Gary Lineker caused quite a stir when he popped up on ITV’s World Cup coverage on Saturday evening, appearing in a 20-minute segment before Germany took on Ivory Coast.
The 65-year-old, who famously fronted BBC football for 26 years before departing in May 2025, couldn’t resist having a little dig at his former employers.
“Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel,” he quipped as the broadcast kicked off.
Presenter Laura Woods playfully interrupted: “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gary, that’s my job!”
Micah Richards called Gary Lineker an “absolute traitor”, to which Lineker responded “shut the f*** up”
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Lineker was clearly impressed by ITV’s Manhattan skyline backdrop, calling it “absolutely amazing” and confirming “it is real” – a pointed contrast to the BBC’s Salford-based coverage that’s drawn criticism for not being on location.
The banter really kicked off when the pair reunited on their Netflix show, The Rest Is Football.
Richards couldn’t help himself, mimicking Lineker’s ITV appearance by introducing the podcast: “Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with me Micah Richards.”
Lineker jumped in immediately: “Woah, woah, woah, woah. Micah that’s my job.”
Richards then appeared on a TV monitor, declaring: “It’s not nice is it? Absolute traitor you are. 26 years of blood, sweat and tears to the BBC then you go over to the rival.”
Lineker’s response was blunt: “Hang on a minute Micah. Shut the f*** up,” before switching off the screen.
When Richards demanded an explanation, Lineker was ready with his answer.
“I was making an appearance to promote my show ‘The Box’, which is also on ITV in September,” he revealed with a wry smile.
But that wasn’t the only reason for his rival network cameo.
“And also I wanted to go and have a little look at the studio. I also wanted to go and promote our Netflix show, for which I got two mentions,” he added.
Lineker insisted it was all above board: “It was just for purely professional reasons, Micah.”
Richards wasn’t buying it for a second.
“Professional reasons? Come on Gaz. You’re better than that,” he fired back.
But Lineker had the perfect response ready: “Says the person that works for pretty much every television channel known to man.”
Richards, who regularly appears on BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Goalazo, had no choice but to admit defeat, raising his hands and conceding: “You got me!”
The good-natured ribbing continued as Lineker filmed a behind-the-scenes blog, enjoying a head massage at the ITV studio and noting: “You don’t get this at the BBC.”