Gary Lineker is back at the BBC but has sent a clear message to bosses using the very words that adorn the walls of the corporation’s headquarters.
The 62-year-old’s return to the broadcaster was confirmed on Monday after a weekend of chaos. Lineker had been temporarily suspended by the Beeb in light of social media posts criticising the Conservative government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
The former England striker described the bill, which was unveiled by home secretary Suella Braverman, as “beyond awful” and said the language used was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30”. The BBC said in a statement that he had “decided that he will step back” after holding “extensive discussions” with him. Lineker then made it clear that the decision was not mutual.
In light of his removal from Saturday night’s show, a host of pundits and presenters followed suit with a decision made to present the flagship highlights programme with no analysis or presentation. That was widely condemned by viewers, with other programmes across the network stripped back in response to the growing discontent.
However, on Monday, the BBC completed a humbling U-turn with director general Tim Davie confirming Lineker’s return. The ex-Tottenham and Leicester forward thanked fans for their support whilst doubling down on his support of refugees fleeing war and persecution.
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," he continued. "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."
And although he is now back in his old position, there is clearly some understandable, lingering resentment at the furore whipped up by his employers. In a pointed statement to bosses Lineker has updated his profile picture, with his face mocked up in front of the message outside the BBC’s London headquarters.
The words, which appear next to a statue of George Orwell poignantly read: “If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
Mirror Football understands that despite his imminent return, Lineker will not be back on hosting duties for this weekend’s Match of the Day on Saturday night. He will instead present live coverage of the FA Cup quarter final between Manchester City and Burnley, with Mark Chapman anchoring the Premier League highlights show.
