Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is set to return to his hosting duties after an agreement was reached with the BBC. A joint statement released on Monday morning confirmed that Lineker will be back presenting the corporation's flagship football highlights programme and that he will be allowed to continue tweeting about politics as normal while a social media guidance review is conducted.
Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
“Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.
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"The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
“Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.
“Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Lineker read: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
The presenter added to those brief sentiments via a Twitter thread, where he said: "After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming.
"I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.
"A final thought: however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away. It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.
"Also, I’d like to thank Tim Davie for his understanding during this difficult period. He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality. I am delighted that we’ll continue to fight the good fight, together."
This comes after the 62-year-old was 'stood down' from Saturday's edition of the programme following recent social media activity that the BBC said was a "breach of our guidelines". Lineker had tweeted criticism of the Government's asylum-seeker policy, likening the language used about asylum seekers to "that used by Germany in the 30s".
This led to a mass boycott of BBC sports presenters, pundits and commentators, resulting in a significantly reduced Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2. This was in addition to a majorly reduced sporting timetable - with Final Score, Football Focus and 5 Live Sport all cancelled.
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