Gary Lineker has taken to Twitter within minutes of having his BBC suspension lifted, tweeting his continued support and sympathy for refugees after "a surreal few days"
The Match of the Day host was taken off air after the broadcaster asked him to "step back" from presenting after he compared the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet.
That decision saw Lineker's fellow pundits, commentators and other staff all refuse to appear on the BBC in solidarity with the 62-year-old, with Saturday night's Match of the Day cut to just 20 minutes and airing with no commentary, pundit analysis or post-match interviews.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker's BBC salary, net worth and 'unusual' relationship with ex-wife
However on Monday it was confirmed that Lineker would return to presenting this weekend, with the Director General of the BBC apologising for the furore and announcing that an independent review into the broadcaster's social media guidelines will be carried out.
Lineker himself issued a short formal statement, saying he was "glad that we have found a way forward," but soon took to Twitter to thank those who had supported him, adding that he was "immeasurably proud" to work for the BBC and excited to return to Match of the Day.
"After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this," he wrote. "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 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.
He added: "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."
Lineker's words came after BBC's Director General Tim Davie announced on Monday morning that a resolution had been met between the two parties, with the broadcaster's reputation coming under considerable strain as a result of the debacle.
In a statement, 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. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.
"The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
The Director General added: "Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
“Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.
“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.”
READ NEXT:
