a personal opinion which did not break BBC Editorial Guidelines. Please also be kind to other BBC Sport colleagues who will still be working because they will not have the luxury of choice we have.”
