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      How MOTD-style show could look on ITV with Man Utd legend Roy Keane No1 pundit and popular TV host the new Gary Lineker

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      WITH iconic BBC football highlights show Match of the Day under threat, a Premier League highlights show at another broadcaster could look VERY different. Following controversy surrounding the impartiality of host Gary Lineker, MOTD now faces being taken off air with a bidding war for the Premier League highlights package set to take place.
      The BBC face a battle to keep hold of viewing rights to keep Match of the Day on airCredit: Alamy
      The BBC currently pay £211million for the package, but bidding for Prem TV rights for homeland broadcasters is set to begin anew this year.
      It could see the iconic programme lose its spot on the BBC, with ITV a potential new home, though they have not held the rights since 2004.
      But what might this new programme look like?
      HOST – LAURA WOODS
      Laura Woods could be the new host of ITV’s version of MOTDCredit: Getty
      Laura Woods is perhaps the most obvious choice to take over from Lineker as host of a new highlights show.
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      She is already a host on the broadcaster for some FA Cup games and is the main presenter for it’s NFL coverage.
      Woods also has experience presenting on Sky Sports, while her witty banter has also seen her become a popular radio host on talkSPORT.
      Other candidates for the role include Mark Pougatch, who has led ITV football coverage since 2015, and Jules Breach, who is regularly seen presenting BT Sport Score.
      PUNDIT – ROY KEANE
      Roy Keane has won many fans with his punditry styleCredit: ITV
      Roy Keane is regular viewing for watchers of ITV and Sky Sports, with his blunt punditry style winning many fans.
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      The Manchester United legend worked with ITV on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and is regularly seen on Sky Sports during their Super Sunday shows.
      PUNDIT – JILL SCOTT
      Jill Scott would be a popular choice among fansCredit: Reuters
      Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott – who will also appear at Soccer Aid – is a popular choice among those who could be brought into the fold for ITV’s new programme.
      The former Women’s Super League star and England Women’s International has previously done punditry work on Sky Sports and for ITV during the World Cup.
      PUNDIT – ALLY MCCOIST
      Ally McCoist picked up the ‘pundit of the year’ award earlier this monthCredit: PA
      It’s safe to say Ally McCoist is one of the most popular pundits in the country.
      His passion for the beautiful game saw him land the “pundit of the year” award at the Sports Journalist Association awards.
      His punditry work list includes the likes of BT Sport and ITV, while he has already struck up an iconic partnership alongside Woods on talkSPORT.
      PUNDIT – ENI ALUKO
      Eni Aluko was the first female pundit to work on Match of the Day in 2014Credit: PA
      Eni Aluko is another pundit with a strong CV and experience on ITV, bringing a good level of analysis in each appearance.
      She became the first female pundit on MOTD back in 2014 before joining ITV in 2016 to work on the European Championships. She has since worked on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with the broadcaster.
      PUNDIT – IAN WRIGHT
      Ian Wright could be drafted over from BBC’s showCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is a mainstay on the current MOTD, and with him currently working on ITV for the FA Cup and for England games, Wright’s inclusion would be a no-brainer for ITV chiefs.
      However, having already shown solidarity with Lineker (albeit for a very different reason), Wright may choose not to return in a similar capacity and instead stay as a match day pundit.
      Other options ITV could opt for include Karen Carney, Jermaine Defoe, Joe Cole and Lee Dixon.
      COMMENTATOR – SAM MATTERFACE
      Sam Matterface is currently the lead commentator for ITV football coverage, so there seems little sense in changing this.
      Read More on The Sun
      Similarly to MOTD, there would likely be a high number of commentators working during a match day.
      This could see the likes of Clive Tyldesley given more work while MOTD commentators such as Guy Mowbry could also be drafted over. More

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      BBC Match of the Day could be taken off air as rivals eye £211m Premier League package

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      RIVAL broadcasters could attempt to pinch the Premier League rights from the BBC and force Match of the Day off air, according to reports.The BBC pay £211million to show the highlights programme.
      The BBC risk losing the rights to show MOTDCredit: Getty
      And after controversy regarding host Gary Lineker’s impartiality on social media, which led to him being suspended and then reinstated, other channels are aware they could swoop in to buy the much-loved show.
      Prem chief Richard Masters recently confirmed that the bidding for its TV rights to homeland broadcasters would begin this year.
      There has been no battle for rights for three years as all companies agreed to continue their packages during the pandemic.
      The Telegraph report that the competition this time will be “fiercer than it has been for years”.
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      They report Prem sources as saying the Lineker fall-out will have no bearing on future deals.
      ITV have not shown viewers Premier League football since 2004 when an ill-fated show was axed, leaving the BBC as the only terrestrial channel to have it.
      No decision on whether to bid for MOTD has been made by ITV bosses.
      Reports suggest that they are looking to expand their streaming service ITVX and the football programme could assist with them doing so.
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      Channel 4 also want to expand their sports coverage after recently acquiring England matches in the Nations League and they could enter the race.
      Rumours that Lineker could quit the BBC over the impartiality row have relaxed, yet his deal does expire in 2025 and if they were to lose rights his future could again be in doubt.

      Additionally, the Premier League have ruled out scrapping the 3pm blackout, where matches kicking-off at that time are not televised.
      This could open another opportunity for broadcasters of the EFL and European football. More

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      Ian Wright says the BBC made a ‘hot mess’ by temporarily axing & reinstating Gary Lineker as MOTD host

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      IAN Wright says the BBC has made a “hot mess” by temporarily axing then reinstating Gary Lineker as Match Of The Day host. The Arsenal legend was speaking after it was revealed Lineker will front the FA Cup coverage on Saturday.
      Ian Wright says the BBC has made a ‘hot mess’ over the Gary Lineker situationCredit: AFP
      Wright was speaking after it was revealed Lineker would return to telly this weekendCredit: Getty
      The under-fire host struck a deal after tense talks following a weekend of TV mayhem caused by Lineker’s inflammatory tweets likening the Government’s language on small boats to 1930s Germany.
      Wright was one of a number of presenters who stood by Lineker’s side, stepping away from their own media duties at the weekend.
      He even threatened to quit MOTD for good over the treatment of the 62-year-old.
      Speaking on his podcast Wrighty’s House, the footy star said he thought the Beeb handled the situation poorly – leading people to forget “what really matters”.
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      Wright said: “Obviously it’s been a bit intense.
      “But I said on the podcast before it all kicked off, it’s a perfect distraction. It’s a perfect distraction from what really matters, and for me they made a hot mess I’m telling you.”
      He explained how “this is all from high up”.
      The 59-year-old continued: “I can’t blame my man Phil Bernie, the BBC Sport team… all this is over a tweet.
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      “Gary Lineker riled them man up over a tweet. At some stage surely heads have got to roll. 
      “The mismanagement levels of this is… I can’t even tell you. But it’s done.
      “Everybody knows how I feel about it, but I’m just pleased that it’s kinda come to something.”
      It was revealed on Monday that Lineker would return to air this weekend – but his failure to apologise saw him attract criticism.
      Tory MP Tom Hunt said: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.
      “We can’t allow ‘freelancers’ who are paid millions by the taxpayer and are widely perceived to be BBC employees to act with impunity when it comes to impartiality rules.
      “Even before this there was growing momentum and support from the public for abolishing the licence fee. This will only boost that.”
      ‘OFFENSIVE’
      The row was triggered when the veteran broadcaster responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “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 BBC said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Ms Braverman later said his comments were “offensive”.
      ‘FLIPPANT ANALOGIES’
      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.”
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday – without commentary or even the iconic theme tune – as the crisis-hit BBC struggled to get the flagship highlights show on-air.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as the staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      And Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Tim Davie told the BBC on Saturday 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.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the furore, Mr Davie told the BBC on Saturday: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      Read More on The Sun
      He insisted the row is about impartiality.
      Gary’s tweets were said to break the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must “avoid taking sides on political controversies” and “take care when addressing public policy matters”.
      Wright threatened to quit the MOTD over the treatment of LinekerCredit: Twitter / @GaryLineker More

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      Gary Lineker sends cheeky message to BBC with new Twitter profile picture

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      GARY Lineker has made a dig at the BBC with his cheeky new Twitter profile picture just days after a row over his tweets.The former footballer appears to have fired a shot at the broadcaster as he poses up in front of a George Orwell quote outside the London headquarters.
      Gary Lineker made a dig at the BBC with his new Twitter profile pictureCredit: Twitter
      The presenter sparked rows after he criticised Suella Braverman’s small boats planCredit: Getty
      The words, written next to a statue of the 1984 author, read: “If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
      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.
      Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
      He 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?”

      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 if 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.”
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      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.
      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.
      However, Lineker’s return was announced on Monday as he agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed a new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media.
      But, it remains up in the air how strict any new regulations will be and how long the process will take.
      Lineker said: “I am glad we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
      The commentator also broke his Twitter silence to double-down on his remarks after what he branded a “surreal few days”.
      He said: “I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 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.”
      Under-fire BBC chief Tim Davie, previously said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance is recognised.
      “The BBC has a commitment to impartiality and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.”
      The TV regulator’s CEO Melanie Dawes told MPs its rules around staff tweeting were too ambiguous.
      Ms Dawes told the Commons Culture Committee it needed to establish “a level of trust about what they require of the people who work for them”.
      She said: “This goes straight to the heart of the BBC’s wider reputation beyond their news and current affairs coverage.
      “They need to look at the guidelines and see whether they’re still right.”
      Lineker’s failure to apologise over the row has attracted criticism.
      Tory MP Tom Hunt said: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We can’t allow ‘freelancers’ who are paid millions by the taxpayer and are widely perceived to be BBC employees to act with impunity when it comes to impartiality rules.
      “Even before this there was growing momentum and support from the public for abolishing the licence fee. This will only boost that.”
      Lineker broke his silence and said ‘I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday’Credit: Getty More

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      BBC needs to overhaul rules to regain trust after Gary Lineker’s Nazi tweet row, Ofcom warns

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      THE BBC needs to overhaul its social media rules to regain trust in the wake of the Gary Lineker row, Ofcom’s boss warned.It was told to lose the grey area which led to the Match of the Day host being suspended then reinstated over his remark about migration policy.
      Ofcom has urged the BBC to overhaul social media policy in order to regain public trust, following the Gary Lineker tweet debacleCredit: BBC
      The TV regulator’s CEO Melanie Dawes told MPs its rules around staff tweeting were too ambiguous.
      Under-fire BBC chief Tim Davie has launched a review into social media use after Lineker, 62, likened the Government’s language over its Immigration Bill to 1930s Germany.
      Ms Dawes told the Commons Culture Committee it needed to establish “a level of trust about what they require of the people who work for them”.
      She said: “This goes straight to the heart of the BBC’s wider reputation beyond their news and current affairs coverage.
      READ MORE ON BBC
      “They need to look at the guidelines and see whether they’re still right.”
      It came as Culture Minister Julia Lopez claimed the licence fee was losing support among the public.
      Tory MPs also accused the corporation of caving in to “out of touch, insensitive, avaricious, smug and arrogant football pundits”.
      Ex-minister Damian Green called on “presenters whose reputations and bank balances are enhanced by regular appearances” to show self-restraint online.
      Most read in Football
      Shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell was also criticised for comparing the Government’s handling of the row to “Putin’s Russia”. More

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      BBC in ‘civil war’ over Gary Lineker climbdown as staff fear MORE stars will score political points in ‘free for all’

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      A CIVIL war has erupted at the BBC after bosses apologised to Gary Lineker following a row over his inflammatory migrant tweets.The broadcaster announced yesterday Lineker would return to hosting duties for this weekend’s FA Cup action.
      Gary Lineker was re-instated yesterday but attracted criticism for his failure to apologiseCredit: Getty
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences and revealed a review of social media guidelines would be launched.
      But Lineker, 62, 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.
      It is understood staff are now split over the decision to re-instate the veteran pundit – with some accusing the BBC of being “spineless”.
      Read more on the row
      Lee Anderson, deputy chairman of the Conservatives, told The Telegraph: “In football, no player is bigger than the club – but Lineker has shown he is bigger than the BBC.”
      Others fear the climbdown will lead to a “free for all” of BBC presenters and journalists expressing political opinions online.
      While some senior figures reportedly believe the £1.36million-a-year presenter has done untold damage to the BBC’s reputation.
      Craig Mackinlay, MP for South Thanet, said: “Gary Lineker is paid a seven-figure sum annually from BBC licence payers to present football.
      Most read in Football
      “The BBC capitulation with an apology and carte blanche to do as he pleases on social media is remarkable.
      “He can now seemingly push his highly political anti-government agenda and cause offence to many with impunity. I know of no other employer who would permit this.”
      Lineker said in a brief statement he is “glad we have found a way forward” and threw his support behind the planned review.
      The commentator also broke his Twitter silence to double-down on his remarks after what he branded a “surreal few days”.

      He said: “I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 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.
      “A final thought: 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 heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.”
      The BBC Board has welcomed the agreement, saying it is “the right time” to review its social media guidelines and “impartiality is a cornerstone of the BBC”.
      But the decision could prove a humiliating own goal for Mr Davie as they were written at his request in 2020 to include the “Lineker Clause”.
      This stated higher-profile presenters had an extra responsibility to avoid taking sides on political issues.
      A review – supported by Lineker – will be led by an independent expert in due course.
      He will “abide by the editorial guidelines” until that report is complete, Mr Davie confirmed.
      But Lineker’s fellow stars believe the decision is a “victory” for them as as the “BBC blinked first”.
      There is now also a “huge rift” in the sport department with some staff left outraged by how the row played out, Daily Mail reports.
      According to the newspaper, fuming workers confronted director of sport Barbara Slater over how the saga was handled.
      Senior political figures – including Jacob Rees-Mogg – have now joined growing calls for the licence fee to be scrapped in the wake of the controversy.
      Backbencher Philip Davies said: “This pathetic capitulation by the BBC is the start of the end for the licence fee.”
      While Tory MP Marco Longhi told the Sun: “This looks like a BBC capitulation and that its Royal Charter and ethos around impartiality has been trashed.”
      The row erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “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?”
      Lineker 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”.
      The broadcaster said the pundit’s comments were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Ms Braverman later branded his comments “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.”
      The broadcaster revealed on Friday Lineker 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.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as schedules were sent spiralling.
      Announcing Lineker’s re-instatement yesterday, Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. 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 sport content back on air.”
      Director-General Tim Davie announced a review into social media guidelines would be launchedCredit: AFP
      Lineker will return to the BBC this weekend for Man City’s clash against BurnleyCredit: Alamy
      The BBC has been slammed for apologising to the starCredit: Getty
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      BBC bosses accused of ‘pathetic capitulation’ after letting Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker back on air without apology

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      BBC bosses were accused of “pathetic capitulation” last night after letting Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishment over his migrant tweet.In an astonishing surrender, Director-general Tim Davie said the star will return to Match of the Day this Saturday.
      BBC bosses have let Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishmentCredit: Reuters
      Lineker with footie ace Ian Wright and Alan Shearer on the set of MOTDCredit: BBC
      Director-general Tim Davie said the TV pundit will return to Match of the Day this SaturdayCredit: Ruckas
      And, while Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi Germany, Mr Davie announced that he personally was sorry for the resulting chaos.
      In a new series of tweets, former Spurs and England striker Lineker seemed unrepentant and thanked his supporters.
      Meanwhile No10 refused to say it has confidence in Mr Davie — and Tory MPs called for the licence fee to now be axed.
      Backbencher Philip Davies piled in: “This pathetic capitulation by the BBC is the start of the end for the licence fee.”
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      Tom Hunt, deputy chair of the Conservative Common Sense Group, told The Sun: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.”
      And ex-Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “The issue is that the BBC is the state broadcaster and that it’s funded by a tax. If it weren’t, then we wouldn’t need to worry about its impartiality.”
      Mr Davie sought to package the agreement with Lineker as a compromise, which would bring an end to days of disrupted coverage on BBC sport.
      A new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media was announced.
      Most read in Football
      But it remains unclear how strict any new regulations imposed by the review will be — or even how long that process will take.
      A BBC source said: “This is a short term solution to dampen the flames. Both sides agreed things were getting out of hand.
      “But the problem hasn’t gone away by any means. It’s just been kicked into longer grass
      “Clearly the rules need addressing, tightening and perhaps more strictly enforcing — but that’s all for the independent panel to decide.
      “Whether presenters like Gary choose to agree to the new rules is a different matter.”
      Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter on £1.35million a year, has agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed the review.
      He said: “I am glad we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
      After the statement was released, Lineker tweeted his thanks to colleagues after a “surreal few days”.
      Pundits, led by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, refused to appear on Match of the Day while Lineker was suspended.
      Commentators joined in, plunging BBC Sport’s coverage into chaos.
      Lineker added that “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”.
      Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance is recognised.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The BBC has a commitment to impartiality and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.”
      PM Rishi Sunak was “glad” the issue had been resolved and “looked forward to watching Match Of The Day back on our TV screens”.
      Gary Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lineker continues to have his say on Twitter after the BBC announced his return More

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      Gary Lineker shares statement after BBC confirms he will return to hosting Match of the Day

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      GARY Lineker has shared a statement after the BBC confirmed he will return to host Match of the Day.It comes after the former England star came under fire from MPs as a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
      Gary Lineker has confirmed he will be back in the Match of the Day chair on SaturdayCredit: Pixel8000
      The former England international shared a series of tweets
      Lineker leaving his house to take his dog for a walk todayCredit: Getty
      The Sun revealed earlier today how Lineker, 62, is set to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage this weekend.
      In a tweet, Lineker said: “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. 
      “I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 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.
      Read More in Football
      “A final thought: 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 heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
      “We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.”
      And later speaking at his home in Barnes, south London, Gary said: “I’ve already said what I’m going to say on Twitter.”
      Most read in Football
      Lineker risked infuriating critics of his controversial views even more, however, by failing to say sorry in either his brief statement or the tweets he posted immediately after the announcement was made.
      Tory MP Tom Hunt said: ““There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.
      “What the BBC say about a social media review all seems rather vague and I fear it will just be a white wash. We can’t allow “freelancers” who are paid millions by the taxpayer and are widely perceived to be BBC employees to act with impunity when it comes to impartiality rules.
      “Even before this there was growing momentum and support from the public for abolishing the licence fee. This will only boost that.”
      The BBC is also going to review its social media guidelines as Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.
      Director General Tim Davie of the BBC said: “Gary has agreed to abide by the guidance whilst the independent review takes place.”
      The BBC Board has welcomed the agreement between the broadcaster and presenter Gary Lineker, saying it is “the right time” to review its social media guidelines and “impartiality is a cornerstone of the BBC”.
      The mayhem erupted after Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s small boats plan.
      He likened the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy to 1930s Germany.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “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?”
      Lineker 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”.
      The broadcaster revealed on Friday 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.

      And last night’s Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Ms Braverman later said that Lineker’s comments were “offensive”.
      While PM Rishi Sunak waded into the row on Saturday, saying the Lineker’s suspension is “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not him or Government.
      ‘DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT’
      In a separate tweet today, Gary thanked Tim Davie for his “understanding during this difficult period”.
      He added: “He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality. I am delighted that we’ll continue to fight the good fight, together.”
      Mr Davie said today impartiality is “important” to the BBC and the public but admitted there is a “difficult balancing act”.
      Tim Davie’s full statement read: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. 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 sport content back on air.
      “Impartiality is important to the BBC. 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 different audience and social media profiles.
      “The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
      “Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
      “Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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.”
      It is believed Lineker will agree to be more careful about what he tweets in the future, while the BBC will likely review its social media guidelines.
      BBC director general Tim Davie has apologised over the rowCredit: PIXEL8000 More