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

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      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.
      Most read in Football
      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

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      Gary Lineker remains tight-lipped as he steps out amid war with BBC over Nazi immigration tweet as MotD2 to air tonight

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      GARY Lineker today remained tight-lipped amid his impartiality war with the BBC. The 62-year-old pundit refused to address the ongoing row over his inflammatory tweets comparing the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill to 1930s Nazi Germany, which saw him taken off air.
      Gary Lineker stayed tight-lipped as he left his home todayCredit: LNP
      Mark Chapman, who is the regular presenter of Match of the Day 2Credit: PA
      There was no pre-game chat as Chelsea took on Manchester United in WSL todayCredit: Getty
      At around 12.30pm on Sunday, he was spotted walking his dog outside his home in Barnes, 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.”
      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.
      READ MORE ON THE LINEKER ROW
      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”.
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      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 director-general Tim 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.

      Alex Scott also packed Lineker amid the stormCredit: Getty
      Pundit Jermain Defoe has given Lineker his supportCredit: Getty
      Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: BBC 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

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      ‘A farce’ – Match of the Day fans left ‘speechless’ by bizarre commentary and pundit free highlights after Lineker row

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      VIEWERS slammed a “farcical” Match of the Day as the BBC aired Premier League highlights with no presenter, pundits or commentators.The much-loved show, created by BBC back in 1964, aired on Saturday night in a bizarre 20-minute format amid the carnage of the Beeb’s Gary Lineker tweet row.
      Gary Lineker was controversially pulled off the programme on FridayCredit: PA
      Fans did not enjoy the ‘farcical’ Match of the Day that aired on SaturdayCredit: BBC
      This was what replaced the traditional MOTD introCredit: BBC
      The flagship programme had no presenters, pundits or commentators after staff masterminded a mutiny in solidarity with Lineker.
      Co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the show into crisis.
      The show’s commentary team also stood down – with the dulcet tones of Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen all falling silent.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Premier League match highlights in a largely silent presentation.
      READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER
      Even the iconic theme tune and opening sequence were absent as Liverpool’s loss to Bournemouth followed a brief “Premier League highlights” frame.
      And footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
      Most read in Football
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      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      One added: “Bit speechless watching Match of the day.”
      Some viewers insisted they enjoyed the change.
      One fan wrote: “Fantastic match of the day instead of listing to all the b******s!”
      Another said: “Honestly. This match of the day without presenters and over the top commentary is f***ing miles better !!!”
      And a fellow fan commented: “Absolutely loving Match of the Day. No talking, no commentary… just football! Love it.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan was not convinced by their argument.
      Piers wrote: “BBC should now adjust the licence fee so that everyone on Twitter pretending to prefer Match of the Day in the new format can pay £1 less a month but only ever watch it that way in future.
      “Spoiler alert: nobody would take that deal. It’s s***.”
      Pundit Ian Wright was among the first to pull out in a show of support for Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is 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.
      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.
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      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 battled 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 row was triggered when Mr Lineker 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?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined 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 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”.
      Gary Lineker watched his beloved Leicester alongside one of his sons todayCredit: Reuters More

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      Match Of The Day cut to 20 minutes in bizarre show with no THEME TUNE or commentary as BBC reels from Lineker crisis

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      MATCH Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-air.The flagship footie programme didn’t even play it’s iconic theme tune to kick-off the show and an announcer apologised for the slimmed down offering.
      Match Of The Day ran for just 20-minutes last night as the carnage-engulfed BBC limped to get the show on-airCredit: BBC
      Viewers were left speechless as the Match Of The Day theme tune was not played and highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentaryCredit: BBC
      Gary Lineker was pulled off the programme on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to ‘1930s Germany’Credit: PA
      Viewers were left speechless as highlights of Saturday’s games were shown with crowd noises but no commentary.
      And there were no presenters or pundits in the studio after staff walked out in a growing mutiny following Gary Lineker’s suspension.
      It came as co-hosts Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards refused to fill in, plunging the football analysis show into crisis.
      Match Of The Day – which usually runs for 80-minutes – started at the usual time of 10.20pm but only showed Prem match highlights.
      Read More on this story
      As the show began, an announcer said: “We’re sorry that we’re unable to show our normal Match Of The Day including commentary tonight.
      “But here now is the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”
      The show ended with a jingle as the Premier League table standings were shown before abruptly ending.
      Footy fans quickly took to Twitter after tuning in to give their reaction to the “surreal” broadcast.
      Most read in Football
      One fan wrote: “Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!”
      Another asked: “Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?”
      “Match of the Day with no commentary – what a farce,” declared another.
      A fellow viewer wrote: “Surreal watching a silent match of the day.”
      While another said: “Match Of The Day on BBC One with zero commentary is…different.”
      FALLOUT
      BBC One then showed Tom Hanks drama Sully about the Hudson River plane landing.
      Earlier, a Beeb insider told The Sun on Sunday last night’s show would be “the biggest own goal in the BBC’s history”.
      They added: “Match of the Day is a British institution, so everyone at the BBC from the top down was adamant the show must go on.
      “But the sorry excuse of a programme which went out probably did more damage than if it was taken off air for the weekend while things were resolved.”
      Mr Lineker was pulled off the programme – which he’s hosted since 1999 – on Friday after comparing the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill to “1930s Germany”.
      The Sun on Sunday understands BBC boss Tim Davie is 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.
      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.
      The biggest own goal in the BBC’s historyBBC insider on Match Of The Day
      It is unclear whether Match Of The Day 2 – which airs on Sunday – will go ahead.
      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 battled 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 row was triggered when Mr Lineker 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?”
      In a statement after suspending Mr Lineker, the BBC outlined 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 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.
      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”.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came as an ad of talkSport’s Alan Brazil appeared outside the crisis-ravaged headquarters of the BBC on Saturday.
      The rival broadcaster told the BBC in a tongue-in-cheek stunt: “Here comes the super sub. Alan Brazil is ready to step in.” More

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      Now Match of the Day commentators pull out of show amid Gary Lineker storm as fans say ‘there’s no point watching now’

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      MATCH of the Day’s commentators have pulled out of tonight’s show – hours after the BBC said the programme would go ahead without presenters or pundits.Commentators from an agency are expected to be shipped in to cover Saturday’s Prem games amid chaos sparked by Gary Lineker’s suspension from Match of the Day.
      Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie shows commentators, said he and his colleagues will not appear in Saturday’s Match of the Day
      Commentators from an agency will be shipped in instead to cover the Prem games
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with ‘1930’s Germany’Credit: PA
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      He explained on Friday: “As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent on Saturday night.
      Read More on this story
      They will likely be covered by commentary usually provided for football broadcasts outside the UK.
      It comes just hours after the BBC said the exodus of pundits acting in solidarity with Mr Lineker means Saturday night’s episode will show only football.
      And there will be no studio analysis for viewers.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      Most read in Football
      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of Match of the Day co-hosts refused to appear in solidarity with the veteran presenter.
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker 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?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined 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 full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has 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.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Wight was the first to boycott the show when he 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.”
      And Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Gary Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      In a separate Tweet, Piers added: “REMINDER: BBC management told @GaryLineker to make political statements about Qatar’s human rights record at the start of the recent World Cup.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      Alan Shearer joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tomorrow nightCredit: Alamy
      Jermain Jenas also pulled the plug on any chance of him turning up on Saturday’s episodeCredit: PA
      And Alex Scott shared a meme saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Getty
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ over Match of the Day storm as Ian Wright & Alan Shearer walk out in ‘solidarity’

      by

      GARY Lineker “wept” when he found out his pals had publicly backed him after the BBC took him off air.It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight following the decision to axe Lineker from the show.
      It comes as Match of the Day hosts staged a mutiny following the decision to axe Lineker from the show
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Gary was reportedly left in tears when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      read more in Football
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him.
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      Most read in Football
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      It comes as the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by 1930s Germany.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Others to join the mutiny include Mark Chapman and Jermaine Jenas.
      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed Ian Wright and Alan Shearer after the Match of the Day hosts pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”

      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
      Read More on The Sun
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.” 
      Gary Lineker ‘wept’ when he found out his pals had publicly backed him as the BBC took him off airCredit: Alamy More

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      BBC announce Match of the Day WILL go ahead with NO presenters after Gary Lineker taken off air & hosts spark mutiny

      by

      MATCH of the Day will go ahead on Saturday – but WITHOUT presenters, pundits or commentators.The BBC said the exodus of pundits following Gary Lineker’s suspension means tonight’s episode will show only football replay.
      The BBC told The Sun the exodus of pundits following Gary Linker’s suspension means they will show only football replayCredit: PA
      Co-host Ian Wright became the first pundit to boycott Match of the Day in solidarity with Gary LinekerCredit: PA
      And there will be no studio analysis by pundits for viewers.
      A BBC spokesperson said: “Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.
      “We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry.”
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down. Commentators usually heard on football broadcasts outside the UK are expected to be shipped in.
      Read More on this story
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit was then forced to step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      But his suspension sparked chaos as scores of co-hosts of Match of the Day launched a mutiny.
      Most read in Football
      Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to fill in amid the chaos.
      The row was triggered when Mr Lineker 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?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined 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 full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has 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.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”

      Following the BBC’s suspension of Mr Lineker, Match of the Day co-host Wright said he will boycott Saturday’s episode in “solidarity”.
      He tweeted on Friday: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Micah Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Jemaine Jenas also ruled himself out of presenting duties.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      In a tweet, Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said he and his colleagues will also not be heard in Saturday’s episode.
      He explained on Friday night: “As commentators on MoTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night’s broadcast.
      “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”
      The move means the dulcet tones of commentators Conor McNamara, Simon Brotherton and Robyn Cowen will fall silent tonight.
      Read More on The Sun
      They will likely be covered by commentary usually provided for football broadcasts outside the UK.
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy
      And Alex Scott shared a meme saying: ‘Nah… not for me.’Credit: Getty
      Micah Richard’s says he backed the pundits in their decisionCredit: Alamy
      Mark Chapman also ruled himself outCredit: PA More