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Gary Lineker pulled from BBC FA Cup coverage of Brighton versus Grimsby

Gary Lineker's return to BBC presenting has been cut short with the BBC announcing he will be replaced by Alex Scott for the broadcaster's FA Cup coverage on Sunday

Gary Lineker has been pulled from the BBC's FA Cup coverage of Brighton versus Grimsby on Sunday.


The broadcaster revealed he's suffering from a voice issue that he picked up yesterday, which has "deteriorated overnight". And the 62-year-old will now be replaced by Alex Scott for the tie, who will host the coverage instead.


A BBC statement read: "Due to illness, we've got a line-up change for today's live FA Cup coverage of Brighton v Grimsby on BBC One.


ALSO READ: Alan Shearer and Ian Wright avoid punishment by BBC for Match of the Day boycott

"As viewers will have noticed yesterday, Gary Lineker was struggling with his voice and unfortunately it has deteriorated overnight. Alex Scott will be hosting instead."

Fans weren't happy with the news as they had just gotten used to seeing Lineker back in the hot seat following his brief suspension from the role.


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One fan groaned: "Typical, first shift back for the BBC and he’s lost his voice again." While a few others jokingly blamed the broadcaster for his voice plight, with another fan saying: "It’s a BBC conspiracy what did they do to his voice?"

Then a third quipped: "Part of his contract that he’s not allowed to have a voice anymore?" A fourth fan declared: "BBC have silenced Lineker again."

A a fifth user fumed: "Deffo not going to watch it now." The outrage comes after the England legend was told to step back from presenting by the Beeb following his contentious views on the Tory government's controversial immigration policy last week.


A huge fallout ensued, with the likes of Scott refusing to present on the station in solidarity with Lineker, who was subsequently given his job back as the BBC caved into pressure. Lineker's first time back in the studio was on Saturday where the ex-Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham striker covered Man City's 6-0 win over Burnley, and he marked the occasion with a serious message - in place of his usual witty banter.

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