Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has released a statement stating Gary Lineker's comments are 'not for the government' to resolve.
The fallout continues after the announcement from the BBC that the former Everton striker would be "told to step back from presenting Match of the Day until an agreement is reached on his social media use."
It follows on from the 62-year-old's tweet in response to the scheme planned by the UK government to make asylum claims inadmissible to those who make their way to Britain on "small boats."
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Lineker said that it was an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".
As a result of the announcement from the broadcaster, there was a mass exodus from panellists and commentators - including Match of the Day regulars Ian Wright and Alan Shearer - in solidarity with the presenter. BBC's Football Focus and Final Score were axed on Saturday with Match of the Day broadcasting for just 20 minutes.
In light of the news, the ex-Leicester City forward was in attendance at the King Power Stadium as Chelsea beat the Foxes 3-1.
In a statement, Sunak addressed the events that have unfolded in the last 48 hours. He said: "As Prime Minister, I have to do what I believe is right, respecting that not everyone will always agree. That is why I have been unequivocal in my approach to stopping the boats.
"Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a talented presenter. I hope that the current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved in a timely manner, but it is rightly a matter for them, not the government.
"While that process is ongoing, it is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand. Forty-five thousand people crossed the channel illegally in the past two years, many of whom have been exploited or trafficked by criminal gangs, putting their lives in danger.
"We need to break this cycle of misery once and for all and the policy we set out this week I believe aims to do just that. It is not only the fair and moral thing to do, it is also the compassionate thing to do.
"There are no easy answers to solving this problem, but I believe leadership is about taking the tough decisions to fix problems. I know not everyone will always agree, but I do believe this is fair and right."
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