Gary Lineker's son hits back as dad trolled over his return to BBC after row

Gary Lineker returned to Match of the Day on Saturday evening following a row with the BBC over his impartiality on Twitter.

While many were happy to see him back on the programme, some people blasted his decision to return, with his son George Lineker taking to social media to defend his dad.

62-year-old Gary was temporarily taken off air by the BBC in light of a tweet he posted criticising the Government's Illegal Migration Bill.

As he made his highly anticipated Match of the Day return, Gary shared a selfie on Twitter and wrote: "Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football."

One unhappy viewer re-shared the snap and wrote: "AND THE PRIZE FOR SMUG T..T OF THE YEAR GOES TO."

Gary Lineker shared a selfie as he returned to the BBC (Twitter)

Gary Lineker jumped to his dad's defence (Getty Images)

Gary's son George was quick to hit back at the troll and wrote: "Ahh bless you, so bitter," adding a crying laughing face.

His fans rushed to the comments to congratulate his dad for speaking out against the Government.

"Your Dad is an amazing person and that’s what eats these people up," one person wrote while another said: "Brilliant result someone with the guts to stand up."

Another laughed at how the troll had gone to the effort of replying to one of George's tweets from a year ago, writing: "He went all the way back to a tweet last year to post it . The effort of these trolls."

Gary returned to Match of the Day (BBC)

Last weekend’s football coverage on the BBC faced major disruption amid staff walkouts due to Gary's suspension.

BBC director general Tim Davie announced an independent review will be carried out on social media guidelines after Lineker was taken off air for a tweet criticising the Government's new asylum policy.

Gary subsequently confirmed he would return to his Match of the Day presenting hot seat this weekend.

Taking to Twitter after the announcement he would return to air, Lineker wrote: "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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