Gary Lineker shares statement after BBC confirms he will return to hosting Match of the Day
GARY Lineker has shared a statement after the BBC confirmed he will return to host Match of the Day.
It comes after a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
The Sun revealed earlier today how Lineker, 62, is set to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage this weekend.
In a tweet, the former England star said: “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 3 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.”
And later speaking at his home in Barnes, south London, Gary said: “I’ve already said what I’m going to say on Twitter.”
The BBC is also going to review its social media guidelines as Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.
Director General Tim Davie of the BBC said: “Gary has agreed to abide by the guidance whilst the independent review takes place.”
The BBC Board has welcomed the agreement between the broadcaster and presenter Gary Lineker, saying it is “the right time” to review its social media guidelines and “impartiality is a cornerstone of the BBC”.
The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan.
He likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
Sharing the clip, Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
Lineker was accused by the BBC of breaking their strict impartiality rules that state staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
The broadcaster revealed on Friday he had been suspended and would not host Saturday’s Match of the Day – sparking a mutiny among his co-stars.
Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in with the football analysis show plunged into crisis.
Saturday’s night episode later aired with a stripped-back, 20 minute version that did not even feature the iconic theme tune.
And last night’s Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
Ms Braverman later said that Lineker’s comments were “offensive”.
While PM Rishi Sunak waded into the row on Saturday, saying the Lineker’s suspension is “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not him or Government.
Lineker risked infuriating critics of his controversial views even more, however, by failing to say sorry in either his brief statement or the tweets he posted immediately after the announcement was made.
Tory MP Tom Hunt said: ““There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.
“What the BBC say about a social media review all seems rather vague and I fear it will just be a white wash. We can’t allow “freelancers” who are paid millions by the taxpayer and are widely perceived to be BBC employees to act with impunity when it comes to impartiality rules.
“Even before this there was growing momentum and support from the public for abolishing the licence fee. This will only boost that.”
‘DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT’
In a separate tweet today, Gary thanked Tim Davie for his “understanding during this difficult period”.
He added: “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.”
Mr Davie said today impartiality is “important” to the BBC and the public but admitted there is a “difficult balancing act”.
Tim 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.”
It is believed Lineker will agree to be more careful about what he tweets in the future, while the BBC will likely review its social media guidelines.