Gary Lineker is to return to the airways with Match of the Day this Saturday after being taken off air over his tweets criticising the government’s migration policy.
In a statement the BBC apologised to Gary Lineker and announced an independent review into social media guidance.
The BBC Director General Tim Davie has announced there will be review, led by an independent expert reporting to the BBC, on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs.
The director general says the BBC and Gary are “in favour of such a review.”
The BBC’s current social media guidance will remain in place while the work is completed and who will carry the review out will be announced “shortly”, Davie adds.
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this.”
Gary Lineker tweeted the following after the announcement
After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming…..I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday” adding
“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”
