Gabby Logan leaves Match of the Day mid-show in household emergency as BBC substitute host
BBC Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan was forced to leave the show mid-broadcast due to a family emergency, with Mark Chapman stepping in to complete the programme
Gabby Logan was unexpectedly replaced by Mark Chapman during the latest episode of BBC Match of the Day due to a sudden family emergency.
The 52-year-old presenter kicked off the show in high spirits before introducing the first highlights package, Bournemouth’s 3-2 win over Tottenham, after paying tribute to the late Tottenham and England legend Martin Chivers.
Logan also set up the 1-1 clash between Manchester City and Brighton. However, when the cameras returned to the studio, it was Chapman, fresh from his radio duties and out of breath, occupying the presenter’s seat.
Addressing the unexpected switch, he explained: “We’ll talk about that game [Manchester City v Brighton] in just a moment, sadly Gabby has got a family emergency which she’s had to rush off and deal with. So she’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.”
Initially, Logan was joined by Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy before her abrupt departure, with Chapman stepping in swiftly to fill her shoes, reports the Mirror.
Chapman and Logan typically share presenting duties alongside Sky Sports host Kelly Cates, with the former chosen to lead analysis for the midweek action. Football fans took to social media in response to the presenter switch-up, sending well wishes to Logan and applauding Chapman’s seamless transition into the role after a hefty radio stint.
One said: “Thoughts with Gabby Logan with whatever’s happened there. Mark Chapman out of breath running over from the radio to take over is crazy. Peak professionalism.”
Another said: “Mark Chapman is wildly underrated. An absolutely brilliant broadcaster – proving it yet again tonight. Best wishes to Gabby Logan, hopefully the family emergency isn’t owt traumatic.”
This change-up comes on the heels of Gary Lineker’s exit from the programme after an epic 26-year stint. Logan had hosted Match of the Day the previous Sunday, while Chapman took the reins as the lead presenter the day before, with Cates in the studio for the midweek action a few days prior.
It was an action-filled evening of Premier League clashes, with Newcastle United and Bournemouth snatching last-gasp victories against Leeds United and Tottenham respectively.
Igor Thiago spearheaded Brentford’s triumph, propelling them to fifth place with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Managerless Manchester United under the stewardardship of caretaker boss Darren Fletcher could only draw 2-2 against Burnley, thanks to a double from Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester City’s title hopes took a hit as Kaoru Mitoma levelled the score after Erling Haaland’s penalty, while Everton saw two players sent off in their 1-1 stalemate against Wolves.
Michael Keane received his marching orders for yanking Tolu Arokodare’s hair, an act deemed violent conduct, while Jack Grealish earned a second yellow for sarcastically applauding the referee’s foul decision.
