Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day
Gary Lineker will return to hosting Match Of The Day after BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised for the disruption to the weekend’s football coverage.
Lineker was told to step back from presenting the programme in a row over impartiality but will return to hosting coverage this weekend.
Writing on Twitter, Lineker said: 'After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity.
'Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming.
'I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost three decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.'
Davie said he looks forward to Lineker returning to presenting duties this weekend and also announced an independent review of social media guidelines at the corporation, particularly for freelancers.
In a statement, 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.'