Gary Lineker to return to Match Of The Day as BBC boss Tim Davie apologises

2023-03-13

Gary Lineker will be returning to the BBC after it was announced the host would "step back" from hosting the weekly football highlights programme, Match of the Day.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has apologised after Gary, 62, was told to step back from presenting Match Of The Day in a row over impartiality and said he will return to hosting coverage this weekend.

He says: "Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this."

Gary has said he is “glad that we have found a way forward” over his return to presenting BBC football coverage, adding: “(I) look forward to getting back on air.”

Tim, 55, said he recognises the "potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance" that was introduced in 2020, adding he wants to "get matters resolved and our sport content back on air".

He went on to talk of how impartiality is "important to the BBC and the public as a whole, noting the corporation has a "commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression".

Gary broke his silence on Twitter, as he began to say: "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."

The dad of four continued: "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."

Before signing off, the BBC host spoke of how his experience in the last few days will never compare to "having to flee your home".

"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," he shared.

The BBC decided to make the long-term host "step back" from his presenting duties on Friday, and BBC Sport’s output was disrupted over the weekend after presenters, pundits and commentators backed Gary.

Fans across the country stood by the star in solidarity, and fellow pundits, including Alex Scott and Ian Wright, pulled out of their presenting slots.

A number of TV stars shared their support of Gary on social media using the hashtags #StandWithGary, #IStandWithGaryLineker OR #IStandWithGary.

Gary’s son George, 31, told the Daily Mirror: "He loves Match of the Day. But he won’t ever back down on his word. I’m proud of him, he will always speak up for people who don’t have a voice.

"He is passionate about helping refugee charities – he took in two refugees who he is still in touch with and trying to help."

Football programmes Football Focus, Final Score and football coverage on 5 Live was pulled from the air, while Match of the Day was only 20 minutes long with no commentary or punditry.

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