Gary Lineker is set to "step back" from his presenting role on Match of the Day while he and the BBC reach "an agreed and clear position on his use of social media" following his recent tweet which criticised Government immigration policy.
The BBC released a statement on Friday announcing the decision, stating it considered Lineker's recent social media activity to be a "breach of our guidelines". It added he should "keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies".
The BBC statement continued: "We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies”.
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In a tweet, the presenter had compared the language used by the government over its plan to tackle Channel crossings to "that used by Germany in the 30s".
Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: "Source close to Gary Lineker says he has not agreed to step back from MOTD - claiming the BBC has taken him off air. It’s understood Lineker is unwilling to apologise for his tweets and admit he should not have posted them. The BBC has been approached for comment."
With Lineker set to be absent from the upcoming show on Saturday, it is currently unclear who will replace him. Mark Chapman, who presents Match of the Day 2, has filled in for Lineker before and it is certainly possible he could be in the role for the coming weeks while the issue is resolved.
The Mirror has launched a petition calling for Gary Lineker to be reinstated to Match of the Day by the BBC - we urge anyone who values liberty and free speech to sign it. #GaryLinekerhttps://t.co/o3216ygZye
— Mirror Politics (@MirrorPolitics)
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