Gary Lineker has said he is “looking forward” to hosting Match Of The Day on Saturday amid speculation about his future at the BBC. The sports pundit caused a furore after criticising the government's plans to permanently bar asylum seekers who arrive in the UK on unauthorised small boats as "cruel".
Lineker, 62, has faced criticism from members of the Conservative Party after comparing the language used to launch the policy with 1930s Germany. However, support has come from media figures including Piers Morgan and Sky News commentator Adam Boulton.
The Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer described the Match Of The Day presenter’s comments as “disappointing and inappropriate” and said it is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to “retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”. Despite the criticism, Lineker said he stands by his comments, which he made on Twitter, and told reporters outside his home this morning he did not fear suspension from the BCC.
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Before closing the door of the car he was getting into, he was asked if he regretted his tweet, responding “No”, and, asked if he stood by it, said “Course”. Later, he took to Twitter to acknowledge it had been an "interesting couple of days".
He wrote to his 8.7 million followers: "Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting @BBCMOTD on Saturday. Thanks again for all your incredible support. It’s been overwhelming."
Last year the former England footballer was named as the BBC’s top earning on-air talent for the fifth consecutive year, and was paid between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 in 2021/2022 for Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year.
