Gary Lineker confirms MOTD future as he puts BBC furore to rest
A review on the BBC's existing social media guidance will be carried out by an independent expert.
Gary Lineker will return to host Match of the Day Live next week after the presenter and the BBC "navigated a way through" the fallout from his Tweets about the Government's refugee policy.
In a statement, BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised for the "difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audience" and outlined that a review of the BBC's existing social media guidance would be carried out by an independent expert.
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He added that an announcement regarding who would be leading the review would be made in due course, but said that the current guidelines would remain in place in the interim.
He closed his statement with a show of support for Lineker, writing: "Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
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Meanwhile, Lineker took to Twitter to thank his followers and colleagues for their support, and reiterated his pride at working for the "best and fairest broadcaster in the world".
He added: "A final thought: however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away. It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you."
A reduced, 20-minute version of Match of the Day without any presenters or studio analysis was broadcast on Saturday night after several high-profile pundits including Ian Wright and Alan Shearer revealed they would not be taking part out of solidarity with Lineker.
The long-time host had been asked to step down for the weekend's show after he was judged to have breached the BBC's impartiality guidelines by criticising the language used by Home Secretary Suella Braverman in an announcement video for the new Illegal Migration Bill.
Although he will make a return to BBC Sport next week, Lineker won't actually be covering the usual Match of the Day programme – as he is scheduled to present live coverage of the FA Cup clash between Manchester City and Burnley.
The highlights show will instead be hosted by regular Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman, with former Wales defender Ashley Williams providing analysis.
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