Leicester mp tables motion to honour match of the day exit

Leicester-born Gary Lineker's 25-year stint on Match Of The Day could be recognised in Parliament after an early day motion (EDM) was tabled in the House of Commons. The motion, put

forward by Leicester South MP Shockat Adam, celebrates Lineker's contributions both on and off the pitch. Mr Lineker first hosted Match Of The Day in 1999 and he will leave his

presenting role at the BBC following the final episode for the 2024/25 season. The 64-year-old's early exit from the corporation came after he made an unreserved apology for a

now-deleted social media post criticised as antisemitic. It means Lineker will no longer front the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season. Football fans

will "deeply miss" his "warmth, wit and wisdom," the motion states. READ MORE:Gary Lineker sorry for ‘hurt and upset’ caused by 'genuine mistake' Mr Adam wrote

in his early day motion that the House "pays tribute to the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of Gary Lineker as he retires from his role on Match Of The Day." The motion

celebrates him "not only as one of England's greatest ever goal scorers and a former England team captain, but as the beating heart of Leicester City FC, the club he has always

called home." The Leicester South MP also "applauds his unwavering composure, both as a player renowned for his calmness under pressure and as a broadcaster whose clarity and

humour became the voice of Saturday nights for millions." The motion acknowledges Mr Lineker's "immense charitable work," including support for children's cancer

charities, donations to the British Red Cross during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his "critical role in rescuing Leicester City FC from financial ruin in 2002." The motion was tabled

today (Tuesday, May 20). In 2002, the former England striker invested a six-figure sum into Leicester City and asked the fans to do all they could to support the cash-strapped club. The

Foxes successfully applied to go into administration after creditors refused to accept a rescue package, but the Lineker-led consortium threw them a much-needed lifeline. Mr Adam's

motion also honours Lineker's achievements on the pitch, including the 1986 World Cup Golden Boot and leading England to the semi-finals in 1990. The MP states that football fans

"will deeply miss his warmth, wit, and wisdom" and wishes him well in his "well-earned retirement from the show." EDMs allow MPs to express an opinion, publicise a cause

or support a position, but it is rare for them to be debated. YOU CAN READ MORE STORIES ABOUT GARY LINEKER BY CLICKING HERE We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first