Gary Lineker row live: BBC director general Tim Davie apologises to viewers and Match of the Day host says he’s ‘glad that we have found a way forward’ as he returns to hosting coverage this weekend
This is MailOnline’s liveblog covering the latest fallout of the Gary Lineker social media row as the BBC faces crisis talks over Match of the Day following a weekend of chaos.
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Here’s everything BBC chief Tim Davie had to say about Gary Lineker debacle
Mr 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.
‘Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. 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. The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
‘Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
‘Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.
‘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.’
VIDEO: Under-fire BBC boss Tim Davie insists the BBC didn’t make a catastrophic mistake by temporarily suspending Lineker
Gary Lineker will be back hosting Match of the Day this weekend with no further punishment after BBC bosses backed down over his anti-Tory tweets – even receiving an indirect apology from the under-fire Director General who took him off air.
In an extraordinary capitulation, Tim Davie has moved to secure a deal with the footballer turned broadcaster, 62, so he can present FA Cup coverage this weekend.
Mr Davie, who is facing calls to resign over the debacle, has apologised to BBC staff and presenters, which includes Mr Lineker, and BBC viewers and listeners, whose sporting coverage was decimated this weekend. But there was no direct apology to Lineker for taking him off air on Friday.
He 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’.
Gary Lineker vows to abide by social media guidance after his politically-charged tweets triggered chaos at the BBC
The BBC is reporting that Gary Lineker has agreed to now abide by BBC social media guidance.
According to the BBC’s media correspondent David Sillito, the corporation’s Director General Tim Davie said the new agreement will be in place as part of the deal between the Beeb and Lineker.
Mr Davie reportedly said: ‘Gary has agreed to abide by the guidance whilst the independent review takes place.’
We’re yet to have Lineker himself confirm this but he’s tweeting a thread out right now.
Gary Lineker’s statement: In full
‘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 3 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.
‘A final thought: 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. It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
‘We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.’
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. 1/4
BBC boss Davie apologises after Match of the Day fiasco
BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologised for the loss of BBC Sport programming over the weekend.
He said: ‘Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this.’
The BBC chief said the ‘potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance’ had been introduced in 2020, and insisted he wants to ‘get matters resolved and our sport content back on air’.
It comes after a weekend of chaos after Gary Lineker was temporarily suspended from Match of the Day – which triggered a revolt among his fellow co-hosts, who refused to appear on the show.
Gary Lineker to return to BBC THIS weekend after deal is reached
Gary Lineker and bosses at the BBC have agreed a deal to get the Match of the Day host back on air, following a weekend of chaos.
Director General Tim Davie today 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.”
In a statement, Davie also revealed the BBC would launch an independent review into its social media guidelines. There would be particular focus on freelancers like Lineker.
In a statement, Mr Lineker said: ‘I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.’
…And welcome to another day of twists and turns in the Gary Lineker social media row. Tom Cotterill here. Get in touch and let me know your thoughts on the whole saga by emailing [email protected]
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