Lineker: Leicester stupid to sack Pearson

The club parted ways with the 51-year-old saying the working relationship between him and the board was “no longer viable”, despite Pearson guiding the team to a remarkable escape from relegation in the Premier League last season.

But Match of the Day host, and former Leicester player, Lineker criticised the decision. He wrote on Twitter: “Getting LCFC promoted and the greatest escape ever, Pearson is sacked? Are the folk running football stupid? Yes."

Despite Pearson having numerous bizarre episodes off the field last season – including calling a reporter an ‘ostrich’ at a press conference – Lineker believes he is the right man to take the club forward and was backed by former England striker Ian Wright.

Last season, Lineker supported Pearson in a BBC Radio Leicester interview. He said: "Nigel has done a brilliant job at Leicester on two occasions over the years. He knows what he's doing - yes, he's a little bit weird at times, a little bit odd. 

"He's been accused of being slightly arrogant and patronising but he's kept the players together, he's kept them focused and kept the belief. He clearly knows what he's doing in terms of his job and that's all that matters really."