Match of the Day viewers were left concerned for Gary Lineker on Saturday evening as the TV presenter returned to the programme following a row with the BBC over his impartiality on Twitter.
Lineker 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, the 62-year-old was joined by colleagues Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, who boycotted the BBC football highlights programme in solidarity with Lineker last weekend.
Lineker fronted the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup quarter final between Manchester City and Burnley on Saturday evening, but as he welcomed viewers to the programme, many noticed his voice sounded markedly different.
Match of the Day viewers at home were left wondering if Lineker might have been under the weather given he didn’t sound like he normally did.
Taking to Twitter, one asked: “Has Gary Lineker been gargling with gravel?! Well done Gary for turning up for this one (obvious reasons, etc) - you're clearly unwell.”
A second echoed: “Gary Lineker’s voice has gone a little bit. You wouldn’t think he’s had a week's rest!” as another wrote: “Gary Lineker is clearly not well but he wasn’t going to miss this for anything.”
“Gary Lineker is back but with a throaty voice,” another penned as one viewer added: “Oh, Gary has come back with a croaky/ sore throat. Hope his voice lasts!”
Another jokingly asked: “Might be because he’s been away for so long, but did Gary Lineker always sound like a Dalek?”
Last weekend’s football coverage on the BBC faced major disruption amid staff walkouts due to Lineker's suspension.
Lineker subsequently confirmed he would return to his Match of the Day presenting hot seat this weekend.
BBC director general Tim Davie announced an independent review will be carried out on social media guidelines after Lineker was taken off air after tweeted criticism of the government's new asylum policy.
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."
