OFF!

Stars back Lineker as BBC drops him from MOTD over tweet on UK's migrant laws

- MARK JEFFERIES

STARS last night lined up to slam the BBC for axing Gary Lineker over his criticism of the Tories, as Match of the Day was plunged into chaos.

Pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer pulled out of tonight's show in solidarity with the host as bosses faced a desperate scramble to replace them.

The move sparked accusations BBC chiefs caved in to pressure from Tory politicians and right wing media to ditch Lineker after he said the language used around Suella Braverman's immigration policies was similar to 1930s Germany.

One TV source said: "Bosses will be pulling their hair out over this.

"It has really kicked off and it will be a race to get a line-up for the show. Lots of people are on Gary's side." Beeb bosses ordered Lineker, 62, to "step back" from presenting until he agreed to stop criticising Tories.

His tweet was "a breach of guidelines".

Wright wrote: "I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.