Gary Lineker has revealed it was the BBC's decision for him to step back as presenter of Match of the Day.
Lineker will not feature on the flagship show until further notice after the former England international came under fire for comparing the language used by the government in their asylum plans earlier this week to "that used by Germany in the 30s" in a tweet posted on Tuesday afternoon.
Lineker went on to say that the policy set out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman was "beyond awful" and it continues to see the 62-year-old under the media microscope. Studio pundit Wright tweeted to say he would not appear on Saturday night's show in a sign of solidarity with his colleague.
Full story: Lineker to step back from Match of the Day role
And now further details on the BBC decision have been thrust into the light by a rival broadcaster.
Speaking while on air, Channel 5 news presenter Walker said: "It's one of those strange situations where I'm actually texting the man himself at the moment. I have asked Gary Lineker the question about whether he is stepping back or the BBC have told him to step back.
"I've told him that, if he responds to me, I will read out that text on air. There's one word in there I can't use...
"But he has said; 'No, they've told me I have to step back'. Gary Lineker wants to continue to present Match of the Day and is not apologising for what he said, but he says it's a BBC decision to force him to not present the programme at the moment."
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