Gary Lineker will return to present Match of the Day following a weekend of chaos on the flagship BBC show. The suspension of the former England international led to a mass boycott from commentators and pundits and led to shortened versions of the programme being broadcast on both Saturday and Sunday.
Lineker was asked to step back from his role after comparing the language used in Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany. The BBC considered the post as a potential breach of their social media guidelines in a stance which provoked widespread outcry.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer withdrew from Saturday night's show in protest, alongside former Arsenal striker Ian Wright. Commentators due to work on the programme soon followed suit, as potential replacements quickly ruled themselves out.
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BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised for the disruption to the sporting schedule this weekend, but insisted he will not resign. Now, in a statement released on Monday morning, the BBC has confirmed Lineker will return to work while an independent review will be launched over the corporation's social media guidelines.
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.”
Lineker added: "I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air."
