BBC Radio 5’s Monday Night Club host Mark Chapman apologises for disruption

BBC Radio 5 Live host Mark Chapman has apologised for the disruption to the BBC’s football coverage following Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day.

Presenting the Monday Night Club show this evening, Chapman opened the two-hour programme with an apology to listeners following a weekend of chaos at the BBC.

He also blasted the ‘disgusting’ abuse aimed at some staff who decided to walk out in solidarity with Lineker.

Chapman said: ‘First of all, I would just like to say this weekend has been miserable and difficult for everyone involved. To you, the listener, I am sorry that we didn’t bring you the usual service you would expect from us. 

‘I appreciate your patience, although if you are angry about what happened then I completely get that, too. 

‘Most importantly, I would personally like to acknowledge all of those who work behind the scenes on 5 Live Sport and at BBC Sport and those staff members who were on air who were put in difficult, uncomfortable through absolutely no fault of their own. 

‘They have been on the receiving end of abuse for just doing their jobs. It is disgusting and unfair and it is ironic that in a row over impartiality we have all been seen to be taking sides. I fell there are lessons to be learned from all involved.’

Guest Chris Sutton echoed Chapman’s comments, describing the abuse as ‘abhorrent’.

He said: ‘I am glad the situation has been resolved, but just to reiterate what you have just said, it has been a really difficult time for colleagues and BBC staff who have been subjected to abhorrent abuse for basically doing the job they are contracted to do. 

Lineker, 62, was taken off air last week for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany

‘Let’s be clear, this wasn’t a strike, it was a situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC hierarchy and as Ian Dennis said on Saturday afternoon, it’s important for 5 Live to provide a service for the 5 Live audience and licence payers and I totally agree with that.

‘I’ve got to say, as you’ve said, total admiration for Ian Denis, Ali Bruce-Ball and John Murray for the way they have handled this situation. Very, very difficult for them all.’ 

Lineker, 62, was taken off air last week for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany.

But he will return to TV screens to present live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley on Saturday after the BBC’s football coverage was hit across the weekend.

In the wake of Lineker’s suspension, fellow pundits, presenters and reporters – including Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Alex Scott – all walked out in solidarity.