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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Tom Victor

Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day - and 'glad we have found a way forward'

Gary Lineker has spoken for the first time since the BBC reached a decision on his Match of the Day future, saying he is "glad we have found a way forward".

The broadcaster and former England footballer has been the regular anchor of the Saturday evening show, but was not involved in the most recent broadcast after claiming the Beeb told him to step back.

A number of pundits also ruled themselves out of proceedings in solidarity with the 62-year-old, meaning no one presented the show.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker would go back to Match of the Day but will NEVER apologise, says son

Lineker had earlier hit out at the government's announcement of its border policy, describing the move as "beyond awful". He went on to compare the government's language to that used by Germany in the 1930s, prompting the BBC to hold talks with him.

"I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air," Lineker said in a short statement shared by the BBC Press office along with words from director-general Tim Davie.

The BBC's director-general confirmed Lineker will continue as the host of Match Of The Day, saying: "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."

"There is no huge influx," Lineker said on Tuesday in reply to a Twitter user who challenged him on the 'beyond awful' comments. "We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

Match of the Day went ahead on Saturday but not in its usual form (Getty Images)

"This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?"

The BBC confirmed they would speak with Lineker following the comments. These conversations culminated in the presenter not taking part in the weekend coverage, with a shorter broadcast shown as pundits and commentators also sitting it out, with many posting messages of support for the host.

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