The BBC have announced that Gary Lineker will return to present Match of the Day after he was suspended following an impartiality row over his comments about the Government's asylum policy.
The 62-year-old – who has hosted the show for almost 25 years – was taken off air at the end of last week following a controversial tweet on the Government's new immigration policy announced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Lineker suggested that the language used regarding the government's proposals to deal with illegal migrants crossing the English Channel was similar to that used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
After Lineker refused to apologise for his comments, the BBC suspended the former England striker, stating that he had breached their social media guidelines for "taking sides on party political issues or political controversies."
In response to Lineker's suspension, Match of the Day pundits including Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Alex Scott and Micah Richards all decided to show solidarity by refusing to appear on Saturday's show, while BBC commentators also stepped down from their duties.
A 20 minutes show with no presenter, pundits, commentary or post-match interviews was aired on Saturday before a 15-minute edition of MOTD2 followed on Sunday.
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The conflict between the BBC and Lineker has now been resolved, with director-general Tim Davie releasing a statement on Monday apologising on behalf of the corporation after recognising the "potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC's social media guidance".
A full statement from Davie 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."
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Lineker has since taken to social media to react to the news, tweeting: "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.
"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.
"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.
"Also, I'd like to thank Tim Davie for his understanding during this difficult period. He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality. I am delighted that we'll continue to fight the good fight, together."
Lineker's next appearance for the BBC will be presenting the FA Cup quarter-final encounter between Manchester City and Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Oliver Thomas
