MOTD Host Gary Lineker Set For BBC Return
Match of the Day (MOTD) host Gary Lineker is to return to BBC screens this weekend after reaching a deal with the corporation, BBC announced on Monday.
Lineker has been involved in a row over impartiality after comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum policy with 1930s Germany. He was suspended by the BBC from presenting MOTD as they said in a statement he would “step back” from hosting the weekly football highlights programme.
Pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer both announced they would not appear on Match of the Day, while some presenters, former footballers and commentators followed suit in not participating in the BBC’s weekend football shows in support of Lineker.
However, BBC announced that the corporation’s management and Lineker have reached a deal to get the presenter back on air.
Gary Lineker and BBC management have reached a deal to get the presenter back on air.
BBC director general Tim Davie and Lineker have both released statements. pic.twitter.com/m2LfiXgIDj
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 13, 2023
The BBC announced that it will begin an independent review of its social media guidelines, focusing on how it applies to freelancers outside news, like Lineker.
Lineker took to Twitter to say he is “immeasurably proud” to work for the BBC and “cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair”
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. 1/4
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
