Match of The Day host Gary Lineker is set to be reinstated by the BBC this weekend with no further punishment after bosses backed down over a Twitter dispute. The former Leicester City and England international posted his views criticising the Government for their new asylum policy.
Lineker has reportedly claimed the BBC "told him" he had to step back from presenting Match Of The Day amid criticism of his comments and the corporation said on Friday that it had "decided" Lineker would take a break from presenting the BBC One football highlights show until an "agreed and clear position" on his use of social media had been reached.
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. Leeds United's clash with Brighton was one of those impacted by the lack of punditry on Saturday evening.
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Director General Tim Davie has apologised and told the BBC: “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.
"Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this."
Davie also acknowledged the "potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance" that was introduced in 2020, stating he wants to "get matters resolved and our sport content back on air".
In a statement, Davie also said the BBC will launch an independent review into its social media guidelines, with a focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.
Gary Lineker said in the statement: "I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air."
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