Gary Lineker says he's delighted to have navigated a way through a 'surreal' few days following his suspension from the BBC. The former England international was asked to step back from his role after comparing the language used in Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany. The BBC considered the post as a potential breach of their social media guidelines in a stance which provoked widespread outcry.
That move saw Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and a number of other BBC colleagues stand in solidarity with Lineker and Match of The Day coverage ran at a reduced schedule without pundit analysis. The BBC has since apologised and says it'll carry out a review of its social media guidelines, with a focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.
Lineker tweeted: "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.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker reinstated on Match of The Day following BBC backlash
"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.
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"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you."
"Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this."
Davie also recognises the "potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance" that was introduced in 2020, adding he wants to "get matters resolved and our sport content back on air".
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