Gary Lineker made a shocking cameo on Sky Sports during the North London derby. The former Match of the Day presenter, who severed ties with the BBC earlier this year, appeared as a guest on the broadcaster’s new program titled In The Box. The special will be released in full on YouTube on Monday, and will see celebrities, comedians and social media stars gather in the viewing box to witness the Premier League clash.
Four supporters from both teams are locked together in one room, but only provided with continuous updates as the live match unfolds. Participants do not know the final result until the final whistle. Lineker joined comedian Michael McIntyre in backing Tottenham, while Chris MD, who has over six million YouTube followers, backed Arsenal.
After the Gunners thrashed Spurs 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night, Sky Sports showed viewers the match live on TV.
Thierry Henry was tickled by the reaction from both fans and burst into laughter.
Les Ferdinand joked that he wanted to be on the show so he wouldn’t have to endure watching the match, and Jamie Carragher grinned.
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.”
Lineker, who has made more than 100 appearances for Tottenham and is a well-known Leicester City supporter, last appeared for the BBC in May 2025, covering the final day of the Premier League season.
The British broadcaster officially announced: “Gary Lineker will be stepping down from his hosting role after the 2024-25 Match of the Day season. He will not be part of the BBC’s 2026 World Cup coverage or next season’s FA Cup coverage.”
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 deeply 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 added: “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 in the UK and abroad. We would like to thank him for his contribution.”
This season’s highlight show was dominated by Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.
