Lineker Strikes Return Deal As BBC Denies Climbdown

Gary Lineker will return to his Match of the Day presenting duties after the BBC apologised for suspending him in an impartiality row that has rocked the corporation.

- Adam Forrest Thomas Kingsley

Lineker got to keep his job but made no apology for his tweet comparing the language used to launch a small boats asylum policy with that used in 1930s Germany – and tweeted again about the plight of refugees within minutes of being reinstated.

Confirming Lineker's return, BBC director general Tim Davie said he recognised “the potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance” and said the presenter “will abide by the editorial guidelines” until an independent review of the BBC’s social media policy is complete. The BBC denied there had been a climbdown.

It comes as:

• Sir Keir Starmer said Richard Sharp, the BBC chair, should step down as he too remains under investigation over impartiality

• Conservative MPs hit out at the corporation for backing down

• Senior Tories are lined-up against Rishi Sunak to oppose his small boats bill

In his statement yesterday, Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this.

“The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.”

But Mr Davie insisted he did "the right thing" in asking Lineker to step back from presenting duties and said he "respects the views" of the presenters and pundits who walked out in solidarity with the former England striker.