Row breaks out as fans accuse BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ Match of the Day as Kelly Cates set to take over from Gary Lineker at end of the season – but others leap to the defence of Sky Sports presenter

A row has damaged out because the BBC strains up Kelly Cates as one of many three presenters to exchange Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – with followers accusing BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ the favored sports activities programme. 

Nevertheless, others have leaped to the defence of the present Sky Sports activities presenter, claiming Cates is ‘excellent’ for the brand new gig. 

At present, MailOnline revealed that the highly-regarded broadcaster – daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is ready to hitch fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 break up between the three.

Nevertheless, Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions.

On X, previously Twitter, Chris Jones mentioned: ‘Nicely that is the top of MOTD, utter woke nonsense.’ 

Different X customers claimed that the BBC had ‘ruined’ the present. 

One wrote: ‘They’ve (the BBC) ruined it. The very best factor about MOTD was the banter between Gary, Alan [Shearer] and Ian [Wright].

‘The place has that gone now. Would have been much better going with Micah [Richards], Jermaine [Jenas] and Alan or Ian.’ 

Cates will break up the function with fellow presenters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan (pictured). The trio will take over internet hosting duties after Lineker leaves the present subsequent Could

Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions

A person with the username Christian claimed it was ‘bonkers’ that Cates would depart her function at Sky Sports activities to current Match of the Day ‘as soon as each three weeks’. 

One other X person described the brand new presenters as ‘So so s***’, including: ‘Get a brand new fastened presenter with a little bit of persona.’ 

Nevertheless, Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her mooted new job. 

On X, one person mentioned: ‘Cates and Logan know extra about soccer than most blokes so good selections. 

‘Chapman is a strong presenter as effectively.’ 

One other mentioned: ‘Kelly Cates is a superb soccer presenter and will probably be excellent for Match of the Day.’ 

One man with the username Tony wrote: ‘No points for me with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan taking up Match of the Day. All prime charge soccer presenters.’   

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened on the lack of the 49-year-old.

Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her new job

Gary Lineker, who has been presenting MOTD since 1999, will go away after 26 years subsequent Could

Nevertheless, she had been recognized by the BBC because the main exterior to exchange Lineker when he leaves on the finish of the season.

Cates’ easy presentation of Sky’s Premier League protection and former expertise with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.

She often presents on Radio 5 Dwell, used to host 606 and her arrival will probably be seen as an enormous coup – particularly given the uplift within the variety of stay matches on Sky subsequent season.

It’s understood that the three are already shut and are trying ahead to working collectively. They’re of an analogous age and have developed over an analogous time interval.

In Chapman’s case, the sharing of the function permits him to proceed together with his radio work for the BBC, which he’s recognized to be keen about.

Those that know them say the group are humble and there are not any points with the limelight being shared.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC present from Des Lynam in 1999, will convey the curtain down after 26 years. 

The 63-year-old can also be set to depart the BBC completely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

It’s understood BBC executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, wish to transfer the present in a contemporary course and, as Mail Sport revealed, are contemplating bringing a information ingredient to the present.

The BBC mentioned it ‘doesn’t reply to hypothesis’. Sky Sports activities declined to remark.