RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.
They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.
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Instead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.
That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.
A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.
“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.
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“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.
“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”
The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.
Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.
However, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.
These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
Former Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.
By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.
Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.
“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”