BBC Speaks On Gary Lineker's Presenting Duties

Renowned football presenter Gary Lineker will return to present Match Of The Day (MOTD), BBC has announced.

BBC director general Tim Davie made the announcement on Monday, adding that an independent review will be carried out on social media guidelines.

Lineker was initially taken off air for refusing to apologise for his tweets comparing the language used to set out the government's asylum plan to "that used by Germany in the 30s."

This triggered an unprecedented row: fellow pundits and commentators staged a walkout in his defence thereby disrupting weekend football coverage across the BBC.

Owing to BBC Sport's coverage being plunged into chaos, Davie in a statement apologised for the "potential confusion" caused by the actions of the BBC.

"Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences," a part of the statement read.

"I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. 

"I want to get matters resolved and our sports content back on air.”

Davie clarified that the corporation's social media guidelines are meant to govern BBC staff and presenters who work on news and politics excluding other areas such as sports.

“Impartiality is important to the BBC,” he said. “It is also important to the public. 

"The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. 

"That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with a different audience and social media profiles.”

He went further to note that a review of BBC's social media policy would be spearheaded by an independent expert, adding: "Gary is a valued part of the BBC" and has been called back to present the corporation's "coverage this coming weekend."

Lineker, who's the BBC’s highest-paid presenter as he receives £1.35m annually, said in a joint statement with Davie that he backs the review with a  “particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs” and is looking forward to getting back on air.

After the statement on his return was released, the 62-year-old tweeted his thanks for the "incredible support" he received from people while noting how "difficult the last few days have been."

A part of his tweets reads: "However difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn't compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.

"It's heart-warming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.

"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people."

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

Lineker, who is employed on a freelance basis, is expected to return to host MOTD live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley on Saturday evening.