Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker remains a favourite among football fans despite having parted ways with the BBC earlier this year, and he surprisingly popped up in Arsenal vs Tottenham
Gary Lineker and Michael McIntyre on Sky Sports' new show
Gary Lineker and Michael McIntyre starred in Sky Sports' new show
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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, was a guest on the British broadcaster's new show called ‘In The Box’.
The segment, which will be uploaded in full to YouTube on Monday, invites celebrities, comedians, and social media influencers into a box to watch a Premier League game. Four fans from each team are locked in a room together, and they're drip-fed information as the match progresses.
The guests are not told the final score until full-time. Lineker supported Tottenham Hotspur alongside comedian Michael McIntyre, while ChrisMD, who has over six million subscribers on YouTube, cheered on Arsenal.
Sky Sports showed a glimpse of the action live on air following the Gunners' 4-1 win over Spurs at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night. Thierry Henry was amused by the reactions of either fanbases, bursting into laughter.
Les Ferdinand joked that he wanted to be on the show so he didn't have to watch the game, while Jamie Carragher managed a smile. The former Tottenham striker said: "Tottenham were that bad today.
Gary Lineker speaks into a microphone
Gary Lineker left the BBC earlier this year(Image: PA)
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"It's embarrassing to watch. Halfway through this game, I was hoping I could go in the box with Michael McIntyre. I didn't want to watch anymore. You can't come to Arsenal in the North London Derby and not put everything on the line."
Lineker, of course, had the pleasure of featuring on ‘In The Box’ with McIntyre. The Leicester City fan, who featured over 100 times for Tottenham, made his last appearance 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 leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for 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 coverage."
Following confirmation of his departure, Lineker said: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years.
"As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Gary Lineker backstage during the NTA's 2025
Gary Lineker has won the Best Presenter award at this year's National Television Awards
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Tim Davie, BBC director general, said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.
"We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have taken over the highlights show this season.
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