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The BBC was forced to intervene and alert Sky after Gary Lineker continued to feature on Sky's 'Match of the Day' webpage despite departing the corporation this year.
Audiences accessing the highlights show through Sky's platform could still see Lineker's photograph, which hadn't been updated following his exit. The BBC flagged the oversight to Sky, who acknowledged it had also noticed the blunder and described it as a technical mistake, according to the Daily Mail.
Lineker's picture was swiftly taken down before Mark Chapman fronted his debut programme on Saturday. The seasoned presenter will rotate hosting duties with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, both of whom will juggle commitments between the BBC and Sky throughout the year. Lineker, meanwhile, has made his feelings clear on the show's new-look format.
Chapman acknowledged the sweeping alterations with a touch of humor, given Lineker's tenure spanning over two decades as the programme's main host.
He was keen to spotlight Wayne Rooney, who joins the punditry team alongside Alan Shearer.
He said as the show began: "The Premier League is back and 'Match of the Day' is back.
"You may have seen and heard there's a big change to the show this season, and that is that Wayne Rooney has joined us as a regular pundit.
"Some things don't change, though, and Alan is still here."
Chapman has previously stepped in as the host of 'Match of the Day' when Lineker was absent, and regularly presented the Sunday edition, 'Match of the Day 2.'
The new hosts will take turns throughout the season, equally sharing screen time on Saturday and Sunday's programmes as well as 'Match of the Day: Champions League' on Wednesday.
Chapman has been at the helm of 'Match of the Day 2' for a dozen years and holds various other positions within the corporation, including on BBC Radio 5 Live and the 'Monday Night Club.'
Like Cates, he also presents coverage for Sky Sports, specifically for the Carabao Cup.
Lineker's final appearance was on 26 May at the close of last season, marked by a deeply moving video that brought an end to his long-standing tenure, bringing the former England international to tears.
The 64-year-old had intended to lead the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, but his departure was accelerated following a social media controversy.
English (US) ·