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Hopes high that Lineker can return to host Match of the Day this weekend | Pressure mounts on two Tories at top of Beeb over handling of row

- NICOLA METHVEN

THE BBC's own impartiality was in the spotlight last night over its axing of Gary Lineker.

But it came as hopes grew that the Match of the Day host could return to the show on Saturday.

Director-general Tim Davie and chair Richard Sharp faced calls to quit after being accused of bowing to Tory pressure to ditch former England star Lineker for criticising No10's cruel immigration policies on Twitter.

Critics pointed to the BBC's double standards as the row continued. It has allowed other star names, such as Lord Sugar, to voice controversial opinions online.

Lineker could be poised for a return to Match of the Day on Saturday after a source said crisis talks had been "progressing very positively".

The corporation said things were "moving in the right direction". It added there are hopes of a resolution soon but not all issues are fully resolved' at this stage".

Any compromise is bound to infuriate Tories desperate for Lineker, 62, to be punished for his anti-Government views.