Gary Lineker is set to return to his Match of the Day hosting duties next weekend following his temporary suspension over tweets he sent. The former England striker was taken off the air for Saturday's (March 11) show after he criticised the Government on Twitter over its immigration bill, the language of which he compared to that used by the Nazis in 1930s Germany.
The BBC's decision sparked widespread backlash within its ranks, leading to sports pundits and commentators refusing to work over the weekend in a show of solidarity to Lineker. This led to Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 being reduced to 20 and 15 minute shows respectively while other programmes were pulled from the schedules.
Several football teams, including Bristol Rovers, also decided not to speak to the BBC before or after their matches over the weekend.
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Following the backlash, the BBC announced this morning (March 13) that Lineker would return to the airwaves. Director General Tim Davie also issued an apology.
Mr Davie 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.
"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.”
Speaking on Twitter, Lineker said: "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."
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