Gary Lineker has expressed his delight at returning to Match of the Day and thanked his BBC Sport colleagues for their 'overwhelming' backing. The former England striker will be back on presenting duties this weekend after his suspension plunged BBC Sport into chaos.
Lineker was suspended by the corporation for a suspected breach of their social media guidelines, having compared language used in the Government's asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany in a tweet. However, the move prompted widespread outcry and saw a mass boycott of the highlights show with Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer one of many who refused to work on the programme in protest.
Following intense speculation, the BBC confirmed Lineker's return in a statement on Monday morning, as well as an independent review into the corporation's social media guidelines. The presenter himself has since taken to social media to not only talk about his joy of returning to work, but the 'heartwarming' responses from those who share his view on the controversial policy.
READ MORE: BBC release statement confirming Gary Lineker's return to Match of the Day
In a series of tweets, Lineker posted: "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. 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."
