Gary Lineker will return to Match of The Day this weekend following a BBC review after his absence from the programme sparked a social media storm.
The England strike legend sparked a week of huge controversy after sending out anti-Government tweets over a new migration policy. He was suspended by the public broadcaster and that saw their flagship football highlights programme air without pundits - who backed Lineker - for the English Premier League fixtures while other shows were also hit as the schedule was decimated. But the 62-year-old will host this week's show as the FA Cup takes centre stage.
But in a statement from BBC director-general Tim Davie, he said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air. Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression.
