Mark Chapman ‘quits Radio 5 Live’ in support of Gary Lineker

Lineker was stood down from Match of the Day on Friday evening after failing to back down on his strong criticism of the government’s Illegal Migration Bill. The outspoken 62-year-old likened language used by ministers when talking about refugees to that of Nazi Germany. 

The decision to remove Lineker from the top-flight highlights show prompted a flurry of presenters, pundits and commentators announcing that they would step down from their duties in solidarity. Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright was first to go, with Alan Shearer also announcing that he had informed the BBC of his decision to not take part in the show. 

According to the Sun, Chapman has now joined them. The 49-year-old hosts the BBC’s Radio 5 Live coverage of the Premier League and other football competitions on a Saturday afternoon, but will not today. 

Colin Murray has also apparently joined the walkout by refusing to host Fighting Talk. A pre-recorded podcast instead played over the show’s sports quiz late on Saturday morning. 

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