PREMIER League players will not conduct interviews with BBC's Match of the Day as the fallout continues regarding Gary Lineker being told to step back from hosting the show.

Saturday’s edition will go ahead tonight without a presenter, pundits and several regular commentators after Lineker was told to step back from hosting the BBC show in a row over impartiality.

Former England footballers and MOTD regulars including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright previously announced they would be boycotting the show, in solidarity with Lineker.

Late on Friday evening several of the show’s commentators shared a joint statement online, announcing they would also be stepping down from Saturday’s broadcast.

“As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast,” the statement read.

“We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.

“However, in the circumstances, we do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme.”

In a previous statement the BBC said the show would “focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry” saying it understood the position of its presenters.

It comes after Lineker, 62, became embroiled in a row over impartiality after comparing the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany on Twitter.

The broadcaster said it had “decided” Lineker would take a break from presenting the highlights programme until an “agreed and clear position” on his use of social media had been reached.

And on Saturday morning, the Professional Footballers Association released a statement confirming players would not conduct interviews with Match of the Day.

That includes Cherries, who host Liverpool this afternoon (12.30pm).

Their statement read: "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."

It is understood managers, including Gary O'Neil, will also not conduct Match of the Day interviews today.

However, the Daily Echo understands players and managers will still conduct local BBC radio interviews this afternoon as normal.