Gary Lineker will return as presenter of the BBC football show Match of the Day, after criticizing the British government’s asylum policy.
BBC director-general, Tim Davie said, “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.”
The former English international was removed from the show after taking to his Twitter handle to compare the new asylum policy to the rhetoric of the Nazi-era.
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Other presenters, analysts and commentators stood in solidarity to show support, causing disorganization of the sports coverage.
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 apologised for the disruption to the service, saying he recognised the “potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance.
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“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.
“An independent review into the guidance will be conducted, including how it applies to freelancers such as Lineker,” he added.
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