With Gary Lineker announcing his departure from Match Of The Day in 2025, the BBC, no stranger to filling its political programmes with right wing establishment types is reportedly considering the following candidates for the role, bringing in figures who’ve been no strangers to controversy themselves. Instead of ex-players or broadcasters, the new Match of the Day candidates include some of the most polarising and repulsive voices around. Here’s the rundown of the front-runners, along with their most infamous moments, and their betting odds.
1. Lee Anderson – Odds: 2/1
Controversial Moment: Once suggested that people should “live on £30 a week” by eating tinned food and pasta.
As Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Anderson became notorious for his ultra-direct style and regular lack of tact. His claim that food banks aren’t necessary if people “just budget properly” sparked outrage. If chosen, Anderson would likely emphasise “personal responsibility” and cut down on what he calls “woke nonsense” in the Premier League. Whether viewers tune in for his blunt takes on football or to see what wild thing he’ll say next, Anderson promises to make Saturday nights memorable, although rarely for the right reasons
2. Tommy Robinson – Odds: 5/1
Controversial Moment: Convicted of contempt of court for livestreaming a trial in 2018 and currently serving an 18 month prison sentence for another contempt of court.
As founder of the English Defence League, Robinson has become a lightning rod of British extremism, regularly stoking fears of “Islamification” in the UK. His sentencing for contempt of court, which he claimed was politically motivated, has only increased his Nazi fan base. On Match of the Day, Robinson’s presence would bring a decidedly “nationalist” edge, likely including commentary on “British values” and calls for all Islamic players to get a red card just for being selected. Critics expect his commentary would often veer into inflammatory territory, but for his Hitler worshipping viewers, that’s exactly the appeal.
3. Nigel Farage – Odds: 6/1
Controversial Moment: Infamous for a 2016 UKIP “Breaking Point” poster featuring a queue of refugees.
A self-proclaimed far right spiv, Farage’s 2016 UKIP poster was widely criticised for being divisive and fear-mongering. His resignation speeches and political returns are just as frequent as his appearances in the media, where he rails against the “politically correct agenda.” On Match of the Day, Farage would likely focus on reducing European influence on British football. He’d probably call out “red tape” in refereeing decisions and question why there are so many “foreign” players. Fans could look forward to some on-brand rants about how Brexit can improve “the beautiful game” and how the EU has ruined it.
4. Suella Braverman – Odds: 8/1
Controversial Moment: Described her “dream” of seeing a deportation flight to Rwanda take off.
Braverman is no stranger to controversy, having faced backlash over her aggressive stance on immigration and asylum seekers. Known for advocating “tough love” on issues of law and order, Braverman’s presence on Match of the Day could transform it into a battleground for policy debates. Expect frequent tirades about “discipline” in football and condemnation of players taking the knee. Whether Braverman could control her homicidal zionist zeal long enough to discuss the footie is of course open to debate.
5. Priti Patel – Odds: 10/1
Controversial Moment: Criticised for bullying allegations, which an investigation confirmed, yet stayed in office.
Patel, a former Home Secretary, made headlines for alleged workplace bullying, and she’s often criticised for her unwavering stance on immigration. As a Match of the Day host, Patel would likely use her time to propose “tougher sanctions” for red-card offenses and address “uncontrolled celebration” by players. Critics worry her approach would see too many bookings and little room for enjoyment, as every game review might become a study in discipline and deportation-worthy behaviour. Could the BBC afford her hair, eyebrows and make-up though?
6. Jim Davidson – Odds: 12/1
Controversial Moment: Close friend of Gary Glitter and regularly accused of racism and sexism in his comedy, sparking multiple media bans.
Davidson, once a staple of British TV, has fallen out of favour for offensive humour that targeted marginalised communities. Though he claims he’s just being “politically incorrect,” non Nazi types see him as out of touch. Davidson’s Match of the Day episodes would likely be littered with “classic British banter” that might not sit well with modern viewers. Despite pledging to “revive” Match of the Day, Davidson’s appearance might end up generating more Ofcom complaints than laughs. But for those who love sick jokes at other people’s expense, he could be a winner.
7. Andrew Anglin – Odds: 20/1
Controversial Moment: Founder of a notorious neo-Nazi website, with multiple lawsuits for promoting hate speech.
Anglin’s infamy precedes him, as his website has been a breeding ground for some of the internet’s most hateful and inflammatory rhetoric. His commentary would likely cause scandal from episode one, as he rails against “cultural invasions” in football. Anglin has shown a talent for self-promotion through outrage, and while his inclusion on Match of the Day would be shocking, it would likely draw record-breaking viewership – along with a record-breaking backlash. Bookies say his odds are steep, but stranger things have happened on British television.
8. Andrew Tate – Odds: 25/1
Controversial Moment: Banned from numerous social platforms for promoting misogynistic and violent content.
Tate, a former kickboxer turned internet personality, has built a brand around “alpha male” ideology and criticism of what he sees as a “soft” modern society. His episodes would probably include segments like “Alpha of the Match” and “Beta Blunder,” where he rates players on their perceived masculinity. Tate’s approach would be less about football analysis and more about his view on “the strong vs. the weak.” Fans of Tate claim he’d bring a refreshing “real talk” vibe, though many worry Match of the Day could end up as a platform for comparing testacle sizes.
9. Katie Hopkins – Odds: 50/1
Controversial Moment: Lost multiple defamation lawsuits over offensive tweets and commentary.
Hopkins has a reputation for relentless, often inflammatory commentary on social media. With bans on several platforms, she’s no stranger to riling up the masses, often at the expense of decorum. If she were to host Match of the Day, expect each episode to include a scathing monologue on “snowflake culture” in football and why “real Brits” need to take back the game. Hopkins promises she’d call it like it is – but the BBC would need a team of lawyers on standby for every episode.
Who is your choice? Someone different than these goose steppers? I do hope so.
