Gary Linekar: “I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and I am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD [Match of the Day] chair on Saturday”.
These were Gary Lineker’s words on Twitter when he expressed delight to return as BBC reviewed social media rules for staff.
Gary Lineker is returning to BBC screens this weekend after reaching a deal with the corporation – following an impartiality row in which he criticised the government’s new asylum policy.
Lineker’s next appearance for the BBC will be the coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Burnley.
The match will kick off on Saturday at 17:45 GMT, with coverage from the Etihad Stadium on BBC One starting at 17:25 GMT.
Gary Lineker was last week taken off air following an impartiality row in which he criticised the government’s new asylum policy.
BBC director general Tim Davie announced on Monday that an independent review will be carried out on social media guidelines.
Lineker said he backed the review and looked forward to getting back on air.
He said the last few days had been “surreal” and thanked people for their “incredible support”.
In a statement, Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences.
“I apologise for this.”
Last week, in a tweet, Lineker compared the language used to set out the government’s asylum plan to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.
His words, about the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill, were criticised by Conservative ministers, including the home secretary.
Lineker was told on Friday he had to apologise for his tweets or would be unable to present Match of the Day at the weekend.
“I apologise for this.”
Last week, in a tweet, Lineker compared the language used to set out the government’s asylum plan to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.
His words, about the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill, were criticised by Conservative ministers, including the home secretary.
Lineker was told on Friday he had to apologise for his tweets or would be unable to present Match of the Day at the weekend.
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
Source: Graphiconline
