Gary Lineker returns to the air after tweet series with BBC

The BBC said sports presenter Gary Lineker will return to the air after the company agreed to review its social media policies to settle an escalating dispute over its impartiality.

They were forced to scrap much of their sports coverage over the weekend after presenters, pundits and commentators refused to work in solidarity with Lineker, who criticized the government’s immigration policies.

The publicly funded BBC had suspended Lineker for breaching its impartiality rules by comparing the rhetoric of British Home Secretary Suella Braverman to the language used in 1930s Germany.

On Monday it said it would conduct a review of how presenters can use social media, including freelancers outside of news and current affairs, such as Lineker, the former England football captain who presents the flagship Premier League highlights program Match of the Day .

Lineker tweeted As the news broke, I thank everyone for their support.

After a surreal few days, I’m elated that we’ve found a way here. I would like to thank you all for the incredible support, especially my colleagues from BBC Sport for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their support has been overwhelming. 1/4

— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023

“I have been presenting sport at the BBC for almost three decades and I am immensely proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world,” he said.

“One final thought: as difficult as the last few days have been, it just doesn’t compare to having to flee your homeland from persecution or war to seek refuge in a country far away. It’s heartwarming to see the empathy for their plight by so many of you.”

BBC Director General Tim Davie said in a statement on Monday that Lineker is a valued part of the BBC. “I look forward to him presenting our coverage next weekend,” he said.

Lineker said: “I would also like to thank Tim Davie for his understanding at this difficult time. He has an almost impossible task of keeping everyone happy, especially in the area of ​​impartiality. I’m happy that we will keep fighting Good fight together.”