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      Match of the Day to make history with first ever father-son punditry team in shake-up to regular cast

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      IAN WRIGHT and Shaun Wright-Phillips are set to make Match of the Day history this weekend.The duo will become the first-ever father-son punditry team on Saturday night’s instalment of the long-running footie show.
      Ian Wright has been a Match of the Day pundit for several yearsCredit: BBC
      The ex-Arsenal and England hitman will be joined by son Shaun on MOTD this weekendCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Wright-Phillips played for Manchester City, Chelsea and EnglandCredit: GETTY
      An excerpt of a BBC statement read: “Ian Wright and Shaun Wright-Phillips will become the first father and son punditry team to appear on Match of the Day on Saturday.
      “Arsenal legend Wright, a regular pundit on the show, will be joined by son Wright-Phillips, who had two spells with Manchester City.
      “The pair will join Gary Lineker in the studio to review highlights from Saturday’s Premier League fixtures.”
      There will no doubt be plenty of banter between father and son – who regularly trade jibes with one another on social media.
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      Wright-Phillips brutally trolled his old man after Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last month.
      The former City star tweeted: “Hi @IanWright how’s things?
      “Just checking… Hope you’re okay, dad.”
      Wright-Phillip’s tweet was put to Ian during MOTD by host Gary Lineker.
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      Arsenal’s former all-time leading goalscorer said of his son: “He’s so annoying!
      “I taught him how to wee this boy… he still can’t reach the toilet now!”
      Lineker couldn’t help but see the funny side and replied: “He’s certainly taking the wee now!'”
      Wright-Phillips lit up the Premier League with Manchester City, Chelsea and QPR before leaving for the MLS in 2015 and retiring four years later.
      Brother Bradley also played in the Prem for City but spent the bulk of his career in the MLS before retiring last March.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips has done punditry work before with BT SportCredit: GETTY
      And Shaun recently admitted he reckons his old man lamented neither one of them playing for Arsenal.
      The 41-year-old told Four Four Two: “I’d imagine that if you asked him now, he’d say yes. It would’ve been a nice story to tell.
      “But I think he was just happy with what we achieved. We made our own paths.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I played the way I wanted to, by enjoying watching a lot of wingers and attacking football when I was growing up; my brother liked watching people score goals, and you can see that with what he did in MLS.
      “We didn’t listen to much of the talk on the outside.” 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.
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      “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.”
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      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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      Why Gary Lineker will not appear on BBC Match of the Day tonight after furious tweet row

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

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      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.”
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      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.
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      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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      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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      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.”
      Most read in Football
      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 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.
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      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.
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      “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