BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker has said he will return to the airwaves after the corporation agreed to review its social media guidelines to settle a bitter row over its neutrality.
They were forced to pull much of their sports coverage over the weekend after broadcasters, pundits and commentators refused to cooperate with Lineker, who criticized the government’s immigration policy.
The state-funded BBC suspended Lineker for breaching neutrality rules by comparing UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s rhetoric to language used in 1930s Germany.
On Monday, he said there would be a review of how presenters could use social media, including freelancers outside of news and current affairs, such as former England football captain Lineker, who presents the Premier League’s flagship game programme.
Lineker tweeted He thanked everyone for their support when the news broke.
So glad we navigated this way after a surreal few days. I’d like to thank you all for your incredible support, especially my colleagues at BBC Sport. Football is a team game, but their support was dominant. 1/4
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
“I’ve been presenting sport at the BBC for nearly three decades and I’m proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world,” he said.
“The bottom line: as difficult as the last few days have been, it is nothing compared to fleeing persecution or war and seeking refuge in a faraway country. Most of you.”
BBC director-general Tim Davy said in a statement on Monday that Lineker was a valuable part of the BBC. “I look forward to him presenting our message this coming weekend,” he said.
Lineker: “Also, I’d like to thank Tim Davy for his understanding during this difficult time. He has an impossible job of making everyone happy, especially in the area of ​​neutrality. I’m glad we’ll continue to fight. the good fight, together.”
