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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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    Why Gary Lineker will not appear on BBC Match of the Day tonight after furious tweet row

    GARY LINEKER will NOT be returning to host Match of the Day later tonight.However, the 62-year-old will make his first appearance on the BBC since he was told to step back from hosting Match Of The Day after his Nazi tweet storm.
    Gary Lineker will return to BBC screens today after his tweet rowCredit: PA
    The England legend will not be hosting Match of the Day on Saturday nightCredit: BBC
    Lineker came under fire from MPs as a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
    The BBC’s star presenter had been suspended from his duties and faced a backlash following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
    The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan which will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
    Lineker faced fury after he likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    He was accused by the BBC of breaking their strict impartiality rules that state staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
    Last Friday, the broadcaster revealed he had been suspended and would not host Saturday’s Match of the Day – sparking a mutiny among his co-stars.
    Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in with the football analysis show plunged into crisis.
    Saturday’s night episode later aired with a stripped-back, 20 minute version that did not even feature the iconic theme tune or commentary.
    Most read in Football
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    Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet.
    BBC director-general Tim Davie, who made the call to suspend Lineker, faced an embarrassing climbdown just 72 hours later when he decided to reverse the decision.
    Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers.
    He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
    Mr Davie described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
    Lineker then tweeted that he was “delighted” to have navigated a way through the row after a “surreal few days” ahead of his return.
    But he will not be in the famous chair tonight for the iconic Saturday night footy show.
    Instead, he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage of Man City vs Burnley today.
    Mark Chapman is due to host the Match Of The Day highlights show later. More

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    Gary Lineker to return to TV today but is yet to commit to new BBC football show as ‘rival targets him for switch’

    GARY Lineker will return to TV screens today but is yet to commit to a new BBC football show with a rival reportedly targeting him.It will mark the 62-year-old broadcaster’s first appearance on the BBC since he was told to step back from hosting Match Of The Day, following his Nazi tweet storm.
    Gary Lineker will be back on TV screens today for live FA Cup coverageCredit: PIXEL8000
    Lineker had come under fire for a controversial tweetCredit: LNP
    Lineker came under fire from MPs as a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
    The BBC’s highest-paid presenter had been suspended from his duties and faced backlash following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
    But he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage today while Mark Chapman is due to host the Match Of The Day highlights show later tonight.
    However, despite his return it has also been reported that Lineker has yet to commit to presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when their highlights programme begins next year. 
    Read More in Football
    The BBC have the rights to Champions League highlights for the first time from 2024, with Lineker’s BBC contract running until 2025. 
    Lineker is wanted by rival BT Sport to become the face of the rebranded TNT Sports next season, according to Mail Online.
    The former Barcelona striker is a familiar face to BT having hosted their Champions League coverage for six years until 2021.
    The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan which will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
    Most read in Football
    Lineker faced fury after he likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
    He was accused by the BBC of breaking their strict impartiality rules that state staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
    Last Friday, the broadcaster revealed he had been suspended and would not host Saturday’s Match of the Day – sparking a mutiny among his co-stars.
    Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in with the football analysis show plunged into crisis.
    Saturday’s night episode later aired with a stripped-back, 20 minute version that did not even feature the iconic theme tune.
    Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet.
    Ms Braverman later said his comments were “offensive”.
    She added: “To kind of throw out those kind of flippant analogies diminishes the unspeakable tragedy that millions of people went through…
    “And I don’t think anything that is happening in the UK today can come close to what happened in the Holocaust.”
    While Tory Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson later fumed: “MOTD is old ex footballers ripping off the public by chatting nonsense instead of showing more football.”
    BBC director-general Tim Davie, who made the call to suspend Lineker, faced an embarrassing climbdown just 72 hours later when he decided to reverse the decision.
    Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines, particularly for freelancers.
    He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
    Mr Davie 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.”
    It risks a potentially explosive new row between the BBC and the Tory party if the star presenter has neither apologised or agreed to abide by impartiality rules in the future.
    However, Davie told the BBC last weekend he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
    He described the unfolding disaster as a “difficult day” and apologised for the disruption to BBC sports programming.
    Read More on The Sun
    After the official BBC statement was published, Lineker tweeted that he was “delighted” to have navigated a way through the row after a “surreal few days”.
    He added: “I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost three decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.” More

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    Gary Lineker jokes his week was ‘really quiet’ as he makes his first TV appearance since his row with BBC over tweets

    GARY Lineker has joked about having a “really quiet” week as he makes his first TV appearance since his row with the BBC over his Twitter messages.The Match of the Day presenter, 62, appeared on La Liga TV and praised the “amazing amount of support” he’d received from friends and colleagues.
    Gary Lineker jokingly told La Liga TV he’d had a ‘really quiet’ weekCredit: LaLigaTV
    The former England striker, who also played for Barca, also looked ahead to the upcoming El Clasico during the interview.
    Lineker also emphasised the situation with the corporation had been “resolved” and confirmed he would be returning to his BBC role on Saturday.
    When asked by La Liga TV how his week had been, Lineker jokingly replied: “Really quiet. Nothing much going on. You could say it’s been an interesting week but I’m still here, still punching.
    “It was interesting and also hugely gratifying. I had an amazing amount of support from my friends and colleagues which was quite beautiful actually.”
    Read More on Gary Lineker
    He added: “It was totally disproportionate the whole thing but we’re OK. It’s resolved, I’m relieved, I’m back to work tomorrow and all is well with the world.”
    It comes after BBC director general Tim Davie announced that Lineker would be returning to host the football show on Saturday.
    He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
    It comes as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year, had been suspended from his Match of the Day presenting duties, following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
    Most read in Football
    Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
    Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet comparing the Government’s new migrant plan to 1930s Germany.
    The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
    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 and remain impartial.
    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 Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also stepped back from the show in support of their colleague.
    Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
    Alan Shearer quickly followed suit and said: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
    Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman also banded together in support of Lineker, meaning Match of the Day went ahead without a presenter, pundits or commentary on the broadcast.
    It meant Match Of The Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday – without commentary or even the iconic theme tune.
    Read More on The Sun
    Disruption caused by the sudden staff uprising also saw Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in cancelled.
    And Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
    Lineker confirmed the situation with the BBC had been resolvedCredit: LaLigaTV More

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    Robbie Savage makes incredible gesture to BBC staff who weren’t paid during Gary Lineker crisis

    ROBBIE SAVAGE wants to cough up for unpaid BBC staff hit by the Gary Lineker crisis, reports say.The Six-O-Six presenter revealed he was “inclined to work” during last weekend’s blackout but wasn’t brave enough to be a “scab” and now feels “guilty”.
    Robbie Savage says he had mixed feelings amid the BBC’s much-reduced TV and radio coverage following the Gary Lineker tweet rowCredit: Getty
    Alan Shearer and Ian Wright stood down from MOTD in support of Gary Lineker but the show will be back to normal this weekendCredit: BBC
    The Mirror say the former Wales midfielder has offered to pay the £1,000 wages his radio show’s production team missed out on.
    The BBC took Lineker off air after he sparked a huge row with a tweet likening the Government’s language over their new immigration and small boats policy to that of 1930s’ Germany.
    Match of the Day colleagues Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Co stood down in support of their fellow ex-England striker in the dispute over impartiality.
    And the Beeb’s usual football coverage was almost completely wiped out as other staff followed suit.
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    Lineker will be back this weekend for FA Cup coverage after coming to an arrangement with BBC bosses while rules on social media are reviewed.
    But Savage was reportedly split over what to do as the crisis erupted.
    The Mirror quote the former Leicester workhorse as saying: “I was inclined to work.
    “But I didn’t have the guts to go through with it because nobody wanted to be that ‘scab’ who broke ranks.”
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    And of production workers he added: “They have mortgages to pay, heating bills to pay, they have to put bread on the table like any working household. 
    “I hope there are other pundits who would like to do the same thing. 
    “Although I wasn’t a ringleader in Six-0-Six being off the air, I feel it’s the least I can do.” More