Match of the Day LIVE: Gary Lineker hosts iconic show for FINAL time after quitting BBC following anti-Semitism row

IT’S the end of an era as Gary Lineker hosts his final Match of the Day show tonight after quitting the BBC following an explosive anti-Semitism row.

The ex-Leicester and England forward’s departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post that caused him huge backlash.

And MOTD’s highest-paid presenter, reportedly at £1.35million a year has revealed that he will not front BBC’s World Cup coverage either.

A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

• Start time: 10:30pm BST
• Live stream: BBC iPlayer
• TV channel: BBC ONE