Gary Lineker will return to our TV screens later following a row which left the BBC's sport coverage in disarray. The former England international had to 'step back' from off his Match of the Day presenting duties after taking to social media to hit out at Government plans to stop small boats making the journey to Britain.
He tweeted: "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?" The broadcaster said it his regarded the tweet as a 'breach of our guidelines' and said Lineker would 'step back' from presenting the BBC's flagship football show.
Other star names including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright refused to appear on Match of the Day in solidarity with their colleague, and the BBC was forced to air the programme without presenters or commentary. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also commented on the row, defending the policy and describing it as 'compassionate' but saying Lineker's position was a 'matter for them, not the Government'.
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Now Lineker will return to front the coverage of Manchester City's FA Cup quarter final against Burnley, which kicks off at 5.45pm at the Etihad Stadium. He will be joined by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer and former City defender Micah Richards for the live game, while Mark Chapman is due to host the Match of the Day highlights show tonight.
On Monday the BBC announced that it had reached an agreement to allow Lineker to return to our screens. Director general Tim Davie said that the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers.
Mr Davie apologised for what he acknowledged had been 'a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences' and described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a 'difficult balancing act'. He said: "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."
After the BBC released its statement, Lineker tweeted that he was 'delighted' to have navigated a way through the row after a 'surreal few days'. He said: "I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost three 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."
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