Podbit · The Louis Theroux Podcast
Lineker had a stomach problem in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup, lasted until a sliding tackle in the second half, then had to 'shovel out his shorts' and wipe himself on the grass. The incident stayed largely unknown for two decades before going viral after a late-career interview.
Where this was said
At 47:30 · chapter starts 47:25
After a short break, Theroux brings up the incident Lineker's teammates and family knew about but the public didn't for two decades. The opening game of the 1990 World Cup in Cagliari: Lineker had stomach problems overnight, said nothing to Bobby Robson because he wanted to play, survived to half-time, came out for the second half, then 50–60 minutes in — while sliding in for a tackle — completely lost control. He describes the aftermath with excruciating candour: 'shovelling it out of my shorts,' doing 'a dog wiping its arse on the grass,' grateful for the rain and the dark blue shorts. When he was substituted he had to walk to the far side of the pitch to the dugout, and could see his teammates gradually sliding their chairs away from him on the bench. Back in the dressing room he hid the kit behind the toilet brush holder, too embarrassed to carry it out. The story became public only when asked about 'the rumour' two decades later in an interview, went viral, and now defines part of his legacy. He calls it 'hellish at the time but quite funny now.' [1] — Gary Lineker "Lineker had a stomach problem in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup, lasted until a sliding tackle in the second half, then had to 'sho…" 47:30
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