A row has broken out as the BBC lines up Kelly Cates as one of the three presenters to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – with fans accusing BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ the popular sports programme. 

However, others have leaped to the defence of the current Sky Sports presenter, claiming Cates is ‘perfect’ for the new gig. 

Today, MailOnline revealed that the highly-regarded broadcaster – daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is set to join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the three.

However, Cates’ appointment has divided football fans who took to social media to voice their opinions.

On X, formerly Twitter, Chris Jones said: ‘Well that’s the end of MOTOD, utter woke nonsense.’ 

Other X users claimed that the BBC had ‘ruined’ the show. 

One wrote: ‘They’ve (the BBC) ruined it. The best thing about MOTD was the banter between Gary, Alan [Shearer] and Ian [Wright].

‘Where has that gone now. Would have been far better going with Micah [Richards], Jermaine [Jenas] and Alan or Ian.’ 

Kelly Cates is leaving Sky to join Match of The Day as one of their presenters from next season

Cates will split the role with fellow presenters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan (pictured). The trio will take over hosting duties after Lineker leaves the show next May

A man with the username Christian claimed it was ‘bonkers’ that Cates would leave her role at Sky Sports to present Match of the Day ‘once every three weeks’. 

Another X user described the new presenters as ‘So so s***’, adding: ‘Get a new fixed presenter with a bit of personality.’ 

However, Cates has also received praise and support from many fans who have welcomed her mooted new job. 

On X, one user said: ‘Cates and Logan know more about football than most blokes so good choices. 

‘Chapman is a solid presenter as well.’ 

Another said: ‘Kelly Cates is a great football presenter and will be perfect for Match of the Day.’ 

One man with the username Tony wrote: ‘No issues for me with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan taking over Match of the Day. All top rate football presenters.’   

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old.

Cates has also received praise and support from many fans who have welcomed her new job

Gary Lineker, who has been presenting MOTD since 1999, will leave after 26 years next May

Mark Chapman jokes he ‘could do with a PA’ after MOTD speculation

However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading external to replace Lineker when he leaves at the end of the season.

Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experience with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.

She regularly presents on Radio 5 Live, used to host 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge coup – especially given the uplift in the number of live matches on Sky next season.

It is understood that the three are already close and are looking forward to working together. They are of a similar age and have developed over a similar time period.

In Chapman’s case, the sharing of the role enables him to continue with his radio work for the BBC, which he is known to be passionate about.

Those who know them say the group are humble and there are no issues with the limelight being shared.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring the curtain down after 26 years. 

The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

It is understood BBC executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a fresh direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering bringing a news element to the show.

The BBC said it ‘does not respond to speculation’. Sky Sports declined to comment.