Gary Lineker is set to return to BBC Match of the Day this weekend following a row over impartiality.
The presenter was told to stand down from hosting the popular show on Saturday when he compared language used to launch a new government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet. This led to severe disruption of the broadcaster's sports coverage throughout the weekend as pundits walked out in 'solidarity' with Lineker.
The BBC said last night said that talks were 'moving in the right direction' as they worked to resolve the issue and this morning, it has been confirmed that Lineker will return to his hosting duties this weekend.
Gary Lineker said in the statement from the BBC: "I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air."
Writing on Twitter, he added: “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 three 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.”
Lineker added: “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.”
Director General Tim Davie said the BBC will launch an independent review into its social media guidelines, with a particular focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.
His full statement 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.”
Match of the Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from presenters, and Sunday’s edition of Match of the Day 2 will run for a reduced 15 minutes. Football Focus, Final Score, and BBC 5 Live programmes were also replaced with pre-recorded shows as the presenters and contributors to these shows said they would not be involved.
Coverage of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United also aired without a pre-match presentation, and with world feed commentary used instead of regular BBC presenters.
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