Gary Lineker's parting shot at BBC boss as Match of the Day feud turns ugly

Gary Lineker's final edition of night as the broadcasting veteran departs the . And it has now emerged that the legendary former England footballer aimed an awkward parting shot at his BBC boss just days before his exit was officially announced.

Lineker, 64, that he'd be departing the channel prematurely having been expected to , leading their coverage and presenting at next summer's . The Match of the Day icon's position seemingly .

but saw the fallout lead to his early exit after 26 years presenting Match of the Day. And in the days before his departure was announced, Lineker is reported to have left his colleagues in little doubt over his feelings towards .

Lineker is said to have snubbed Kay-Jelski while working at the FA Cup final - which took place days before his exit announcement - before making remarks about the BBC boss. : “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.

"When he was working on the FA Cup final, just two days before he quit, Alex came over to where Gary was and he just walked off without a word.

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"He made a couple of remarks about Alex in earshot of people working around them. It’s clear there’s no love lost. Gary is really well liked and there are plenty of people who joked that they agreed with what he said."

Kay-Jelski became director of sport in April 2024, and was tasked with emailing staff following the news of Lineker's exit. "You will have seen in the past few minutes that will be leaving the BBC at the end of the current football season. I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you," Kay-Jelski wrote.

"Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren't easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news. It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service.

"As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am. Let's finish the season strongly with Gary's final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead."

Following Lineker's final outing as presenter of Match of the Day, he will be replaced by a trio of anchors as the show undergoes a new format. Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have the task of replacing the Saturday night legend.

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