Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker remains popular with football fans despite parting ways with the BBC earlier this year, making a surprise appearance during Arsenal’s match against Tottenham.
Gary Lineker made a surprise appearance on Sky Sports during the North London derby. The former Match of the Day presenter, who parted ways with the BBC earlier this year, has appeared as a guest on the British broadcaster’s new show In the Box.
The segment, which will be uploaded in its entirety to YouTube on Monday, will invite celebrities, comedians and social media influencers into the box to watch a Premier League match. Four fans from each team are locked in a room together and drip-fed information as the game progresses.
Guests will not be informed of the final score until full time. Lineker supported Tottenham Hotspur with comedian Michael McIntyre, while Chris MD, who has over 6 million YouTube subscribers, supported Arsenal.
read more: Gabriel has the last laugh as Arsenal star hits back at Tottenham striker Richarlisonread more: Thierry Henry says Arsenal star must be honest with himself after Spurs win
After the Gunners beat Spurs 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night, Sky Sports broadcast live coverage of the match. Thierry Henry found the reactions of both fan groups hilarious and burst out laughing.
Les Ferdinand joked that he wanted to be on the show so he wouldn’t have to watch the match, and Jamie Carragher managed to smile. The former Tottenham striker said: “Tottenham were that bad today.
“It’s embarrassing to watch. Halfway through this game I was hoping to get into the box with Michael McIntyre. I didn’t want to watch anymore. You can’t come to Arsenal in a north London derby and not put everything on the line.”
Of course, Lineker was happy to be featured on “In The Box” with McIntyre. The Leicester City fan, who has appeared for Tottenham more than 100 times, last appeared on the BBC in May 2025, reporting on the final day of the Premier League season.
In an official statement, the British broadcaster said: “Gary Lineker will step down from his hosting role after the conclusion of Match of the Day in the 2024-25 season. He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.”
After announcing his resignation, Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life, both on the pitch and in the studio, for as long as I can remember. I greatly value the game and the work I have done for the BBC over many years.”
“As I’ve said before, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic. It goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognize the error and upset I have caused, and I reiterate how sorry I am. I now feel it is the responsible thing to do.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “Gary has accepted the mistake he made and we have therefore agreed that he will not make any further appearances at the end of this season.”
“Gary has been a definitive voice in the BBC’s football coverage for over 20 years. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and abroad.”
“We would like to thank him for his contribution.”
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan took over this season’s highlights show.
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