Gary Lineker made a surprise appearance on ITV's World Cup coverage on Saturday, June 22, 2026, sparking a playful backlash from co-host Micah Richards, who branded him an 'absolute traitor.' The former England striker, who spent over two decades at the BBC, joined the rival broadcaster for a guest slot ahead of Germany's match against Ivory Coast.
Lineker takes swipe at BBC
Lineker wasted no time in criticising his former employer, declaring that ITV was 'absolutely amazing' compared to the BBC's remote working arrangements. His appearance came after a contentious exit from the BBC last year, when he left his role as host of Match of the Day. He had originally planned to continue with the BBC's World Cup coverage but cut all ties in May 2025.
As ITV began its live broadcast, Lineker quipped: 'Thank you for joining us on ITV for this one, another day, another game, another channel.' Presenter Laura Woods quickly interjected: 'Woah, woah, woah Gary that's my job,' to which Lineker replied: 'Sorry, sorry, old habits Laura, old habits.'
Richards calls Lineker a 'traitor'
On his Netflix show The Rest Is Football, Lineker and Richards continued the banter. Richards, mimicking Lineker's ITV appearance, introduced the podcast by saying: 'Hello and welcome to the Rest Is Football with me Micah Richards.' Lineker swiftly cut him off: 'Woah, woah, woah, woah. Micah that's my job.'
'It's not nice is it?' Richards said, appearing on a TV monitor. 'Absolute traitor you are. 26 years of blood, sweat and tears to the BBC then you go over to the rival.' Lineker responded: 'Hang on a minute Micah. Shut the f*** up. I'll do it properly now.'
Lineker explains his motives
When Richards rejoined the programme, he quizzed Lineker about his ITV outing. Lineker explained: 'I was making an appearance to promote my show The Box which is also on ITV in September. And also I wanted to go and have a little look at the studio. I also wanted to go and promote our Netflix show which I got two mentions in for. It was just for purely professional reasons Micah.'
Richards was unconvinced, firing back: 'Professional reasons? Come on Gaz. You're better than that.' Lineker quipped: 'Says the person that works for pretty much every television channel known to man.'
Jibes at the BBC
During a behind-the-scenes blog, Lineker continued his jabs at the BBC, insisting he could 'confirm it's real' before enjoying a head massage, adding: 'You don't get this at the BBC.' The lighthearted exchange delighted viewers, who saw Lineker back on screens talking football despite his short cameo.
