A 13-year feud between Gary Lineker and Matt Le Tissier has escalated with shocking accusations, fueled by ideological clashes over media bias, COVID-19 controversies, and cryptic claims about hidden secrets in Lineker’s past.

 

Gary Lineker (pictured) and Matt Le Tissier have not seen eye to eye for over a decade

 

For more than a decade, football legends-turned-pundits Gary Lineker and Matt Le Tissier have been at odds, with their rivalry recently boiling over into shocking accusations and cryptic insinuations.

A clash that began in the world of sports broadcasting has now spiraled into something much deeper, intertwining with political tensions, media bias, and personal vendettas.

As the controversy unfolds, many are left wondering—what is the real reason behind their long-standing dispute, and what skeletons could be hiding in their closets?

The tension between the two former England internationals dates back to 2010, when Le Tissier was abruptly dropped from his long-time punditry role.

Known for his outspoken nature, Le Tissier has often accused mainstream media of silencing dissenting voices, a claim he believes is validated by his sudden dismissal.

While Sky Sports cited a desire for a fresh panel, Le Tissier always suspected there was more to the decision—perhaps even political motivations.

Meanwhile, Lineker’s career was soaring. The former striker cemented himself as one of the most prominent voices in British sports media, leading the iconic Match of the Day and using his platform to advocate for political and social issues.

His willingness to engage in controversial debates, from Brexit to asylum policies, made him a polarizing figure—beloved by some, heavily criticized by others.

For Le Tissier, who took a markedly different stance on many of these topics, Lineker became the face of everything he opposed: a mainstream media darling, untouchable despite his outspoken views.

 

Lineker and Michelle Cockayne (left) were married for 20 years before she filed for divorce after citing his 'unreasonable behaviour'Lineker split from his second wife Danielle Bux (right)in 2016 after he decided he did not want more children

 

The rivalry remained simmering for years, with occasional digs exchanged on social media, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that things escalated dramatically.

Le Tissier emerged as a vocal skeptic of government lockdowns and vaccine policies, frequently challenging the narrative pushed by mainstream outlets. Lineker, on the other hand, strongly supported public health measures and ridiculed those who spread misinformation.

Their public disagreement turned into outright hostility, with Le Tissier accusing Lineker of hypocrisy and censorship while Lineker dismissed his former colleague’s views as conspiracy-driven nonsense.

Then came the bombshell accusation—Le Tissier, in a cryptic statement, suggested that Lineker had “skeletons in his closet” that would only come to light after his passing.

The implication was clear: there was something hidden about Lineker’s past, something the media was either unaware of or unwilling to expose.

The statement sent shockwaves through the football community, with speculation running wild about what exactly Le Tissier was referring to. Was it a personal matter? A professional controversy? Or was it simply a baseless attempt to tarnish Lineker’s reputation?

Lineker, surprisingly, chose to ignore the accusation rather than fuel the fire. While he’s never been one to shy away from a debate, this time he remained silent, focusing instead on his ongoing work with the BBC.

Some saw this as an attempt to avoid drawing more attention to the claim, while others believed it was a calculated move—by refusing to acknowledge Le Tissier’s words, Lineker effectively minimized their impact.

 

Le Tissier (pictured) has now accused Lineker of having 'skeletons in his closet'

 

Despite his continued success, Lineker has not been immune to controversy. His public criticisms of government policies have landed him in hot water multiple times, most notably when he likened certain immigration policies to rhetoric from 1930s Germany.

The backlash was immediate, and the BBC was forced to suspend him temporarily, causing an internal crisis that saw fellow pundits boycotting their shows in protest. In the end, the broadcaster reinstated him, further solidifying his influence within the organization.

For Le Tissier, however, the journey has been quite different. After his departure from Sky Sports, he struggled to find a mainstream platform, instead turning to independent media and social networks to share his views.

His stance on issues like COVID-19, media censorship, and political correctness has gained him a loyal following, but it has also cost him credibility in the eyes of many.

Once a beloved football analyst, he is now viewed as a divisive figure—some see him as a truth-teller, others as a conspiracy theorist.

 

Controversial footballer Joey Barton has also called out Lineker in the past

 

This long-running feud highlights the shifting nature of football punditry. No longer is the role of a football commentator simply about analyzing the game; today, it extends into political and social discussions.

The divide between Lineker and Le Tissier is not just personal—it reflects the broader cultural battles being fought in the media, between those who align with mainstream narratives and those who challenge them.

The real question is: will this ever be resolved? Lineker’s refusal to engage further suggests he sees the feud as beneath him, while Le Tissier’s increasingly bold statements indicate he has no intention of backing down.

As football fans watch from the sidelines, one thing is certain—this is no longer just about football. It’s about influence, ideology, and the growing war over who controls the narrative in sports and beyond.