Micah Richards labels Gary Lineker an ‘absolute TRAITOR’ for poking fun at the BBC during surprise ITV appearance – before being told ‘shut the f*** up’ by axed Match of the Day star
Micah Richards has called his Rest is Football co-host an ‘absolute traitor’ over BBC jokes the former Match of the Day presenter made during his surprise appearance on ITV’s World Cup coverage.
The 26-year former BBC employee was a guest at ITV’s studio in New York ahead of Germany’s meeting with Ivory Coast and used his return to a major broadcaster to subtly criticize Salford’s decision to host early coverage of the tournament.
Lineker began his appearance on ITV by pretending to replace Laura Woods as the evening’s presenter, and Richards made his point by doing the same on Netflix’s The Rest is Football.
“Hello and welcome to the Football That Stays With Me,” Richards began, before being interrupted by Lineker.
‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, Micah, that’s my job,’ said the veteran editor, adding: ‘I see what you’re doing there, though.
‘See, isn’t it nice?’ Richards stated that the duo burst into laughter with studio guest Joe Cole. ‘You are such a traitor!
Micah Richards mocks Gary Lineker for appearing on ITV after leaving BBC
‘After 26 years of blood, sweat and tears for the BBC, you side with your rivals!’
But Lineker was quick to show his sarcastic disdain for Richards’ claim, shutting down the video link of his co-presenter, who was staying in Manchester as part of the BBC team, and telling him to ‘shut up’.
The release of the clip of that pivotal moment showed Lineker’s desire to take the stage, but it may not yet satisfy his initial excitement.
“I’m doing a show every day for Netflix, we’re in Times Square,” Lineker said while being introduced on ITV.
‘But I really wanted to come and see your set because I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm it’s real.’
Lineker first criticized the BBC’s decision while promoting his own program in May.
“I was originally going to do it for the BBC this summer but that didn’t happen and I’d be in a green box in Salford and now I’ll be in New York City overlooking Times Square with a lot of great guests,” Lineker said.
But despite the BBC being ridiculed for their ‘work from home’ World Cup coverage, they have avoided the problems currently plaguing their rivals.
High winds hit open-air studio in Brooklyn; Laura Woods and her friends had to take shelter indoors amidst the Switzerland-Bosnia-Herzegovina news.
Daily Mail Sport also reported on Saturday that presenters were at risk of being overwhelmed by rowdy parties on the rooftop of a neighboring hotel.
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