search

BBC reinstates ex-soccer star who likened MPs’ language on migrants to Nazi Germany

After colleagues refused to work, Gary Lineker returns as presenter of flagship show; says past few days were difficult, but it doesn’t compare to suffering of refugees

Gary Lineker, former England soccer great turned sports TV presenter for BBC, arrives at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on March 11, 2023. (Darren Staples/AFP)
Gary Lineker, former England soccer great turned sports TV presenter for BBC, arrives at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on March 11, 2023. (Darren Staples/AFP)

LONDON, United Kingdom — Gary Lineker will return as presenter of flagship BBC soccer show Match of the Day (MOTD), the broadcaster said Monday, ending a crisis sparked by his criticism of the UK government’s new asylum policy.

“Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend,” said BBC director-general Tim Davie.

The former England player was removed after using Twitter to compare the language used to launch the new policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany.

Fellow presenters, pundits and commentators then refused to work over the weekend in support, throwing the broadcaster’s sports coverage into disarray.

Lineker tweeted on Monday that “I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.”

“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,” he added.

Davie apologized for the disruption to the service, saying he recognized the “potential confusion caused by the gray areas of the BBC’s social media guidance.”

“Impartiality is important to the BBC. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles,” he said.

An independent review of the guidance will be conducted, including how it applies to freelancers such as Lineker, he added.

read more:
Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.