Television viewers selected Gary Lineker as the winner of the presenter award at Wednesday’s National Television Awards, ending the remarkable dominance of Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

The 64-year-old former footballer took a not-so-subtle dig at his former employer, the BBC, in his acceptance speech.

His triumph at the London ceremony arrived just months following his departure from Match of the Day, where he had served as host for 26 years until the conclusion of the Premier League season in May.

Taking to the stage, he made several pointed remarks as he commented: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award, aside from presenting Match of the Day, the most iconic football show on television for 26 years.”

ITV viewers were left divided by Gary Linker’s win

 | ITV

He continued: “And there’s so many amazing people that I’ve worked with both in front of the camera and behind the camera over that period of time.

“So a massive thank you to each and every one of them, because I wouldn’t be here now, receiving this award, if it wasn’t for them.”

Touching on the way in which he found himself leaving the BBC due to his political social media remarks, he continued: “And also I think it demonstrates that perhaps it’s OK sometimes for us to use our platform – to use our platform to speak up for those who have no voice.”

Mr Lineker concluded: “So thank you, it means the world – thank you very much.”

Gary Lineker said in his speech that the win ‘demonstrates that perhaps it’s ok, sometimes, to use our platform to speak up’

 | ITV

Speaking in July, Mr Lineker confirmed he had, in fact, been sacked from the broadcaster. His removal came after sparked outrage when he shared a pro-Gaza post that appeared to represent supporters of Israel as rats, which he later apologised for.

The post, featuring the illustration of a rat, was published back in May, with rats historically being used as an antisemitic slur.

Just days after posting the story, he announced he would be leaving the BBC after 26 years. It was initially believed that he had quit the show; however, he has now revealed he was fired by BBC bosses.

When he was asked if he had quit or been fired, he admitted: “The latter.”

Gary Lineker came under fire for his views while working at the BBC

 | RESTISFOOTBALLFollowing the ordeal, Lineker insisted he “missed” the rat emoji, telling The New World: “I missed it [the rat emoji]. I genuinely didn’t see it.”

The former presenter continued: “I’m not an idiot. I may not have known it was an antisemitic trope, but I would have wondered why someone had put a rat there.”

Mr Lineker’s sacking followed the culmination of numerous disagreements between the presenter and the BBC concerning his online commentary.

The timing of his NTA nomination proved particularly notable, occurring mere months after these events led to his exit from the football programme he had fronted since the late 1990s.

Gary Lineker presented Match of the Day for years

| GETTYMr Lineker’s speech on Wednesday evening drew immediate attention from those watching on ITV, with many perceiving it as a pointed message about the circumstances that led to his departure from the corporation.

Social media responses to Mr Lineker’s victory revealed sharply divided opinions amongst viewers who participated in the voting process.

Critics dismissed the result as undeserved, with one viewer commenting: “They only gave it to him because they felt sorry about him being sacked. Pity award. Nothing more.”

Another described the outcome as “shameful,” whilst someone else claimed “the nation hasn’t spoken, a few idiots have.”

One particularly harsh assessment suggested “Gary Lineker knows as much about politics as Boris Johnson does about football.”

However, supporters celebrated his recognition, with one writing: “Congrats, Gary! Your award celebrates not just football but using your voice for the voiceless. Iconic!”

Others viewed the result as “vindication,” praising him as “a great player and a great person.”