Gary Lineker news: Match of the Day star says he’s ‘still hitting’ ahead of BBC return
Gary Lineker returns to Match of the Day, BBC apologizes
A defiant Gary Lineker said he “still proposes” his return to the BBC after comparing the government’s language on the small boat crisis to Nazi Germany.
The game of the day star returns to screens on Saturday to present live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley, which was suspended over the comments last week.
In his first television appearance since the row, Mr Lineker said: “You could say it’s been an interesting week but I’m still here, still banging.” When asked about the row by LaLiga TV, he added: “It was interesting and also very enjoyable.
“I had an incredible amount of support from my friends and colleagues, which was actually quite nice. “It was completely disproportionate, the whole thing. “But we’re fine. It’s solved, we’re relieved and back to work tomorrow and all is right with the world.”
Mr Lineker did not appear on the MOTD highlights show on Friday, although it is believed his absence was due to scheduling rather than the dispute that ended with his suspension.
ICYMI – ‘Totally disproportionate’: Gary Lineker discusses small boat rowing in first TV appearance since BBC suspension
Football presenter Gary Lineker has condemned the BBC’s suspension dispute over his tweets as “completely disproportionate”.
But he said he had received plenty of support during his row with the BBC, which had been enjoyable and “quite nice”.
It comes as the TV star’s agent said he believes he has a “special agreement” with the network allowing him to comment on refugees and the small boat crisis.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 4:15 p.m
ICYMI: Face the Snowflake MPs after Gary Lineker’s fight, Starmer tells Sunak
Rishi Sunak must “stand up to his snowflake MPs Waging War on Freedom of Speech” following the Gary Lineker Row, said Sir Keir Starmer.
The Labor leader sought reassurances that Conservative MPs or others associated with the party were not lobbying BBC to “effectively cancel” last weekend’s match of the day.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 2:42 p.m
ICMI: Lineker thought he had ‘special arrangement’ with Tim Davie over tweets, agent says
Gary Lineker believed he had a “special arrangement” with the BBC director-general to tweet about refugees and immigration, his agent said.
Jon Holmes, who is deputizing for Match Of The Day presenter, said the impartiality dispute that arose from Lineker’s recent online action has “collapsed into a pile of rubble” despite his efforts to get everyone “calmed down”.
Mike Bedigan has the story:
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 2:10 p.m
ICYMI: Next BBC chairman shouldn’t be a ‘political appointment’, says ex-news chief
A former head of BBC television news said the next BBC chairman should not be a “political appointment”.
Roger Mosey, who was also the channel’s sporting director, said it would be a “great statesmanlike act” by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to depoliticize the appointment.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 1:50 p.m
Gary Lineker reflects on ‘very welcome’ support ahead of BBC return
Gary Lineker said as he returned to TV screens to present the live broadcast of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley his peer support was “very gratifying” and “quite nice”.
Saturday will be the 62-year-old broadcaster’s first appearance on the BBC since being told to step down from hosting the Match Of The Day (MOTD) for impartial reasons.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 12:48 p.m
“Back to Saturday Job”
Gary Lineker supporters have sent their best wishes to the football presenter as he returns to the BBC today.
The host of the match of the day returns to work to cover the FA Cup after being suspended for criticizing the government’s migration plans.
“Back to the Saturday job,” Mr Lineker wrote on Twitter ahead of his appearance, alongside a strong arm emoji.
“Return of the Mack! Have a good time Gary!” replied one supporter. “Enjoy your day,” added another.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 12:07 p.m
Who is presenting Match of the Day tonight?
Mark Chapman, normally the presenter of 5 Live Sport, will be presenting Match of the Day this Saturday night.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 11:45 am
Next BBC chairman shouldn’t be a ‘political appointment’, says ex-news boss
A former head of BBC television news said the next BBC chairman should not be a “political appointment”.
Roger Mosey, who was also the channel’s sporting director, said it would be a “great statesmanlike act” by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to depoliticize the appointment.
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 11:23 am
Recap: How did the Lineker series evolve?
BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker has been embroiled in a dispute over impartiality after posting on Twitter criticizing the government’s illegal immigration law.
The series has made headlines and front pages.
Here is a timeline of how events unfolded:
Matt MathersMarch 18, 2023 10:50 am
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/gary-lineker-twitter-bbc-match-of-the-day-b2303453.html Gary Lineker news: Match of the Day star says he’s ‘still hitting’ ahead of BBC return
