Gary Lineker jokingly scolded Micah Richards over his ‘flirting’ with Maya Jama – before incurring her wrath after seemingly confirming her relationship.
The trio were present for the draft of Baller League UK on Monday night ahead of the start of the six-a-side competition which kicks off on March 24.
Lineker, Richards and their fellow Match of the Day co-host Alan Shearer will co-manage ‘Deportrio’ in the weekly tournament.
Whereas Love Island host Jama will manage ‘MVP’s United’ alongside Juventus star Alisha Lehmann.
And Lineker was keen for Richards to stop fraternising with the enemy – unless he managed to convince her to get her reported footballer boyfriend to play for them.
Jama is rumoured to have been dating Manchester City star Ruben Dias for the last few months, with Lineker hinting that the speculation is true.
Appearing in a video shared by Ballers League on Instagram, Jama was discussing the selection of her team, which includes ex-Accrington Stanley striker Kevin Spinelli.
She said: “Very happy with our team. I’m taking this manager role very seriously. I’ve even adapted a stance.”
It was that point when she was interrupted by Citizens cult hero Richards, who was less than pleased after having his age made fun of by Jama earlier in the night.
After being described as ‘my biggest op’ and ‘nemesis’ by Jama, Richards sat down next to her, where he stated: “You disrespected me though, didn’t you?
“You said I look 40-years-old. I’m only 36. You do me wrong man. How old are you?”
To which Jama replied: “I’m 30 actually, on the dot. Just 3, 0, new, fresh 30. I just got there.”
Check out all the best Cheltenham Festival free bets and offers at our dedicated page
Out of nowhere, Lineker then entered the scene, where he jokingly called out Richards, before letting the cat out of the bag in terms of who Jama’s partner is.
He simply stated: “Micah, stop flirting and get her boyfriend to play for us.”
Richards instantly burst into laughter, before listening to his co-manager to make a swift exit.
Maya appeared shocked by Lineker’s comments after he hinted about her relationship with Dias, where she proceeded to label him as ‘weird’.
She said of the incident: “Get out!
“This is why I don’t talk to old people. They’re so weird.”
Neither Jama or Dias have publicly commented on their reported relationship, though it has been claimed they have been an item for months having been seen celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Ibiza.
But Jama will be looking to shut out all the noise regarding that when Baller League starts later this month.
The league – which is made up of former footballers and celebrities – has 12 teams with squads boasting 12 players, with matches to consist of two 15-minute halves.
Following the opening 11 games, those placed in the top four will meet in the play-offs where they will compete for glory to become the inaugural winner.
