Mark Chapman opens with joke on first Match of the Day since Gary Lineker left

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18 Aug 2025 • 1:47 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Mark Chapman hosted the first Saturday night Match of the Day following Gary Lineker's departure, opening with a joke.
  • Chapman is one of three new presenters for the BBC's Saturday night highlights show, rotating with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.
  • Former England captain Wayne Rooney has joined Match of the Day as a regular pundit.
  • Gary Lineker's final show was on 26 May, with his departure brought forward due to a social media post.
  • Lineker, who had hosted the show since 1999, apologised for the post and decided to leave completely.

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