BIRMINGHAM MAIL
Gary Lineker is set to return to Match of the Day after talks with the BBC.
Football coverage on BBC TV and radio shows was hit across the weekend as pundits walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker after the former England captain was told to stand down from presenting Match of the Day when he compared language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany.
Match of the Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from presenters, and Sunday’s edition of Match of the Day 2 ran for a reduced 15 minutes in similar style. However, talks between the BBC and Lineker were previously reported to be “moving in the right direction”.
In a statement on Monday morning, the BBC confirmed that it had reached a deal to get the Match of the Day presenter back on air. BBC Director General Tim Davie also announced that the broadcaster will be launching an investigation into its social media rules.
“I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air,” Lineker said, as part of the BBC statement.
Connect with us on our socials: