Match of the Day viewing figures soar after Gary Lineker suspension

Match of the Day attracted 500,000 more viewers for Saturday night’s episode compared to the previous week as the BBC aired a shorter programme in the wake of Gary Lineker’s suspension.

The corporation confirmed Mr Lineker would “step back” from his presenting duties until an agreement on his social media use was reached after he compared the Government’s language around its small boats policy to Nazi Germany.

Alan Shearer and Ian Wright pulled out of the broadcast in the wake of the decision, while a number of BBC hosts touted as potential replacements also ruled themselves out.

A significantly truncated 20-minute programme that aired in place of the usual fare was introduced with a title card reading “Premier League Highlights”, rather than Match of the Day, with the usual theme music absent.

As well as having no host or pundits, the episode also aired without commentary following further walkouts.

However, the new format still managed to attract 500,000 more viewers than the previous week, the BBC revealed on Sunday morning, as BARB overnight figures showed it was watched by some 2.6 million people.

This was the show’s largest audience since Nov 5, when there were 2.63 million viewers. The previous week had seen 2.09 million people tune in.

The unexpected changes to the coverage prompted the BBC to apologise as Football Focus, Final Score and radio commentaries on Radio 5 Live were also pulled from the airwaves.

Prior to the episode, a continuity announcement told viewers: “We’re sorry we’re unable to show our normal Match of the Day, including commentary tonight, but here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”

Nadine Dorries, Tory MP and former culture secretary, urged the BBC to stick with the new format in the wake of the increased audience.

“Maybe people just want to watch the footie and not listen to commentators waffling on stating the obvious week after week – ‘it’s a game of two halves, Gary’,” Ms Dorries wrote on Twitter. “The BBC should keep this commentary-free model going. It’s a hit.”

‘Tuning in to see what it’s like’

Sangita Myska, media commentator and LBC host, speculated a rise in viewing figures was likely “because everyone who never watches MOTD is tuning in to see what it’s like, when everyone who is supposed to be watching MOTD isn’t”.

On Saturday, Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, rejected calls for his resignation but admitted it had been a “difficult day”.

In an interview with BBC News, he said: “Success for me is getting Gary back on air and together we are giving to the audiences that world-class sports coverage, which, as I say, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to deliver today.”

Further disruption to normal scheduling was expected on Sunday night, with Match of the Day 2 likely to take a “similarly much-reduced format” in its highlights of the day’s four Premier League fixtures.