Gabby Logan forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show due to family emergency

Gabby Logan has been replaced by Mark Chapman during the latest episode of BBC Match of the Day due to a family emergency.

The 52-year-old opened the show in jovial fashion before setting up the first highlights package, which was Bournemouth vs Tottenham , after referencing the tragic passing of Martin Chivers.

The clash between Manchester City and Brighton was also introduced by Logan, however when the cameras returned to the studio, it was Chapman, who had only just finished radio duties, in the presenter seat.

Addressing the obvious change, he said: "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."

Logan was initially joined by Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy before having to depart early into the show with Chapman swiftly replacing her.

The duo usually share the duties alongside Sky Sports host Kelly Cates with the former selected to lead analysis for the midweek action.

This decision from the BBC follows Gary Lineker's departure from the programme following a remarkable 26-years. Logan had hosted Match of the Day last Sunday while Chapman was selected as the lead presenter the previous day with Cates in the studio for the midweek action a few days earlier.

With so much Premier League football over the Christmas and New Year period, there have been six highlights programmes aired in the last 10 days.

Numerous football fans have taken to social media following the presenter swap, with almost all wishing Logan well while also praising Champan's professionalism to step into the role, having just done a significant stint on the radio.

It was a bumper evening of Premier League football with the highlights being Newcastle United and Bournemouth grabbing stoppage-time winners against Leeds United and Tottenham, respectively.

Igor Thiago inspired Brentford to another victory as they moved up to fifth with a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Manageress Manchester United were also in action as they drew 2-2 away at Burnley with Benjamin Sesko bagging a brace.

Manchester City suffered a damaging blow in the title race after Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Erling Haaland's penalty while Everton had two players sent off in their 1-1 draw against Wolves.