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      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?

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      MATCH OF THE DAY viewers have been left surprised after being deprived of Gary Lineker again.Three weeks ago, his entire career at the BBC was up in the air after an impartiality row.
      Gary Lineker was conspicuously absent from Match of the Day on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      But that issue was resolved after a fan backlash over the Beeb’s decision to axe the presenter.
      Upon reaching a deal, BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
      And that agreement may leave some even more surprised that he is not presenting this evening’s show.
      So what, exactly, has happened?
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Why isn’t Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day?
      Gary Lineker has been very up front about his reasons for missing MOTD this evening.
      And fans have no reason to be worried that he will be off-air for the long run.
      Lineker tweeted earlier today: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
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      Why was Gary Lineker suspended before?
      Gary Lineker was suspended because the BBC ruled that a tweet he posted about Home Secretary Suella Braverman broke impartiality rules.
      He responded to a video of her setting out the Government’s Migration Bill, labelling the language being used similar to 1930s Germany.
      Lineker tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      However, the BBC agreed to review its social media guidelines for presenters who aren’t covering current affairs.
      And they allowed Lineker to return to air so long as he agrees to follow the current rules while the new ones are being drawn up. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals reason why he missed Match of the Day, three weeks after BBC row

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      GARY LINEKER revealed earlier this evening that he would NOT be presenting Match of the Day, three weeks after being taken off the show by the BBC.The presenter was reinstated to the show after being taken off it for what the Beeb said was a breach of impartiality rules.
      Gary Lineker revealed he would not be presenting Match of the Day tonightCredit: PA
      Lineker criticised the Government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
      But he reassured viewers that he has not been suspended again, and is simply on holiday.
      Taking to Twitter, Lineker wrote: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
      “I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. 😂👍🏻”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Following his previous suspension, Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues rallied around him and refused to participate in broadcasts until his reinstatement.
      The 62-year-old returned for the Beeb’s FA Cup coverage the following weekend, before having to miss another broadcast due to being unwell.
      Earlier this week, Lineker won a £4.9million tax battle.
      HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
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      The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
      But Lineker insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
      Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
      But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case. More

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      John Motson laid to rest as football stars mourn BBC commentary legend at his funeral

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      FOOTBALL stars mourned John Motson as the legendary commentator was laid to rest at his funeral today.The BBC pundit and iconic voice of football died aged 77 last month leaving the world of sport reeling.
      John Motson sadly passed away last month at the age of 77Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The coffin of John Motson is carried into Crownhill Crematorium, Milton KeynesCredit: PA
      Mark Lawrenson, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs arrive for the funeralCredit: PA
      Pundit Garth Crooks was also seen attending the ceremony to send off MottyCredit: PA
      Commentator Martin Tyler arrives at the funeral serviceCredit: PA
      Martin Keown arrives ahead of a funeral service for sport commentator John MotsonCredit: PA
      Bob Wilson and Sir Trevor Brooking greet each other before the serviceCredit: PA
      A floral wreath of the Tottenham Hotspur badge ahead of Motty’s funeralCredit: PA
      Motty’s wife Anne Motson at the funeralCredit: PA
      Guests coming to pay their respects at the serviceCredit: PA
      Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, celebrated 50 years at the BBC in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
      The legendary commentator covered more than 2,000 games, including 29 FA Cup Finals, and covering ten World Cups and ten Euros.
      Friends, families and stars all turned up in memory of Motty at the Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes today.
      Former footballers and broadcasters Mark Lawrenson, Sir Trevor Brooking, Bob Wilson and Ray Stubbs were pictured at the funeral.
      Read More in Football
      While pundits Garth Crooks and Martin Keown were also seen arriving to pay their respects to Motty.
      And legendary Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler was also spotted making an appearance as well as broadcasting stalwart Jim Rosenthal.
      MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman and former CEO of FIFA Brian Barwick also attended to salute the commentary legend as he was laid to rest.
      Tottenham Hotspur FC left a wreath of flowers in the club’s crest with a card describing Motty as “a true gentleman” and “great loss to the footballing world”.
      Most read in Football
      The service at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes, Bucks kicked off at 11.30am with hundreds of mourners queuing to get inside Oak Chapel.
      Others spilled out listening on speakers as Motty’s son Fred said: “Everyone knew John Motson as Motty but of course to me he was just dad,” adding: “I’ll miss my best mate”.
      He remembered helping fill up his Ford Sierra at the local petrol station every Friday ahead of the weekend’s match – before pinching mint imperials from the hotel next door.
      And a vivid memory of decapitating his mum Anne’s ornament while playing hallway football with his dad versus ex-England and Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson and his son.
      The service was followed by a private wake held at Stadium MK, where he regularly watched MK Dons with wife Anne.
      Motson was famed for his signature coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
      He was born in Salford and began his journalistic career in Barnet – the team he supports on the Barnet Press.
      He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
      His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
      Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
      His breakthrough came during Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup replay.
      Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
      He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
      It helped propel his career even further – with Motson going on to voice major FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup finals.
      Motson’s last day at the BBC came at Crystal Palace’s 2-0 home win against West Brom in 2018. Palace’s then-boss Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programmes from his first and last matches.
      He later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
      Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.
      They have one son together called Fred, who was born in 1986.
      Read More on The Sun
      A huge factor in his success was Anne, who kept a log detailing all his games.
      Motson said: “My research is based mainly on my wife’s wonderful record book which she keeps dutifully and diligently every day of the season with all the teams, matches, appearances, goalscorers, newspaper cuttings, you name it.”
      Motty in his signature sheepskin coatCredit: Rex
      Former CEO of FIFA Brian Barwick arrives to the funeral of John Motson on FridayCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker REPLACED as host for today’s BBC FA Cup coverage after illness and ‘deteriorating overnight’

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      GARY LINEKER will NOT present the BBC’s FA Cup coverage today because he is struggling with illness.The host, who made his return to screens yesterday following his BBC Twitter row, struggled with his voice during the Beeb’s coverage of Manchester City vs Burnley and “deteriorated overnight”.
      Gary Lineker returned to BBC screens yesterdayCredit: PA
      Lineker, 62, had been due to host Brighton’s clash with League Two Grimsby Town this afternoon.
      But the BBC have confirmed that he will be replaced by Football Focus presenter Alex Scott.
      In a statement this morning, they confirmed: “Due to illness, we’ve got a line-up change for today’s live FA Cup coverage of Brighton v Grimsby on BBC One.
      “As viewers will have noticed yesterday, Gary Lineker was struggling with his voice and unfortunately it has deteriorated overnight.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      “Alex Scott will be hosting instead.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan quickly made light of the situation, joking on Twitter: “BREAKING: Lineker’s free speech cancelled again.”
      Yesterday’s broadcast marked Lineker’s first appearance on terrestrial telly since he was suspended after likening the language used in the government’s introduction of their controversial Illegal Migration Bill to that of 1930s Germany.
      Ahead of his return, Lineker made a cheeky reference to the situation on his Twitter page.
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      He wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Lineker’s removal from Match of the Day sparked a mutiny within BBC Sport.
      Regular analysts and presenters including Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the show into crisis.
      The result was a 20 minute broadcast devoid of a host, analysis, commentary or interviews.
      Due to curiosity of what the decimated show would look like, viewing figures soared by 500,000 to 2.58million.
      But normal service has now been resumed after Lineker and the Beeb were able to settle their differences.
      With Lineker hosting yesterday’s live match coverage, Mark Chapman presented Match of the Day.
      Lineker posted a snap of himself alongside Shearer and Richards in the BBC’s Etihad Stadium studio yesterday.
      He wrote: “Teammates. 🙌🏻 @alanshearer @MicahRichards.”
      Last night Shearer said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s good to get back to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      And Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Lineker posed alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the Beeb’s Etihad Stadium studioCredit: TWITTER/GARY LINEKER More

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      Fans blast Gary Lineker as he returns to screens WITHOUT apologising for ‘disgraceful’ Nazi tweet after BBC climbdown

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      FANS are divided after Gary Lineker returned to screens WITHOUT apologising for his “disgraceful” Nazi tweet.The former footie star, 62, was back on TV last night hosting live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley.
      Lineker was back on TV last night for the first time since his tweet rowCredit: Getty
      Lineker returned to TV tonight alongside Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: BBC
      He appeared alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards for the first time since the Twitter scandal which saw him suspended.
      The highest paid BBC pundit was taken off air over his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      His tweet – in which he likened the Illegal Migration Bill to “Germany in the ’30s” – was blasted as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” by MPs.
      And now fans have piled in, with some calling for Lineker to step down after he failed to apologise.
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Most read in Football
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      The presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      He hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain, on Twitter.
      Lineker wrote: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs slammed the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Following Lineker’s tweet, the BBC “decided that [Lineker] will step back from presenting Match of the Day” after the post was found to have breached the BBC’s strict impartiality rules.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Shearer, also pulled out in support if their colleague.
      But the BBC later confirmed Lineker WILL return to the channel in an embarrassing climbdown 72 hours later.
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences after his embarrassing climbdown.
      Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself also attracted criticism.
      He today marked his return to the popular TV show by tweeting a picture of him and teammates Shearer and Micah Richards.
      And it came minutes after Lineker posted a selfie with the caption: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Opening the show, Lineker told viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      And Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity with Lineker – apologised to fans for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      He added: “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 sport content back on air.”
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to Mail Online.
      Read More on The Sun
      Yesterday saw the arrival of the Home Secretary in Rwanda, to meet with President Paul Kagame and her counterpart Vincent Biruta, to discuss the plan. More

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      ‘Upset’ Alan Shearer breaks silence on Gary Lineker tweet row after pulling out of MoTD as pair reunite on BBC

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      AN “upset” Alan Shearer broke his silence on Gary Lineker’s tweet row after pulling out of Match of The Day.The teammate and co-host was back with Lineker, 62, last night on the BBC to bring viewers live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley.
      Gary Lineker returned to TV to host the FA Cup coverageCredit: BBC
      Shearer told how ‘upset’ he was about not being on last week’s show
      The pundit opened the show saying how “it’s great to be here” after he was slammed for a tweet last week before being suspended.
      And friend Shearer today expressed how “upset” he was to have missed out on the show after he stood by Lineker alongside Ian Wright.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      READ MORE ON LINEKER
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      Most read in Football
      He hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain, on Twitter.
      Lineker wrote: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs blasted the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      And fans piled in on the star, with some calling for Lineker to step down.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps earlier wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      But the BBC later confirmed Lineker WILL return to the channel in an embarrassing climbdown 72 hours later.
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences after his embarrassing climbdown.
      Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself also attracted criticism.
      He today marked his return to BBC by tweeting a picture of him and teammates Shearer and Micah Richards.
      The smiling pic of the trio comes minutes after Lineker posted a selfie with the caption: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football,” slyly digging at the BBC.
      Fans blasted the star after he failed to apologise, with one person saying: “Hypocrite. Please quit.”
      Another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another said: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      Read More on The Sun
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      Lineker posted a selfie with the caption: ‘Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football’Credit: Twitter More

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      Gary Lineker makes sly dig at BBC as he returns to TV for first time since migrant tweet row

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      GARY Lineker made a sly dig at the BBC as he returned to TV screens after the migrant tweet row.The presenter of Match of the Day, 62, took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoon to post a message to his followers which said: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Gary Lineker took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoonCredit: Twitter
      Lineker hosted the BBC’s coverage of the FA CupCredit: BBC
      The Tweet was interpreted by many as a dig at the BBC, who pulled star off air after he likened Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan to “Germany in the ’30s”.
      His return to the channel last night was met with fury from fans who blasted Lineker for failing to apologise for the “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” post.
      Tonight, his co-host Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity to Lineker – apologised for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for writing on Twitter: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      Illegal Migration Bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs blasted the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Lineker’s words were considered in breach of the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must avoid taking sides on political controversies.
      In a statement, the BBC previously said it had “decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also stepped back from the show in support if their colleague.
      Ultimately Lineker’s return was announced as he agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed a new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media.
      He today marked his return to the BBC by tweeting a picture of himself.
      Lineker wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      But fans piled in on the star, with some calling for Lineker to step down.
      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie, who made the call to suspend Lineker, faced an embarrassing climbdown just 72 hours later when he reversed the decision.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      “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 sport content back on air”, he added.
      Lineker was back in front of the cameras for the corporation fronting last night’s FA Cup coverage at 5.30pm, telling viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      His co-host and former teammate Alan Shearer also expressed how “upset” he was to have missed out on the show last week.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to MailOnline.
      Lineker said he was thrilled to be back at his ‘Saturday job’Credit: BBC
      Gary Lineker, centre, arrives at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to present live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and BurnleyCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker says ‘it’s great to be here’ as he returns to BBC but DOESN’T apologise for ‘disgraceful’ Nazi tweet

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      GARY Lineker has said “it’s great to be here” as he returned to the BBC for FA Cup coverage for the first time since his Nazi tweet storm.The former football star, 62, opened last night’s programme at 5.30pm telling viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      Gary Lineker with teammates Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: TWITTER/GARY LINEKER
      The TV pundits with the FA Cup trophy before the matchCredit: Reuters
      Lineker arrived at the Etihad Stadium in ManchesterCredit: PA
      Lineker was taken off air after a Tweet  – in which he likened the Illegal Migration Bill to “Germany in the ’30s” – was blasted as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” by MPs.
      And fans slammed his return – with some calling for Lineker to step down after he failed to apologise.
      Last night, his co-host Alan Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity with Lineker – apologised to fans for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      Read More on lineker
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      He hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain, on Twitter.
      Lineker wrote: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs slammed the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Following Lineker’s tweet, the BBC “decided that [Lineker] will step back from presenting Match of the Day” after the post was found to have breached the BBC’s strict impartiality rules.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Shearer, also pulled out in support if their colleague.
      But the BBC later confirmed Lineker WILL return to the channel in an embarrassing climbdown 72 hours later.
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences after his embarrassing climbdown.
      Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself also attracted criticism.
      He yesterday marked his return to the BBC by tweeting a picture of himself along with a sly dig at the BBC.
      He wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      But fans piled in on the star, with some calling for Lineker to step down.
      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      He added: “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 sport content back on air.”
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      Read More on The Sun
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to Mail Online.
      Yesterday saw the arrival of the Home Secretary in Rwanda, to meet with President Paul Kagame and her counterpart Vincent Biruta, to discuss the plan.
      It is the first time he hit TV screens after his chaotic tweet rowCredit: PA
      Shearer told how upset he was about last week’s show being cancelledCredit: BBC More