Cottage pie not humble pie

LAURA ARMSTRONG, JOHN SIDDLE and JANINE YAQOOB

- LAURA ARMSTRONG, JOHN SIDDLE and JANINE YAQOOB

GARY Lineker was tucking into cottage pie last night - as Match of the Day was reduced to a commentary-free bulletin.

As the BBC looked to be backtracking in the row over Lineker's migrant tweet, the suspended host's son George, 31, said: "Will he go back to Match of the Day? I think so - he loves Match of the Day.

But he won't ever back down on his word" He spoke as BBC director-general Tim Davie said he wants Lineker suspended for criticising plans to detain and deport asylum seekers back on air. George added: "Dad is a good man, a good human, and I'm proud of him for standing by his word. That's why he was pulled off the show because he wouldn't apologise. But 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. It means a lot to him to stand up for people whose only hope is to escape a country with only the clothes on - their back. That's why he's been so firm. To take him off the air for having a voice is harsh and I think he was surprised, and a bit disappointed.

"Free speech is important and he shouldn't have been punished for that. But the reaction has been more than Dad ever thought it would be, and that shows he did the right thing.