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Alan Shearer has responded to Gary Lineker securing the Best Presenter award at this year's National Television Awards.
The 64-year-old departed his position as 'Match of the Day' host in May following a 26-year tenure fronting the BBC's flagship Premier League highlights programme. His departure stemmed from a social media post he shared featuring a rat emoji, a symbol with historical antisemitic connotations when used to represent Jewish people.
Lineker promptly deleted the post and issued multiple apologies, yet it was determined he would leave the BBC 12 months ahead of his original schedule. The former England forward has now secured the NTA's 'Best Presenter' accolade.
Lineker's victory has brought an end to Ant and Dec's remarkable streak of 23 successive wins.
"Yesssss @GaryLineker congratulations," MOTD pundit Shearer posted on X following the announcement.
Many anticipated Newcastle icon Shearer would back his fellow Geordies Ant and Dec, yet the former Premier League great chose to champion Lineker instead.
Lineker has also addressed the prospect of returning to the BBC.
"I really don't know... I'm really looking forward to working with ITV... I'm not so sure," he commented backstage.
In the most recent edition of 'The Rest Is Football' podcast, the former Tottenham and Barcelona striker disclosed his NTA nomination.
He remarked: "I'm going to the NTAs tonight, I've been nominated chaps, nominated, how about that?"
Both Shearer and Micah Richards offered their mate a bit of a boost, with the latter jesting: "Aw, go on Gaz, have you got any wind?
"Have you sent a text out or what to say, 'I'm only turning up if I'm getting the award.'"
He brushed off the suggestion, maintaining it was the "Ant and Dec award anyway," implying he believed his chances of winning were slim.
Shearer feigned surprise before adding: "I have voted for you, though."
English (US) ·