Gary Lineker engaged in some lighthearted banter with former colleague Micah Richards during a surprise appearance on ITV's 2026 World Cup coverage.
Richards playfully labeled Lineker an "absolute traitor" for joining the rival network's broadcast, given Lineker's long tenure with the BBC's Match of the Day.
Lineker, who spent 26 years with the BBC, was in New York to join ITV's coverage ahead of Germany's match against Ivory Coast.
The playful animosity continued during a digital segment where Richards humorously tried to usurp Lineker's presenting duties.
In response, Lineker jokingly told Richards to "shut the f*** up" and then proceeded to disconnect the video link, showcasing their comfortable rapport.
This exchange underscored their friendly dynamic, even with Lineker now appearing on a competing broadcaster.
Lineker also subtly voiced his opinion on the BBC's choice to broadcast from Salford, hinting at a preference for on-location reporting and commending ITV's New York setup.
This contrasts with ITV's own on-site coverage in Brooklyn, which has contended with environmental hurdles such as challenging weather conditions and noise disturbances, unlike the BBC's more consistent operation based in Salford.
