Bristol Rovers FC first team to publicly declare a boycott of BBC amid Match Of The Day controversy

Bristol Rovers are the first team to publicly declare a boycott of the BBC amid controversy surrounding Match Of The Day.

The broadcaster’s radio and TV timetables have been disrupted as a host of pundits pulled out of shows after Gary Lineker was told to step back from hosting Match Of The Day in a row over impartiality.

Bristol Rovers have now become the first team to publicly announce a boycott of the BBC. The side said in a tweet they 'stand with Gary' and will not speak to the broadcaster before or after the game today.

It follows a statement from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) saying footballers will be backed to boycott Match Of The Day interviews to support the show's absent star.

Match Of The Day regulars Ian Wright and Alan Shearer said they would not appear on the show in solidarity with Lineker.

A spokesman for 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."