Match of the Day's Gary Lineker ends show for 'subtle' BBC tribute to late star

Gary Lineker had the final word as Match of the Day came to an end on Tuesday, before a 'subtle' but very poignant and fitting tribute to a much loved star, less than 24 hours after their death was confirmed.

The last of the opening matches of Euro 2024 saw 2016 champions Portugal, led by 39-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo, in action against Czechia. While Ronaldo's team were the highest scorers in qualification, their opponents were the lowest; but any predictions that Portugal would be comfortable winners proved to be wide of the mark, as it was actually the underdogs who took the lead.

Portugal equalised before then thinking they'd gone 2-1 up, only for that goal to be chalked off. Victory did eventually go the way of Roberto Martinez's hotly tipped side, thanks to a close range effort from sub Francisco Conceicao in added time. After the full time whistle blew, BBC cameras cut back to Gary and colleagues Alan Shearer, Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard in the studio to deliver their verdict, as well as briefly talk about England's next Euros match against Denmark on Thursday.

READ MORE: Match of the Day's Gary Lineker halts BBC show for 'tough' update on TV pundit

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Summing the Portugal v Czechia match up in the closing moments, Gary described Portugal's match winner as 'ConceiWOW' as highlights then aired of the game. And it was the song that was used to soundtrack the clips that immediately struck a chord with many viewers at home - Dario G's Sunchyme.

Late on Monday night, it was announced that Dario G, real name Paul Spencer, had died at the age of 53, with a post on the producer's Instagram page reading: "He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight any more. He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories"

Sunchyme was Dario G's biggest hit in 1997, which was followed up by still well played football anthem Carnival De Paris, released for World Cup 1998. Reacting to Match of the Day playing Sunchyme, one fan, posting on X, wrote: "Classy tribute to Dario G here" as another responded: "Don’t know who’s idea it was to play out @BBCMOTD with Dario G but it was a lovely touch"