Gary Lineker: The famous sportscaster returns to presenting his show via the BBC
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Famous sportscaster Gary Lineker will return to his work as presenter of BBC TV's Match of the Day programme.
The decision to return comes after the suspension of Lineker's work against the backdrop of a controversy about neutrality in the BBC, after Lineker criticized the policy of Rishi Sunak's government regarding asylum seekers.
The BBC's director general, Tim Davie, announced an independent review of the behavior of the agency's staff on social media.
Gary Lineker said he supported the review and was looking forward to getting his show back on air.
Lineker described the past few days as "surreal" and thanked the people for what he described as "incredible support".
Coverage of weekend soccer matches was halted after a withdrawal following Lineker's suspension.
Presenters, critics and commentators withdrew from BBC football coverage in support of the sports broadcaster and former England star.
Faced with these changes, BBC Director General Tim Davie had to apologize to BBC license fee payers.
In a statement, Davey said: "Everyone knows this is a difficult time for the BBC staff, participants, presenters and, most importantly, viewers... I apologize for that.
Lineker: Why did the English player cause the anger of the Rishi Sunak government?
Lineker had compared the language used in the British government's plan for asylum seekers to that "used by Germans in the 1930s" during the Nazi regime, in a tweet.
Lineker's words on a new illegal immigration bill drew criticism from conservative ministers, including the home secretary.
Lineker was told on Friday that he had to apologize for his tweets or he would not be able to present Match of the Day at the weekend.
And when Lineker refused to apologize, his work was suspended, which sparked an unprecedented wave of withdrawals by his friends, critics and commentators.
After announcing his return to presenting his show on BBC Television, Lineker tweeted: "Whatever hardships may have occurred in the past few days, they are nothing
Lineker added, "It is heart-warming to see the sympathy of so many of you for these immigrants in their plight... We are still a country where the majority are tolerant, generous and hospitable."
Because of the continuing crisis between Lineker and the BBC, coverage on British TV and Radio Sunday was affected, after an unprecedented day of turmoil in the conduct of sports programs due to the withdrawal of a number of the most famous faces and voices in solidarity with Lineker.
compared to having to flee one's own country to escape persecution or war and seek refuge in a faraway land." .