Premier League players will not speak to Match of the Day today in a show of support for Gary Lineker, joining the growing boycott of the programme led by pundits and commentators.

The BBC has informed clubs that they will not request players to fulfil their broadcast commitments after the Professional Players Association (PFA) raised concerns.

As reported by The Independent on Friday night, clubs were in debate over whether their managers and players appearing on Match of the Day would almost constitute a “political act”.

Premier League players also wanted to stand in solidarity with Lineker, as well as former professionals Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, and the PFA have confirmed players will not be put in the position of speaking to Match of the Day.

Fines could have been issued for failing to fulfil broadcasting duties, but the PFA were supportive of the stance made by the players.

A statement from the PFA said: “We have been informed that players involved in today’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day.

“The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme.

“During those conversations we made clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments.

“This is a common sense decision that ensures players won’t now be put in that position.”

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