Twitter has reacted to the news that pundit Gary Lineker would be reinstated to his duties with the BBC's Match of the Day.
Last week it was announced that the 62-year-old would be taking a 'step back' from his usual hosting position, after receiving backlash for a string of tweets regarding his political stance on the Tory Government's new Illegal Migrant bill.
And due to the row between Gary and the BBC, a number of football-related programmes had to be changed or completely cut at the weekend - with other sports personalities and staff also walking away from the likes of Match of the Day, Final Score and Football Focus, in a show of solidarity with the former England star.
Read more: BBC release statement confirming Gary Lineker's return to Match of the Day
It was dull viewing for MOTD fans come Saturday, with the show screening without punditry or commentary whatsoever, finding itself reduced to a 20 minute slot. Final Score and Football Focus were scrapped altogether on Saturday.
But on Monday the BBC released a statement announcing that Gary will return to his usual role fronting the programme. BBC director-general Tim Davie, said: "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.”
An independent review will be launched over the corporation's social media guidelines.
Gary also posted his own announcement just after 10am on Monday, writing: "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 [Love heart emoji]."
And fellow pundits, celebrities and fans of Lineker rejoiced amid the revelation that the BBC will be reinstating the 62-year-old professional pundit and analyst to his normal duties. Rapper Wretch 32 commented: "Man of the match of the day," while Robert Popper dubbed Lineker a: "Hero."
Lisa Moorish said: "You got me back on Twitter. 'You're worth it'," while Ben Jacobs, added: "Looking forward to seeing you back at the weekend, Gary."
Alex Mitton, said: "Common sense prevails, took long enough," with Kyle O'Sullivan, joking: "Very pleased that the first red card of your career has been rescinded."
Less than impressed with the BBC, Gary Neville, jabbed: "Apology," with two laughing emojis, and Dara O Briain said: "Well done @garylineker at enduring this ridiculous, contrived “controversy"; and demonstrating that, as ever, people are perfectly capable of handling the idea that a grown-up can have a public job and also be separately, politically engaged in their own time.
"We’re not babies."
Read next:
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- Prime Minister says BBC's Gary Lineker decision is 'matter for them' and 'not everyone will always agree' with policy
- Gary Lineker BBC fallout LIVE: Sunday's Match of the Day in doubt as pundit drops out and thousands sign petition
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