Gary Lineker will return as presenter of the BBC’s main soccer show ‘Match of the Day’, following controversy over tweets critical of Britain’s new immigration policy.
The BBC received immense backlash for removing Lineker from the show for his tweets comparing the language of politics to that of Nazi Germany in the 1930s. The show was cut short over the weekend as his co-hosts backed Lineker and vowed to stay out if he was suspended.
The outlet made a radical change on Monday.
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England’s Gary Lineker, left, and Morocco’s Khairi Abderrazak fight for the ball during the World Cup Group F soccer match in Monterrey, Mexico on June 6, 1986. (AP Photo, File)
«Gary is a valuable part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I hope he will present our coverage next weekend,» said BBC director-general Tim Davie, adding that the company «did what correct». with Lineker suspension.
Lineker thanked his supporters in a series of tweets.
«After a surreal few days, I’m delighted we’ve gotten through this. I want to thank everyone for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game.» but your support was overwhelming,» he wrote.
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English soccer star David Beckham, left, and former England striker Gary Lineker at the launch campaign to bid for the Soccer World Cup to be held in England in 2018 or 2022 at Wembley Stadium, London , May 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
«I have been presenting sports on the BBC for almost 3 decades and I am immensely proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to return to the MOTD chair on Saturday.
«A final thought: as difficult as the last few days have been, they simply do not compare to having to flee home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a faraway land. It is heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight by part of many of you».
Lineker made his controversial tweet last week and led UK officials to call for his dismissal from the TV show.
«Not a huge turnout,» he tweeted Tuesday. «We take in far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy targeting the most vulnerable people in language no different than that used by Germany in the 1930s, and am I out of line?»
British soccer broadcaster Gary Lineker leaves his home in London, Monday, March 13, 2023. (James Manning/PA via AP)
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The 62-year-old has been the show’s main host since 1999. «Match of the Day» aired on Saturday without commentary and featured only short footage. The show aired for 20 minutes.
Associated Press contributed to this report.