Fans demand BBC drop Wayne Rooney over awkward punditry

In the United Kingdom, Match of the Day aired its first episode of the season on Saturday evening, marking a significant change as Gary Lineker, the host for 26 years, was replaced due to his departure from the BBC amid a controversy involving antisemitism. Lineker had previously apologized for a tweet that repeated an ancient antisemitic slur, which resulted in his exit from the show, ahead of taking on a role at the 2026 World Cup. Mark Chapman, being his successor for the season opener, along with pundits Alan Shearer and debuting Wayne Rooney, was tasked with the presentation. Rooney's performance drew negative feedback from fans on social media, particularly for his frequent use of filler words such as “erm.” Viewers criticized his commentary, stating it was painful to listen to and suggested he should be dropped from the show. Many praised Chapman for his professionalism, indicating a shift in viewer preference, even expressing that the changes were an upgrade compared to Lineker’s tenure. The situation was complicated further by a technical blunder involving Sky, which mistakenly featured Lineker’s image ahead of the episode, prompting the BBC to address the error. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges the program faces in maintaining viewer satisfaction post-Lineker, as it seeks to redefine its identity in a new era. Fans and former hosts alike have commented on the show, with Lineker expressing he enjoyed watching the first episode while criticizing the drastic changes, but many viewers seem to feel that the show's essence has been altered unfavorably. The backlash against Rooney’s debut on Match of the Day points to broader conversations about the impact of presenter changes on established sports programs and the expectations of viewers in a competitive broadcasting environment.