Robbie Savage has offered to reimburse production staff who will not be paid after Six-0-Six was cancelled during the Linekergate crisis.
Two editions of the award-winning BBC Radio 5 Live phone-in were called off last weekend as the corporation's sports programmes were hit by a boycott in support of suspended Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker.
And as Lineker returns to our screens on Saturday evening, anchoring the Beeb's live FA Cup quarter-final coverage of Manchester City v Burnley, Mirror Football can reveal Savage's big-hearted gesture to eight backroom staff who work on Six-0-Six. He is proposing to make sure producers who filter the calls and put the show together are not left out of pocket.
Although the move would cost Savage around £1,000 of his own money, the 48-year-old presenter admits he feels guilty about his part in the blackout.
Savage said: “I was inclined to work, but I didn't have the guts to go through with it – because nobody wanted to be that 'scab' who broke ranks.
“They have mortgages to pay, heating bills to pay, they have to put bread on the table like any working household. I hope there are other pundits who would like to do the same thing. Although I wasn't a ringleader in Six-0-Six being off the air, I feel it's the least I can do.”
Following the weekend of disruption, the BBC and Lineker held talks about his return after which BBC Director General Tim Davie issued an apology to viewers and the former Everton and Tottenham striker would be allowed to return to air.
Davie's full statement read: "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.”
