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

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      GARY Lineker made a sly dig at the BBC as he returned to TV screens after the migrant tweet row.The presenter of Match of the Day, 62, took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoon to post a message to his followers which said: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      Gary Lineker took to his Twitter page earlier this afternoonCredit: Twitter
      Lineker hosted the BBC’s coverage of the FA CupCredit: BBC
      The Tweet was interpreted by many as a dig at the BBC, who pulled star off air after he likened Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan to “Germany in the ’30s”.
      His return to the channel last night was met with fury from fans who blasted Lineker for failing to apologise for the “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” post.
      Tonight, his co-host Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity to Lineker – apologised for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
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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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      Gary Lineker says ‘it’s great to be here’ as he returns to BBC but DOESN’T apologise for ‘disgraceful’ Nazi tweet

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      GARY Lineker has said “it’s great to be here” as he returned to the BBC for FA Cup coverage for the first time since his Nazi tweet storm.The former football star, 62, opened last night’s programme at 5.30pm telling viewers how thrilled he was to be back at his “Saturday job”.
      Gary Lineker with teammates Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: TWITTER/GARY LINEKER
      The TV pundits with the FA Cup trophy before the matchCredit: Reuters
      Lineker arrived at the Etihad Stadium in ManchesterCredit: PA
      Lineker was taken off air after a Tweet  – in which he likened the Illegal Migration Bill to “Germany in the ’30s” – was blasted as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful” by MPs.
      And fans slammed his return – with some calling for Lineker to step down after he failed to apologise.
      Last night, his co-host Alan Shearer – who also pulled out in solidarity with Lineker – apologised to fans for missing last week’s show.
      He said: “I want to say how upset we were that all the audiences missed out on last weekend.
      Read More on lineker
      “It was a really difficult situation for all concerned.
      “For no fault of their own some great people in TV and radio were put in an impossible situation.
      “It’s good to get back  to some sort of normality and talk about football.”
      Lineker responded: “I echo those sentiments.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year was blasted for his criticism of Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      He hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain, on Twitter.
      Lineker wrote: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      The bill will see migrants detained and removed to their home country, or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Tory MPs slammed the tweet as “foul, ill-conceived and disgraceful”, while Downing Street said his language was “not acceptable and disappointing to see”.
      Energy secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter: “As a Jewish cabinet minister I need no lessons about 1930s Germany from Gary Lineker.
      “Like Gary, I am hosting refugees in my own home, but unlike Gary, I do not believe it is either right or moral to tolerate criminal gangs trafficking vulnerable people across the channel.”
      Home secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and immigration minister Robert Jenrick said he was “out of step with the British public”.
      Following Lineker’s tweet, the BBC “decided that [Lineker] will step back from presenting Match of the Day” after the post was found to have breached the BBC’s strict impartiality rules.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on the show, Ian Wright and Shearer, also pulled out in support if their colleague.
      But the BBC later confirmed Lineker WILL return to the channel in an embarrassing climbdown 72 hours later.
      Director General Tim Davie apologised for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences after his embarrassing climbdown.
      Lineker’s failure to say sorry himself also attracted criticism.
      He yesterday marked his return to the BBC by tweeting a picture of himself along with a sly dig at the BBC.
      He wrote: “Ah the joys of being allowed to stick to football.”
      But fans piled in on the star, with some calling for Lineker to step down.
      One person said: “Hypocrite. Please quit,” while another added: “Will definitely not be watching.”
      Someone else wrote: “Well stick to football then and leave the politics to the politicians.”
      Another added: “You don’t just stick to football and that’s the problem.”
      “Time for a change I feel. Bring in some new faces. Panel have had their day unfortunately in my eyes,” someone else said.
      Fans also said the BBC’s embarrassing U-turn 72 hours after taking Lineker off air may spell trouble for the cooperation.
      One viewer said: “Lineker hammered the final nail home in the BBC’s coffin.
      “Well done Gary – the license fee is now toast.”
      Since the controversy exploded, the BBC have come under fire for their handling of the situation.
      Mr Davie said in a statement the corporation has commissioned an independent review of its social media guidelines and apologised for the impartiality row.
      He described the BBC’s commitment to freedom of expression and impartiality as a “difficult balancing act”.
      He added: “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised.
      “I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.”
      Lineker is reportedly yet to confirm his role presenting the BBC’s Champions League coverage when it kicks off next year.
      Read More on The Sun
      This comes as rival, BT Sport, is said to be targeting Lineker for their TNT Sports next season, according to Mail Online.
      Yesterday saw the arrival of the Home Secretary in Rwanda, to meet with President Paul Kagame and her counterpart Vincent Biruta, to discuss the plan.
      It is the first time he hit TV screens after his chaotic tweet rowCredit: PA
      Shearer told how upset he was about last week’s show being cancelledCredit: BBC More

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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.”
      Read More on Gary Lineker
      He added: “It was totally disproportionate the whole thing but we’re OK. It’s resolved, I’m relieved, I’m back to work tomorrow and all is well with the world.”
      It comes after BBC director general Tim Davie announced that Lineker would be returning to host the football show on Saturday.
      He also apologised for the impartiality row and said a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines would take place.
      It comes as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, on £1.35million a year, had been suspended from his Match of the Day presenting duties, following a tweet criticising Suella Braverman’s migrant boats plan.
      Most read in Football
      Lineker took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans people who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
      Lineker faced a wave of fury over the crisis after he failed to apologise himself for his tweet comparing the Government’s new migrant plan to 1930s Germany.
      The comment attracted criticism from MPs and was branded “offensive” by the Home Secretary.
      Lineker’s words were considered in breach of the BBC’s strict impartiality rules which state that staff must avoid taking sides on political controversies and remain impartial.
      In a statement, the BBC previously said it had “decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media”.
      Lineker’s co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also stepped back from the show in support of their colleague.
      Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Alan Shearer quickly followed suit and said: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman also banded together in support of Lineker, meaning Match of the Day went ahead without a presenter, pundits or commentary on the broadcast.
      It meant Match Of The Day ran for just 20 minutes on Saturday – without commentary or even the iconic theme tune.
      Read More on The Sun
      Disruption caused by the sudden staff uprising also saw Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in cancelled.
      And Match Of The Day 2 ran for just 14 minutes, again with no commentary or presenters.
      Lineker confirmed the situation with the BBC had been resolvedCredit: LaLigaTV More

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      Emirates Stadium roof LEAKING as Arsenal fans forced to leave seats to avoid getting soaked in downpour vs Sporting

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      ARSENAL fans were forced to move seats to avoid getting soaked after the Emirates’ roof began LEAKING. Water poured down into the stands two places as supporters fled to avoid being drenched.
      There was a massive leak in the Emirates Stadium’s roof amid a downpour during Arsenal’s clash with SportingCredit: Getty
      Arsenal fans were forced to move seatsCredit: AFP

      The rain water came streaming down into the stands in two areas – one on the half-way line and another behind a goal.
      A large area of empty seats was clearly visible on the TV broadcast on BT Sport.
      But fans in the stadium didn’t mind as they watched a classic in North London.
      Arsenal were drawing at the time, after Sporting’s Pedro Goncalves scored from the HALFWAY LINE to cancel out Granit Xhaka’s opener.
      READ MORE IN football
      A number of fans were spotted into the crowd with their jaws stuck to the floor as they watch the stunner fly over keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s head.
      Despite being relatively dominant the Gunners couldn’t find a winner as the tie finished level at 3-3 on aggregate after last week’s draw in Portugal.
      And it all came down to penalties, the first shootout EVER at the Emirates.
      After seven perfect strikes, Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort saved by Antonio Adan.
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      And Nuno Santos made no mistake as he stroked in the winning kick.
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      It saw Arsenal dumped out of Europe, leaving their sole focus on the Premier League, which they lead by five points.
      And boss Mikel Arteta is already move onto the next game.
      He told BT Sport: “It’s a huge blow obviously. There were moments in the first 75 minutes where we weren’t at our level.
      “We gave every ball away and we didn’t have the capacity to take the game. There were chances to win it in extra-time. There was a lot of uncertainty with the pens.
      “It was a very difficult game.
      Gabriel Martinelli missed the deciding penaltyCredit: Getty
      “We didn’t win enough duals in certain spaces. We didn’t put the ball under pressure well enough. We gave the ball away consistently and it created a really open game we didn’t want to play.
      “We just have to look at ourselves and why we were not good enough to go through.
      We congratulate Sporting and now we have 11 games.
      “Our next game with Palace is a final.
      “Every work we do right now has to be towards Palace and we have to be better than in this game.”
      Read More on The Sun More

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      Don Megson dead at 86: Tributes paid to Sheffield Wednesday legend who captained side in 1966 FA Cup final

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S legendary defender Don Megson has sadly passed away at the age of 86.The Owls icon captained the team in the 1966 FA Cup final which they lost 3-2 to Everton.
      Sheffield Wednesday legend Don Megson has passed away at the age of 86Credit: Rex
      Megson, centre, played nearly 400 games for Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Getty
      Reporter Alan Biggs confirmed the news on social media on Thursday morning.
      He tweeted: “Very sad news. Been asked to post on behalf of the family that Don Megson has left us at the age of 86.
      “A Sheffield Wednesday icon (1959-69). Captained #SWFC in ‘66 FA Cup final.
      “Son Gary says Don passed peacefully.
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      “Such a fine player & man. RIP.
      “Don Megson was an inspiring leader & a driving left back, one of the top players in the land, during his great career with @swfc.”
      He then went on to add: “A true gent.”
      One fan replied: “Sad news. Wednesday legend status without a shadow of doubt.”
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      Another added: “Such sad news. Don was one of my earliest memories of following Sheffield Wednesday. Condolences to Gary and the Megson family and to everyone connected to the club. RIP Don.”
      And a third added: “My first Wednesday captain. What a commanding and dignified character. A great loss to the Owls’ family. Condolences to his loved ones RIP Don #swfc.”
      Megson spent a decade with Sheffield Wednesday from 1959 to 1969, racking up nearly 400 appearances for the club.
      In the ’66 FA Cup final, Megson and Wednesday experienced heartbreak as Everton came from 2-0 down to beat them 3-2 in a thriller.
      In between his decade in Sheffield, Megson also featured for Mossley and Bristol Rovers, hanging up his boots in 1971.
      He enjoyed an 11-year career in management, coaching Bristol Rovers to Watney Cup glory in just his third game in charge.
      He spent five years with the English outfit before leaving in 1977.
      He then went on to spend two years with Portland Timbers, before a brief stint at Bournemouth in 1983.
      He captained Sheffield Wednesday in the 1966 FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      He also became a coach after hanging up his boots in 1971Credit: Rex 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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      Gary Lineker set to return to Match Of The Day for FA Cup next week after crunch talks with the BBC over Nazi tweet row

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      GARY Lineker is set to return to Match Of The Day for the FA Cup next week after crunch talks with the BBC over the Nazi tweet row. The 62-year-old pundit refused to address the ongoing row over his inflammatory posts comparing the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill to 1930s Nazi Germany, which saw him taken off air.
      Gary Lineker is likely to return to the BBC in a matter of days, sources sayCredit: LNP
      Lineker has been in crunch talks with his employer over Nazi tweetsCredit: BBC
      The 62-year-old has today refused to say anything on the matterCredit: Getty
      At around 12.30pm today, he was spotted walking his dog outside his home in West London.
      Asked whether he still wanted to work at the Beeb or if he was in talks with the director general about his future, the ex-England star simply stated: “I can’t say anything.”
      But, just hours later it was said he was likely to return to TV in a matter of days – with sources saying BBC boss Tim Davie wants Lineker back on the telly.
      An insider told the Telegraph: “Tim Davie has been clear that he wants to resolve the situation and see the MOTD presenter back on air.
      Read more on Gary Lineker
      “Gary and his representatives have been in talks for a number of days and these are ongoing.”
      Lineker was told to step back from hosting Match Of The Day while bosses try to get him to agree to stop posting political messages online.
      His likening of Tory immigration rhetoric and Nazi Germany sparked outrage in some quarters – with Home Secretary Suella Braverman claiming his comments diminished the tragedy of the Holocaust.
      It was 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”.
      Most read in Football
      BBC pundits and commentators refused to work following the backlash, deciding to support longstanding presenter Lineker.
      It caused a football blackout, with several TV and radio programmes, including the Saturday edition of Match of the Day, Football Focus and Final Score, disrupted or forced off air following a boycott by figures like Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott.
      Sunday night’s edition of MOTD2 will air – but without presenters or commentary.
      The Beeb does not have the rights required to use world feed commentary, an issue that saw last night’s 20-minute broadcast go without.
      Commentator Guy Mowbray tweeted: “As yesterday, there will be no ‘normal’ MOTD(2) programme tonight.
      “The scheduled commentary team are in full agreement with our BBC Sport colleagues. We hope that a resolution can be found ASAP.”
      Tonight’s programme will show only highlights of Manchester United vs Southampton, West Ham vs Aston Villa and Fulham vs Arsenal and Newcastle vs Wolves.
      There was also no pre-game chat before this afternoon’s Women’s Super League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United amid the storm.
      It follows several last-minute timetable changes yesterday which resulted in Football Focus and Final Score being scrapped from the BBC One schedule.
      MOTD, which Lineker has hosted for almost 25 years, was cut to just 20 minutes, with no commentary, analysis or interviews.
      It also went out without its famous theme tune – instead broadcasting only short highlight clips of the day’s matches.
      It did, however, see its viewing figures soar by 500,000 to 2.6million – the highest number since November 2022.
      MOT2 will take a similar “reduced” format at 10:30pm after host Mark Chapman decided not to present for BBC Radio 5 Live Sport on Saturday and pundit Jermain Defoe announced he would not appear on the Sunday highlights programme.
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      BBC Radio 5 Live was yesterday forced to cancel its coverage of Saturday’s football after Chapman, 59, and co-presenter Colin Murray, 46, pulled out in support of Lineker.
      It followed similar boycotts from other high-profile names, includingKelly Somers and Jason Mohammad, who stood down in solidarity with Lineker.
      The BBC said it would air only “limited sport programming” over the weekend and was “working hard to resolve the situation”.
      In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans.”
      BBC’s Davie later apologised personally for the disruption to the sport schedule but insisted he will not resign from his role.
      On Saturday, Bargain Hunt aired in place of Football Focus on BBC One at noon, while The Repair Shop ran instead of Final Score at 4.30pm.
      BBC presenter Murray tweeted that 5 Live’s Fighting Talk was not airing “for obvious reasons” in a decision by the entire team.
      Pre-recorded content replaced the live broadcasts, with Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast aired during Fighting Talk’s slot followed by The Footballer’s Football Podcast, which played on Radio 5 Live when 5 Live Sport would have aired.
      The 606 phone-in show with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton was also pulled, replaced by a Eurovision podcast.
      Pundit Glenn Murray pulled out of appearing on Football Focus and Final Score on Saturday while fellow former players Dion Dublin and Leon Osman were among those announcing their absence from coverage.
      Mohammad also confirmed he would not be hosting Final Score.
      ‘VERY DIFFICULT DAY’
      On Friday evening, several MOTD commentators shared a joint statement online, announcing they would be stepping down from Saturday’s broadcast.
      The group, including Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Cowen and Steven Wyeth, said they did “not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme” given the current circumstances.
      Ian Dennis, a BBC employee, did cover Leeds against Brighton for 5 Live radio but said it was a “very difficult day”.
      Lineker was taken off air for a tweet which compared the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy tackling evil people traffickers with Nazi Germany.
      The broadcaster said it had “decided” Lineker would take a break from presenting the highlights programme until an “agreed and clear position” on his use of social media had been reached.
      Former BBC director-general Greg Dyke said the corporation had made a “mistake” and “undermined its own credibility” by taking Lineker off air.
      A spokesman for the Professional Footballers’ Association said in a statement on Twitter that it had “been informed that players involved in Saturday’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match Of The Day”.
      I disagree with Gary Lineker on small boats profoundly.Jeremy HuntChancellor
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hopes the free speech row ends “in a timely manner”- but that it was a matter for the BBC, not Government.
      Conservative politicians have lined up to slam Mr Lineker, who is on a taxpayer-funded salary of £1,350,000.
      Jeremy Hunt today said he “profoundly disagrees” with the controversial comments made.
      The Chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Sky News: “I disagree with Gary Lineker on small boats profoundly.
      “I personally think that he was wrong to say what he said.”
      MP Simon Clarke echoed his words, telling the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “I disagree very profoundly with what Gary Lineker said.
      “I think the comparisons to 1930s as he’s made are deeply inappropriate and actually very tasteless.”
      Asked why it matters what a sports presenter says, he replied: “Mr Lineker has a huge reach and the reality is that he is obviously operating on a publicly-funded broadcaster, he is someone whose platform largely derives from his role at the BBC, he’s saying things which are partisan and I think which are also deeply unfair.”
      ‘TASTELESS TWEET’
      He called the situation a “mess” and said the BBC needs to resolve “ambiguity” in its guidelines as Lineker is freelance a sports presenter, not a political journalist.
      Mr Clarke continued: “I don’t like cancel culture of any kind, I don’t like to see people being taken off air.”
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer also waded into the row, saying: “The BBC has a 10-point plan in relation to impartiality.
      “It is absolutely important that it maintains impartiality so that the public retains trust in it.”
      In the Commons, DUP MP Gregory Campbell called for “multimillionaire lefty Lineker” to have his pay docked.
      And Red Wall MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said: “Whilst the elderly lost their free licence, the BBC have now given Gary Lineker a different sort of free license – one that allows him to say what he wants, when he wants and without fear of sanction.
      “Everybody is entitled to their opinions, but as a public service broadcaster you would expect the BBC to hold him to the same standards they would expect from other members of their staff, who would not get away with such appalling comparisons.”
      The Illegal Migration Bill bans migrants who arrive on small boats from ever settling in Britain.
      Read More on The Sun
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Ms Braverman has repeatedly insisted the plan does not break the law, and said the country’s top legal minds have worked day and night to ensure it’s feasible.
      There was no pre-game chat as Chelsea took on Manchester United in WSL todayCredit: Getty

      Alex Scott was one of the many BBC pundits and commentators who backed Lineker amid the stormCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Lineker ‘will never apologise, never back down’ in BBC row – but WILL return to Match Of The Day, says son George

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      GARY Lineker will “never apologise” or back down amid his migrant tweet row with the BBC, his son says.But George, 31, stressed his dad is open to a return to the Beeb after being pulled off Match Of The Day for comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      George Lineker said his dad Gary will ‘never apologise’ for his comments that saw him suspended from Match Of The DayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker is open to a return to the BBC his son George saysCredit: PA
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-airCredit: BBC
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is now locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweetsCredit: BBC
      The pundit’s suspension sparked chaos on Saturday – with Match Of The Day going ahead without presenters, pundits or commentators.
      The show ran for just 20-minutes as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air without even playing the theme tune.
      Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Gary’s eldest praised his dad as a “good man” who stands by his word.
      He added: “That’s why he was pulled off the show – because he wouldn’t apologise.
      Read More on this story
      “To take him off the air for having a voice is harsh, and I think he was surprised, and a bit disappointed.”
      George went on to address whether his dad will return to the BBC, as it was reported broadcasters are queuing up to poach the veteran presenter.
      He explained: “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.”
      George noted Gary’s passion for standing up for those without a voice, pointing to the ex-England star’s decision to host two refugees at his home.
      Most read in Football
      The pundit sparked a free speech row when he 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, 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?”
      ‘BREACH OF OUR GUIDELINES’
      The BBC said the pundit’s comments on Twitter were a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mr Lineker was later asked to step back from presenting Match Of The Day – which he’s done since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      It comes as ex-tennis pro and LBC presenter Andrew Castle claimed Gary admitted on Thursday his comments were “a step too far”.
      Mr Castle told his LBC show today: “I was with Gary Lineker for half a day, plus, on Thursday, I was working with him.
      “I said to him, that I thought to draw the parallels between, you know, the rise of Nazism in the 30s and early 30s government and the immigration policy of a serving Conservative Party was a step too far and he agreed.”
      In a statement after suspending the veteran broadcaster, the BBC said they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the Beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The decision sparked chaos at the BBC as Match Of The Day’s commentators, pundits and presenters all refused to go on air in solidarity with Mr Lineker.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid a growing staff mutiny.
      Football Focus, Final Score, the Fighting Talk podcast and 5Live’s 606 football phone in were all canned as well as a staff uprising sent schedules into meltdown.
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      We made decisions and I made decisions based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficultTim Davie, BBC Director General
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is now locked in a standoff with Mr Lineker, who refuses to back down amid a row over his controversial tweets.
      Crisis-engulfed Davie told the BBC on Saturday he would “absolutely not” quit amid a fallout that has bought the corporation to its knees.
      Mr Davie 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, he 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.
      As his employer fought fires on all fronts – Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea.
      The ex-England star was pictured watching the Foxes alongside one of his sons – and appeared all smiles despite his side losing 3-1.
      The crisis reached its peak late on Saturday when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak waded into the row, saying the presenter’s suspension is an issue for the BBC, not him.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mr Sunak said the chaos was “rightly a matter” for the BBC, not the Government.
      He added that while he respected “not everyone will always agree” with Government policies, he praised Mr Lineker for being a “great footballer and talented presenter”.
      Mr Lineker today took time out to watch his beloved Leicester City in action at the King Power Stadium against Chelsea, alongside his sonCredit: Reuters More