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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
      Read More on The Sun 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.
      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

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      Gary Lineker will return to Match of the Day in days, BBC confirms as broadcaster apologises for row but host DOESN’T

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      THE BBC apologised today as they confirmed Gary Lineker will return for FA Cup coverage following a row over his inflammatory migrant tweets.The announcement comes amid a wave of fury from Tory MPs over the crisis after the pundit failed to apologise himself.
      Gary Lineker will return to his Match of the Day hosting duties this weekendCredit: BBC
      The pundit, pictured today, has failed to apologise for his commentsCredit: Getty
      Lineker, 62, will return to screens to front Saturday’s FA Cup action after a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match of the Day.
      The BBC is now going to review its social media guidelines as Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.
      But Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself today has already 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 row
      “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.”
      Lineker said in a brief statement he is “glad we have found a way forward” and threw his support behind the planned review.
      Most read in Football
      The commentator also broke his Twitter silence to double-down on his remarks after what he branded a “surreal few days”.
      He said he was “delighted to have navigated a way through this” as he thanked his colleagues for their “incredible support” and “remarkable show of solidarity”.
      Lineker 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.”
      Lineker also thanked Mr 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.”
      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 to review the BBC’s social media guidelines 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.
      Mr Davie said today impartiality is “important” to the BBC and the public but admitted there is 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.”
      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.

      He added: “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.”
      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 BBC said the pundit’s comments were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      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.”
      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.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as schedules were sent spiralling.
      And last night’s Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Mr Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid the fallout.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the row, he added: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row on Saturday, saying the Lineker’s suspension is “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not him or Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised the pundit for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      BBC director general Tim Davie has apologised over the rowCredit: Pixel8000
      The pundit sparked a mutiny when he was suspended by the BBCCredit: LNP
      Lineker has presented Match of the Day since 1999Credit: BBC
      The BBC accused the ex-footballer of breaking impartiality rulesCredit: Alamy More

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      BBC commentator explains ‘difficult decision’ to work during boycott over Gary Lineker’s MOTD axing

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      A BBC commentator has revealed why he opted to work during the Gary Lineker row.Alistair Bruce-Ball led the BBC’s broadcast for Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
      Many BBC employees have boycotted their roles following the Gary Lineker rowCredit: Reuters
      Alistair Bruce-Ball explained his decision to commentate on SundayCredit: Twitter
      It came 24 hours after most of the organisation’s commentators boycotted their roles in a show of support for Lineker.
      The former England striker, 62, was absent from hosting Match of the Day after he criticised the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill and questioned their language around refugees.
      A host of pundits also refused to appear on Match of the Day, before the BBC announced Saturday’s programme would go ahead as a reduced 20-minute broadcast without presenters or pundits.
      Football Focus and Final Score were also scrapped.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Several BBC commentators then returned to their jobs on Sunday, but Bruce-Ball still felt he needed to give an explanation for his decision.
      He said: “I want to reiterate what we said ahead of our football coverage yesterday.
      “I know you’ll all appreciate this is a difficult time for BBC Sport and for all those who work in the department and we hope it all gets resolved as soon as possible.
      “It’s been a very difficult decision to make personally, I can assure you it’s not been taken lightly, but I’m a BBC staff member, I’m a radio commentator for this station and just like yesterday we are here to provide our football service to you, our audience.”
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      Along with Bruce-Ball, Ian Dennis and John Murray also carried out their commentary duties for the BBC over the weekend.
      And pundit Pat Nevin was another BBC employee who defended his decision to work.
      Meanwhile, Lineker is set to return to the BBC for this weekend’s FA Cup coverage.
      And a decision regarding his future as host of Match of the Day is set to be announced on Monday.
      George Lineker, the son of the World Cup golden boot winner, has insisted he expects his dad to return to the BBC show.
      Speaking on Saturday after attending Leicester’s defeat to Chelsea with his father, he told The Mirror: “He’s been at Leicester today and he got a really good reaction – there were banners in support of him in the stadium.
      “When he comes home from the Leicester game my brother is cooking him a cottage pie. Then he’ll probably go to bed and maybe watch the show in the morning, before we go for a Sunday roast.
      “Dad is a good man, a good human, and I’m proud of him for standing by his word. That’s why he was pulled off the show – because he wouldn’t apologise.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But he will always speak up for people who don’t have a voice. He is passionate about helping refugee charities.
      “Will he go back to Match of the Day? I think so – he loves Match of the Day. But he won’t ever back down on his word.” More

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      BBC to make statement on Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day future TODAY after he broke impartiality rules

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      THE BBC will make an announcement on Gary Lineker’s future today following an impartiality row over his inflammatory migrant tweets.Crunch talks are being held after a weekend of chaos saw schedules changed last-minute and a different format for Match Of The Day.
      Gary Lineker will learn his BBC fate todayCredit: Pixel8000
      The Sun revealed today how Lineker, 62, is set to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage this weekend.
      A statement is expected to be released today confirming the next steps.
      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.
      But his potential return could spark a new row between the broadcaster and Tory party if the £1.35million-a-year star fails to apologise.
      Read more on the row
      The mayhem 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.
      Most read in Football
      “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 BBC said the pundit’s comments were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Ms Braverman later branded the controversial remarks as “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 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, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Saturday’s night show then 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.
      And last night’s Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Director General Tim Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid the fallout.
      Asked if he was sorry about the way he handled the row, he added: “We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.”
      But a potential decision to review the BBC’s social media guidelines could prove an own goal for Mr Davie as they were written at his request to include the “Lineker Clause”.
      This stated higher-profile presenters had an extra responsibility to avoid taking sides on political issues.
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row on Saturday, saying the Lineker’s suspension is “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not him or Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised the pundit for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Read More on The Sun
      The pundit sparked a mutiny when he was suspended by the BBCCredit: LNP
      Lineker has presented Match Of The Day since 1999Credit: BBC
      The BBC accused the ex-footballer of breaking impartiality rulesCredit: Alamy More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Pat Nevin defends decision to appear on BBC 5 Live after Gary Lineker’s MOTD axing

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      PAT NEVIN has defended his decision to appear on BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday after Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day axing.The Beeb’s sports coverage was decimated over the weekend, as pundits, presenters and commentators backed Lineker in his row with the corporation.
      Pat Nevin appeared on BBC 5 Live yesterdayCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker was suspended by the BBC last weekCredit: PA
      Match of the Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday night without commentary, a host, studio analysis or even its iconic theme tune.
      This came after Football Focus, Final Score and much of BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage had been cancelled earlier in the day.
      Some normality was restored yesterday, with Newcastle’s win over Wolves being broadcast on BBC 5 Live.
      Commentator John Murray described the situation as having caused “an extremely difficult and challenging weekend for all of us”.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Pundit Nevin, 59, said: “Freedom of speech means you get to speak.
      “That’s why I went on Stephen Nolan last night, World Service this morning. I don’t engage in social media so this is the platform we have to start speaking on and get through this.
      “There’s a dichotomy between free speech for us and due impartiality of the BBC, we know that. It’s where you draw the lines, and that line’s been far too blurred for the staff and the public.
      “We need clarification, contracts must be clearer, it’s unfair on everyone – from Gary Lineker to every match reporter.
      Most read in Football
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      “There must be a debate, there must be consultation, not just edicts from on high.
      “It’s madness that I can be asked to go on a BBC political programme, yet I’m not allowed to have an opinion out with that. It doesn’t make sense.”
      On how the BBC can proceed, former Chelsea star Nevin added: “I happen to stand on roughly the same hill as Gary Lineker, but we have to understand that if we have stringent opinions and other alternative – and indeed opposite – opinions, they would have to be allowed.
      “That is not easy for an impartial organisation like the BBC to cope with. I’m going to talk about this for a long time to come, we’ve got to debate it – the future and direction of this organisation, possibly under threat institution, could depend on this.
      “It’s about getting on and getting it right from hereon in. I could go on, I won’t, we’ve got a game of football here to talk about.”
      Lineker, 62, was pulled from hosting duties following his tweet likening Suella Braverman’s language while unveiling the Government’s small boats plan to that of 1930s Germany.
      He is set to return to presenting duties for the BBC’s live televised FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend after striking a deal with his employers yesterday.
      The Beeb are set to show Manchester City vs Burnley next Saturday and Brighton vs Grimsby on Sunday afternoon.
      A further update on his Match of the Day role is set to be announced today. More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker WILL be back on the BBC for next weekend’s FA cup coverage after a deal was struck in tense crisis talks

      by

      GARY Lineker will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next Saturday after the under fire host struck a deal with the BBC today.The agreement will be announced tomorrow after tense talks, following a weekend of TV mayhem caused by the Nazi tweets row.
      Gary Lineker will return to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next weekendCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was seen walking his dog today amid the ongoing rowCredit: Reuters
      Director General Tim Davie has been under massive pressure to find a solutionCredit: AFP
      MPs and pals of Lineker will pore over the details to see who has backed down.
      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.
      Director General Tim Davie has been under massive pressure to find a solution after schedules were hammered both yesterday and today.
      A TV source said: “Gary will be back to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage. A deal has been struck.
      Read More on this story
      “If the BBC have agreed to allow him to keep tweeting his anti-Tory views, it will be seen as a major victory for Gary, but the details of the deal are unclear at this stage.”
      Next weekend’s FA Cup quarter final coverage includes Manchester City against Burnley on Saturday and Man U vs Fulham on Sunday.
      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.
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      Sharing the clip, Mr 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”.
      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 last night – 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 yesterday as the staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      And tonight’s Match Of The Day 2 will run for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Mr 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.”
      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”.
      RISHI’S RESPONSE
      It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pleaded for some “perspective” following the Lineker row.
      Mr Sunak warned the BBC is “not about one person” as Corporation bosses scrambled to find a solution to the impartiality row with their highest paid star.
      Speaking to reporters on his way to California, the PM said on Sunday the crisis was for not for the Government to step into but for “them to sort out, between Gary Lineker, the BBC and their presenters.”
      He added: “I think the issue between Gary Lineker and the BBC is one they should resolve.
      “I hope they can resolve it in a timely fashion.”
      Meanwhile The Sun’s Trevor Kavanagh said the row has dealt a killer blow to Lineker’s own beloved BBC.
      The columnist blasted the corporation as being “colonised by the Guardian-reading liberal elite” for whom “the trigger word ‘Tory’ sends them groping for the garlic and crucifix”.
      Read More on The Sun
      And he suggested “Lineker must know he is out of order” following the inflammatory tweets.
      Tory Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson later fumed: “MOTD is old ex footballers ripping off the public by chatting nonsense instead of showing more football.” More