Yahoo News Match of the Day's Gary Lineker halts BBC show for 'tough' update on TV pundit
He is a man who's sat beside him on numerous occasions over the years and, on Saturday night, Gary Lineker called a halt to Match of the Day to speak out in support of ex Liverpool star turned TV pundit Alan Hansen, who is still seriously ill in hospital.
It was earlier this week that the Reds broke the news that much loved player Alan was in hospital, as tributes quickly flooded in for the Scotsman, who just recently turned 69-years-old. A great talisman on the pitch, Alan went onto be one of the most recognisable voices and faces on TV sport, thanks to his no nonsense analysis on Saturday episodes of Match of the Day and at all the major tournaments, working alongside anchors like legendary broadcaster Des Lynam and then, more recently, ex England and Spurs striker Gary.
And, as he took charge of the BBC coverage of Italy v Albania in a Euro 2024 group game on Saturday, Gary took a moment to speak about the 'shock' of learning of Alan's serious condition, as well as sending plenty of support. Minutes before kick off in Dortmund, Gary began: "It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day. The hews that Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital shocked us all."
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Gary then handed over to ex Newcastle United and international hero Alan Shearer, who, sitting beside him, commented: "We are all great friends with Al. We know he's a character, we know he's a fighter, we know how tough he is. So we're thinking of you big man and we're hoping, we're praying for you."
Gary then added "Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren. To use an analogy of Lan's favourite past time golf - you might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back it's Alan. I've never known a more competitive person in my life. We're all with you Big Al."
