Gary Lineker news – latest: Faith in BBC director general ‘at all time low’ amid row

Faith in the BBC’s director general “is at an all-time low” amid the Gary Lineker row, a union has claimed.

A National Union of Journalists spokesperson said around 1,000 journalists are expected to walk out on Wednesday over proposed cuts to local radio.

The comments come as the Match of the Day presenter hit back at a Tory MP who wrongly claimed he had called red wall voters in the north and Midlands “Nazis” and “racist bigots”.

Jonathan Gullis claimed Rishi Sunak’s planned small boats crackdown had “upset all the right people in the right places”.

He told Channel 4 News: “When I talk about upsetting people I’m talking about the Twitterati, the wokerati of north Islington – those champagne socialists who pontificate all day. “Those are the people I don’t care upsetting, because those are the people who want to call people up here racist bigots, Nazis – like Gary Lineker has done.”

It follows outrage within the Conservative ranks at the BBC’s climbdown over Mr Lineker, which saw the corporation apologise and reinstate the presenter to Match of the Day.

Key Points

• Gary Lineker slams Tory MP for ‘outrageous’ Nazi claim comments

• Tory MPs furious at BBC ‘climbdown’ giving Lineker ‘carte blanche’

• Gary Lineker set to return to BBC after tweets row

• BBC announces review into social media guidelines

• Gary Lineker tweets about small boats crisis immediately after rejoining BBC

• BBC chairman Richard Sharp faces calls to quit over Gary Lineker meltdown

Gary Lineker slams Tory MP for ‘outrageous’ Nazi claim comments

Wednesday 15 March 2023 14:35 , Emily Atkinson

Gary Lineker has fired back at a Conservative MP who falsely suggested that the BBC presenter had called so-called “red wall” voters in the north and Midlands “Nazis” and “racist bigots”.

Jonathan Gullis, Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, said Rishi Sunak’s planned small boats crackdown had “upset all the right people in the right places”.

The right-winger told Channel 4 News: “Let’s be clear, when I talk about upsetting people I’m talking about the Twitterati, the wokerati of north Islington – those champagne socialists who pontificate all day.”

Mr Gullis added: “Those are the people I don’t care upsetting, because those are the people who want to call people up here racist bigots, Nazis – like Gary Lineker has done.”

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports:

Gary Lineker slams Tory MP for ‘outrageous’ Nazi claim comments

Gary Lineker had a ‘special arrangement’ with the BBC to tweet about refugees, says agent

Thursday 16 March 2023 09:20 , Emily Atkinson

Gary Lineker believed he had a “special arrangement” with the BBC allowing him to make comments about refugees and the small boats crisis, his agent has claimed.

Jon Holmes represents the football presenter, described the row as descending into “shambles” despite efforts to have “everyone calm down.”

He has claimed that his client believed he had an understanding with Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, that he could make public statements on certain issues.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has the latest on the Lineker-BBC row:

Gary Lineker had a ‘special arrangement’ with the BBC to tweet about refugees

Lord condemned for saying ‘sack Lineker and replace with a woman at half the price'

Wednesday 15 March 2023 19:25 , Sam Rkaina

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright should be sacked from Match of the Day and replaced with women “at half the price”, a former BBC governor has said.

The suggestion from Lord Young of Norwood Green sparked outcry from his own Labour benches in the House of Lords.

However, he insisted he did not believe the corporation should be paying Mr Lineker’s £1.35 million salary or Mr Shearer’s £450,000 sum.

He told peers in Westminster: “I tend to echo the view that was made about Gary Lineker and his salary.

“He’s like many people in that position in the past who believe they are irreplaceable.

“You’ll remember that Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team thought that they were irreplaceable and needless to say that Top Gear thrives just as successfully without them.

“So, if I had a solution, and advice that I have conveyed in written form to the director-general, it would be to get rid of the old boys’ club, namely Lineker, Shearer and Wright, replace it with at least one or two women, which we could probably do at half the price and they’d do twice as good a job.”

Several peers, including from his own party, heckled Lord Young after this comment, with one shouting: “Half the price?”

Lord Young responded: “I don’t believe that we should be paying those kinds of prices to presenters.”

He added that, if the director-general did fire the Match of the Day team and replace them with lower-paid presenters, they could “save the BBC Singers, which provide a really important contribution to the country.”

Gary Lineker 'thought he had special agreement with BBC boss to tweet about migrant issues'

Wednesday 15 March 2023 18:30 , Sam Rkaina

Gary Lineker’s agent has claimed the presenter believed he had a “special agreement” with his BBC bosses to tweet about migration issues.

Jon Holmes, who is also former chair of Leicester City FC, has written about the Match of the Day star’s tumultuous week for the New Statesman.

“Gary takes a passionate interest in refugees and immigration and, as he saw it, had a special agreement with Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, to tweet about these issues,” Mr Holmes said.

“When I started getting calls about Gary from the BBC, we just wanted everyone to calm down. But the storm was raging.

“Gary’s initial contact with various BBC staff hadn’t produced a result, so he said: ‘Jon, sort it out’.”

Mr Holmes goes on to explain he had told the corporation that taking Mr Lineker off air “would not be helpful” and that the guidelines needed clarifying.

“By the time I got back to Nottinghamshire, the whole thing had collapsed into a shambles,” he added. “....It was quite a week.”

'Nazi' references: BBC sportscaster's tweet revives debate

Wednesday 15 March 2023 17:15 , Emily Atkinson

The references seem endless, and they can come from anywhere. In recent days, Pope Francis compared Nicaragua‘s repression of Catholics to Hitler’s rule in Germany. In Britain, a BBC sportscaster likened the nation’s asylum policy to 1930s Germany, resulting in his brief suspension and a national uproar.

For Holocaust and anti-Nazi scholars and organizations, the two sentiments were understandable — but concerning. Invoking Hitler and Nazi Germany, they warn, often serves to revive a familiar and unwelcome line of argument.

More on this story here:

'Nazi' references: BBC sportscaster's tweet revives debate

Ian Wright says ‘heads have got to roll’ after BBC management caused ‘hot mess’ over Gary Lineker row

Wednesday 15 March 2023 16:45 , Emily Atkinson

Ian Wright has said “heads have got to roll” after managers at the BBC caused a “hot mess” at the weekend by asking Gary Lineker to step away from Match Of The Day.

The former England footballer joined fellow pundits – including Alan Shearer and Alex Scott – and the corporation’s presenters and reporters to walk out in solidarity with Lineker during the impartiality row.

Football coverage on BBC TV and radio was hit before the BBC on Monday apologised and reinstated Lineker as host of MOTD.

Charlotte McLaughlin reports:

Ian Wright says ‘heads have got to roll’ after BBC Gary Lineker row

Faith in BBC director genera; ‘at all time low'

Wednesday 15 March 2023 16:40 , Sam Rkaina

BBC journalists have been “forced to strike” by proposed cuts to local radio, former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said.

Mr McDonnell, secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) cross-party parliamentary group, was among those on a picket line outside Broadcasting House on Wednesday.

A union official added that faith in BBC director-general Tim Davie is at an “all-time low” after the suspension and reinstatement of presenter Gary Lineker over tweets criticising the Government.

The NUJ said about 1,000 journalists are expected to walk out across the day, as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring budget, prompting disruption to the local TV and radio schedule in England.

The strike means many 1.30pm and 6.30pm regional TV news programmes across England are not being broadcast. Programming in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland remains unaffected.

Match of the Day theme tune drowns out BBC interview outside parliament after Gary Lineker row

Wednesday 15 March 2023 16:15 , Emily Atkinson

The Match of the Day theme tune interrupted a BBC News interview outside parliament on Wednesday.

As Tory MP Harriett Baldwin spoke about the Budget, she was drowned out by the iconic music from the famous football highlights programme.

It was blasted out around Westminster following the controversy surrounding the BBC and presenter Gary Lineker, who was told to step aside from last weekend’s Match of the Day after tweeting criticism about the government’s asylum policy.

More on this story from Oliver Browning here:

Match of the Day theme tune drowns out live BBC interview after Gary Lineker row

ICYMI | Tory MP Jonathan Gullis falsely claims Lineker called red wall voters ‘Nazis’

Wednesday 15 March 2023 15:45 , Emily Atkinson

Keir Starmer questions Rishi Sunak on Gary Lineker controversy

Wednesday 15 March 2023 15:15 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak must “stand up to his snowflake MPs waging war on free speech” following the Gary Lineker row, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The Labour leader sought assurances that Conservative MPs or others connected to the party did not lobby the BBC to “effectively cancel” Match of the Day last weekend.

Mr Sunak accused Sir Keir of the “usual political opportunism” and insisted he cares about the integrity and impartiality of the country’s institutions, including the BBC.

He also welcomed the return of Match Of The Day this weekend.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir said: “Last summer the Prime Minister claimed he wanted to protect free speech and put a stop to no platforming.

“So how concerned was he by last week’s campaign by Tory MPs to cancel a broadcaster?”

Mr Sunak replied: “As I said at the time, the issues between Gary Lineker and the BBC were for them to resolve and I’m very glad that they did and we can look forward to watching Match Of The Day again on our screens.”

Monday 13 March 2023 22:08 , Sam Rkaina

We’re pausing our live coverage for the evening but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

'Gary Lineker for PM’

Monday 13 March 2023 22:00 , Sam Rkaina

Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square chanted “Stop the Bill” as MPs debated the Illegal Migration Bill on Monday night.

David Locket, who held a sign that read “Gary Lineker for PM,” said: “I’m appalled that the only people that seem to speak up for refugees are retired footballers.

“The idea that desperate people in little dinghies are some sort of invasion of this country actually makes me feel sick.”

He added: “The language they’re using actually is the language of the 1930s, and it makes it impossible to actually seek asylum in this country.”

BBC Governors ‘should not be appointed by government'

Monday 13 March 2023 21:30 , Sam Rkaina

The impartiality row over Lineker’s tweet has also raised further questions about the position of BBC chairman Richard Sharp, after it emerged he had helped former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility.

An investigation is currently under way into Mr Sharp’s appointment to the position.

Asked about Mr Sharp’s removal from the position, Mr Dyke said: “I’m not sure I do think he should go.

“I personally hope there’s an opportunity in this inquiry to look at the whole way that the chairman and the governors get appointed at the BBC.

“Because I think…we’re now in a world where they shouldn’t be appointed by the Government of the day.”

Theresa May says small boats bill ‘shuts door’ to trafficking victims

Monday 13 March 2023 21:00 , Sam Rkaina

Former prime minister Theresa May has criticised Rishi Sunak’s small boats crackdown – warning that the new asylum bill “shuts the door” on genuine victims of modern slavery.

Raising doubts about the PM’s promise to “stop the boats”, the former Tory leader said anyone who believed the legislation would halt “illegal migration once and for all is wrong”.

Ms May condemned the “blanket dismissal” of anyone facing persecution who arrives by authorised routes, telling the Commons: “By definition, someone fleeing for their life will more often than not be unable to access a legal route.”

Ms May also raised her concerns about genuine trafficking victims – telling MPs that Suella Braverman’s Illegal Migration Bill would “remove support from the victims of trafficking and modern slavery”.

She added: “As it currently stands, we are shutting the door to victims who are being trafficked into slavery into the UK. The Home Office knows this bill means that genuine victims of modern slavery will be denied support.”

Conservative MPs were set to vote through Illegal Migration Bill at the second reading stage on Monday night – but a growing number of backbenchers have made clear their opposition to current plans.

Former BBC director-general says U-turn is ‘5-0’ win for Lineker

Monday 13 March 2023 20:45 , Sam Rkaina

A former BBC director-general has said the reinstatement of Gary Lineker as host of Match Of The Day is like “a 5-0 win” for the sports presenter.

Greg Dyke, who is also a former chair of the Football Association (FA), said there was a perception that the broadcaster had been “bullied” by the Government into its initial decision to remove Linker from the programme.

Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr, Mr Dyke said: “Today’s announcement is like a 5-0 win for Gary Lineker really, or maybe 5-1.

“As I understand it, this was the very solution that was offered to the BBC on Friday, and they turned it down – now they’ve accepted it.”

Mr Dyke was director-general of the BBC from 2000 to 2004, but resigned following heavy criticism of the BBC’s news reporting process in the Hutton Inquiry.

He also held the post of FA chairman from 2013 to 2016.

He told Marr: “In the 20 years since I left the BBC, I’ve never criticised the leadership of the BBC because I think it’s a tough job, as you know, really.

“And I think by and large, if you’re an ex-director, generally your job is to walk away.

“But in this case, I think the perception out there, the perception amongst the public is, is exactly what you said: that it looks like the Government has bullied the BBC into taking this (original) decision.

“Now, I don’t know whether that’s true or not. I have no idea. But if that’s the perception, it’s very bad news for the BBC.”

It’s hard to pinpoint the precise moment at which the BBC lost its mind over Gary Lineker | Comment

Monday 13 March 2023 19:58 , Liam James

Tom Peck’s take on the events of the last few days: Could it possibly be that when, six days ago, Gary Lineker replied to a somewhat random member of the public on Twitter with some slightly incendiary but still carefully worded criticism of the government, it actually just wasn’t that much of a big deal?

That maybe, you know, it didn’t need to lead every single BBC news bulletin for almost a full week. That it didn’t need to lead to a flagship sports programme being taken off air for the first time in its 60 year history – which is more than any pandemic or war has ever managed.

It’s hard to pinpoint the precise moment at which the BBC lost its mind. Certainly, it was long gone by Sunday night, when the host of the BBC News at Ten was sitting inside Broadcasting House in Central London, doing live interviews with their media correspondent, standing in the street outside Broadcasting House, about what he “was hearing” about the news company at which both of them work. That there were “hopes of a deal in the next 24 hours.”

This is the kind of reporting that usually happens when wars end, when nation states break up and new ones are formed. Or at least when, for roughly the ten millionth time, Brexit doesn’t actually get done.

It’s hard to pinpoint precisely when the BBC lost its mind on Lineker | Tom Peck

What will social media review mean for BBC?

Monday 13 March 2023 19:40 , Liam James

The director-general at the BBC, Tim Davie, has announced a review into social media guidelines as he recognised “the potential confusion caused by the grey areas” of the guidance, following the recent impartiality row over a tweet by Gary Lineker.

Who will lead the review?

The BBC has said the probe with be led by an independent expert, who will shortly be announced and will report to the corporation.

The BBC is yet to confirm when the review will begin and how long it is expected to take.

What will it look at?

While announcing the review, Mr Davie acknowledged that the corporation must be impartial but also has a “a commitment to freedom of expression” which creates a “difficult balancing act” due to differences in staff contracts, whether they are on-air or off-air, and the differences in audiences and social media profiles.

As a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, Lineker is not a permanent member of staff, nor is he responsible for news or political content, so in accordance with the current guidelines he is not subject to same rules on impartiality as permanent employees.

Due to the lack of clarity that has been highlighted by the impartiality row, Mr Davie confirmed that the forthcoming review will have a “particular focus” on how guidelines apply to “freelancers outside news and current affairs”.

He also confirmed that while the review is taking place “the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place”.

What happened following the 2020 review?

Following the review in October 2020 and the issuing of new social media guidelines for BBC staff, the corporation told its employees they must not bring the corporation “into disrepute” with their use of social media.

The directives were said to apply to “everyone working at the BBC whether they are using social media professionally or personally”, and instructed staff to refrain from criticising colleagues in public and “respect the privacy of the workplace and the confidentiality of internal announcements”.

Another rule stated: “If your work requires you to maintain your impartiality, don’t express a personal opinion on matters of public policy, politics, or ‘controversial subjects’.”

The new guidance also made specific references to the public use of emojis and “virtue signalling” including retweets and likes.

Downing Street declines to back BBC chair Richard Sharp

Monday 13 March 2023 18:58 , Liam James

Downing Street declined to give its backing to under-fire BBC chair Richard Sharp, who has faced further srcrutiny amid the Gary Lineker row.

Rishi Sunak earlier declined to vouch for Mr Sharp’s character or integrity.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister said that the office for the commissioner for public appointments has announced a review of that competition process to approve the chairman of the BBC to ensure that the process was run in compliance with the rules.

“We will await the outcome of that review and we will of course provide any assistance with that process but it is for that review to look into that.”

Mr Sharp came under fire after reports he helped Boris Johnon secure a hefty loan shortly after the former prime minister recommended him for the top job at the national broadcaster.

Rishi Sunak ‘pleased’ Gary Lineker row resolved

Monday 13 March 2023 18:20 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak said he was “pleased” that the dispute between Gary Lineker and the BBC had been resolved.

Asked by the BBC during a visit to San Diego, US, whether there was an issue of political bias at the corporation, the PM said: “No – it’s right that the BBC is impartial and it takes its obligations on impartiality very seriously.”

He added: “I was pleased that the issue with Gary Lineker has been resolved and we can all look forward to watching Match of the Day again – not least as Southampton managed to get a point at the weekend.

“I’ll be looking forward to catching up on those highlights when I get back. It was right that that was a matter resolved between the BBC and Gary. I’m glad that that’s happened.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg claims Gary Lineker row shows need for ditching licence fee

Monday 13 March 2023 17:31 , Liam James

Former Tory cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said he was “not fussed” about Gary Lineker's attacks on the government’s asylum policy – but claimed it strengthened his argument for ditching the BBC licence fee model.

“The issue is that the BBC is the state broadcaster and that it’s funded by a tax on televisions. If it weren’t, then we wouldn’t need to worry about its impartiality,” he told GB News.

Mr Rees-Mogg added: “Actually, if we change the funding mechanism of the BBC, we could have a much freer media, as they do in the United States, where people are allowed to say what they think.”

Several Tory MPs have responded with fury to the broadcaster’s resolution to the furore over Mr Lineker’s comments.

Adam Forrest has more on the Conservative response:

Tory MPs furious at BBC ‘climbdown’ giving Lineker ‘carte blanche’

‘Thick of It' creator says BBC risking public confidence with government ties

Monday 13 March 2023 17:01 , Liam James

Satirist Armando Iannucci said the row over impartiality at the BBC will continue until the corporation is kept separate from government.

Mr Iannucci, who created BBC comedy series The Thick of It about the inner workings of life in Westminster, said the current scandal over Gary Lineker’s comments on refugee policy will “keep going” until the state broadcaster is “truly independent of the government of the day”.

Questions have been raised over director general Tim Davie’s relationship to the Tory party – he was formerly deputy chair of a local party branch – and BBC chair Richard Sharp allegedly helped Boris Johnson secure a loan weeks after the former prime minister recommended him for the job.

Tory MPs furious at BBC ‘climbdown’ giving Lineker ‘carte blanche’

Monday 13 March 2023 16:00 , Thomas Kingsley

Conservative MPs expressed their outrage over the “climbdown” which sees Gary Lineker’s return to the BBC without any apology for his attack on the Rishi Sunak government’s small boats crackdown.

Confirming Lineker would return to Match of the Day, director-general Tim Davie said the presenter “will abide by the editorial guidelines” until a review of the corporation’s social media policy is complete.

But furious Tories said it gave Lineker “carte blanche” to say what he wanted following his brief suspension for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a Rishi Sunak’s asylum bill to that of 1930s Nazi Germany.

Craig MacKinlay, MP for South Thanet, told The Independent: “The BBC climbdown with an apology and carte blanche to do as he pleases on social media is remarkable.”

He added: “His eight million Twitter following is on the back of his ongoing celebrity due to his BBC contract – he can now seemingly push his highly political anti-government agenda and cause offence to many with impunity. I know of no other employer who would permit this.”

Read the full story below from our political correspondent, Adam Forrest:

Tory MPs furious at BBC ‘climbdown’ giving Lineker ‘carte blanche’

Watch: The moment reporters swarm Gary Lineker after BBC reinstate him to Match of the Day

Monday 13 March 2023 15:40 , Thomas Kingsley

Watch: Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day as BBC apologises

Monday 13 March 2023 15:20 , Thomas Kingsley

Gary Lineker return is a ‘capitulation’ by BBC, former news executive claims

Monday 13 March 2023 14:50 , Thomas Kingsley

Former BBC news executive Sir Craig Oliver said asking Gary Lineker to return as host of Match Of The Day was a “capitulation” by the corporation.

Sir Craig, who was later the Downing Street communications chief when David Cameron was prime minister, also told BBC News: “I think what's happened here is Gary Lineker 1 - BBC credibility nil.

“The reality is the BBC today has announced it will have a review of its social media guidelines. In fact, it needs a review of how it handles crisis like these.”

Sir Craig said the corporation has been in a position where it was “slow to react”, made the “wrong choice” when it asked Lineker to step back from his presenting role, which led to other BBC sports staff refusing to do their shows and "chaos" in the programming schedule before reversing course.

“I think it's a total mess,” he added.

The ex-controller of English news at BBC Global News also said the BBC is “always going to be a political football in British politics” and needs to “stand up and be clear”.

Celebrities and pundits throw support behind Lineker after return to BBC

Monday 13 March 2023 14:35 , Thomas Kingsley

Following the news that the former England footballer will return to his role at the BBC, ex-presenter Dan Walker and former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville were among those appearing to poke fun at the BBC's U-turn.

“Unnecessary fixture decided by an own goal,” Walker tweeted.

Sky Sports pundit Neville was amused by the fact BBC director-general Tim Davie had apologised to Lineker, tweeting the word “apology” with two laughing emojis.

Current MOTD commentator Conor McNamara, who was one of a number of BBC Sports pundits to pull out of their regular presenting roles over the weekend in solidarity with Lineker, tweeted: “Now... can we go back to arguing about VAR?”

Fellow MOTD presenter Steve Wilson also shared his response to the resolution, tweeting: “So delighted that there's a resolution.

“I can now get on with prep for games this week which include trips to Molineux and Bramall Lane for the BBC."

Elsewhere on social media, Lineker's eldest son, George, tweeted a goat emoji - often used to signify G.O.A.T, meaning Greatest Of All Time for sportspeople - in response to the news that his father would be returning to his BBC presenting duties.

Comedians Nish Kumar and Dara O Briain shared their thoughts, with Kumar tweeting: “One of the best things about the end of the Match Of The Day saga, is that we don't have to listen to various Tory MP's talk about football. It's been like listening to a dog describe chess.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg says BBC licence fee is 'past its sell-by date' after Gary Lineker row

Monday 13 March 2023 14:27 , Thomas Kingsley

Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said the BBC licence fee is “past its sell-by date” after the row with Gary Lineker.

The former cabinet minister insisted the corporation’s funding model was the crux of the problem.

“The issue is about the BBC rather than about Gary Lineker’s view,” he told GB News.

“He’s entitled to any view that he wants. We are all in favour of freedom of speech and people being allowed to say things that we don’t agree with, or may even find offensive. And that’s absolutely fine.

“The issue is that the BBC is the state broadcaster, and that it’s funded by a tax on televisions. If it weren’t, then we wouldn’t need to worry about its impartiality and actually if we changed the funding mechanism of the BBC, we could have a much freer media, as they do in the United States, when people are allowed to say what they think.

“And I think that would be much better, rather than this pretence that the BBC is impartial, which it isn’t, and then having rows about particular presenters’ views.”

Asked if he was calling for the licence fee to be axed, Mr Rees-Mogg said he had long considered it a “constraint on the BBC” as it stops it earning from revenues or taking advertising.

“It leads to a heavily-regulated media based around what the BBC needs and what is needed for a state-funded channel,” he said. “And so yes, I’m saying the licence fee is past its sell-by date, it needs to go.”

BBC reveal Gary Lineker’s first TV appearance after tweet row

Monday 13 March 2023 14:20 , Thomas Kingsley

The corporation confirmed Lineker’s reinstatement to Match of the Day on Monday morning after the former England striker was told to step back from hosting the show on Friday in a row over impartiality.

Lineker had been due to present the City v Burnley tie on Saturday evening prior to Friday, and a BBC Sport spokesperson confirmed Lineker would front the coverage as originally planned.

Mark Chapman is due to host the Match of the Day highlights show later on Saturday night, the BBC said.

The wider presenting line-up is yet to be confirmed, with many of Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues walking out in “solidarity” at the weekend.

Read the full story by our reporter, Jamie Gardner, below:

BBC disclose Gary Lineker’s first TV appearance after tweet row

Pictured: Gary Lineker outside of his home following news that he will return to BBC

Monday 13 March 2023 14:05 , Thomas Kingsley

Downing Street declines to say whether Rishi Sunak has confidence in Tim Davie

Monday 13 March 2023 13:50 , Thomas Kingsley

A Downing Street spokesman declined to say whether the prime minister has confidence in Tim Davie following the Gary Lineker row, stressing that the choice of BBC director-general was a matter for the corporation.

“The director-general is appointed by the BBC and it's a matter for them.”

“I'm simply pointing to the fact that he's appointed by the BBC and it's a matter for them,” the spokesman said when pressed by reporters.

Asked about the prime minister's position on the licence fee, the spokesman said: “We remain committed to the licence fee for the rest of the current charter. But we've been clear that the BBC's funding model faces major challenges due to changes in the way people consume media.

“And it's necessary to look at ways to ensure long-term sustainability.”

Richard Sharp’s position ‘increasingly untenable,’ Keir Starmer says

Monday 13 March 2023 13:35 , Thomas Kingsley

Sir Keir Starmer has described BBC chairman Richard Sharp's position as “increasingly untenable” over the Gary Lineker row.

Speaking to broadcasters ahead of news that the Match Of The Day presenter will return to the show, the Labour leader said: “I think Richard Sharp's position is increasingly untenable.

“I think most people watching the complete mess of the last few days would say how on earth is he still in position and Gary Lineker has been taken off air?

“This is a mess of the BBC's own making, they need to sort it out and sort it out fast.”

Let’s recap: What did Gary Lineker actually say?

Monday 13 March 2023 13:20 , Thomas Kingsley

On Tuesday last week, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a video in which home secretary Suella Braverman unveiled plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

Ms Braverman, who was previously chastised for comparing migrant crossings to an “invasion”, has been heavily criticised for her use of language around the matter.

“Good heavens, this is beyond awful,” Lineker wrote in response to the video.

Replying to the sports broadcaster, another Twitter user described his comment as “out of order”, adding that it was “easy to pontificate when it doesn’t affect you”.

Lineker responded: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

What are the BBC’s guidelines on impartiality and do they apply to Gary Lineker?

Monday 13 March 2023 13:05 , Thomas Kingsley

The BBC says it is “committed” to achieving due impartiality in all its output, describing it as “fundamental to our reputation, our values and the trust of audiences”.

The corporation’s guidelines state that impartiality must be “adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any signposting that may influence that expectation”.

It adds that BBC output must always “scrutinise arguments, question consensus and hold power to account” with both consistency and due impartiality.

Read the full story here

How much is Gary Lineker paid?

Monday 13 March 2023 12:50 , Thomas Kingsley

In 2022, Lineker topped the BBC’s highest earners list for the fifth year in a row, taking home £1.35m.

The year before, he was paid £1.36m, having taken a pay cut in 2020 from his previous £1.75m salary. Lineker has presented Match of the Day since 1999, making him the show’s longest running presenter.

The BBC’s second highest paid broadcaster last year was Zoe Ball at £980,000. Steve Wright – whose Radio 2 show came to an end in September after 24 years – followed at £450,000, the same amount as Lineker’s Match of the Day co-host Alan Shearer.

Read the full story below:

How much is Gary Lineker paid?

8 times the BBC didn’t punish presenters for sharing political views

Monday 13 March 2023 12:36 , Thomas Kingsley

After questions were raised about whether Gary Lineker had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use, the corporation decided that he would not host Saturday’s edition (11 March) of Match of the Day.

On Monday (13 March), it was announced that Lineker would return for the forthcoming episode, after Saturday’s MOTD aired without commentary or analysis.

The choice to temporarily remove Lineker from his broadcasting duties has provoked some to look back on previous times when BBC-affiliated public figures expressed a personal view on politics, but did not receive punishment in the same way.

Read the full story below by my colleague Nicole Vassell:

8 times the BBC didn’t punish presenters for sharing political views

Downing Street declined to give its backing to BBC chair Richard Sharp

Monday 13 March 2023 12:19 , Thomas Kingsley

Downing Street declined to give its backing to under-fire BBC chairman Richard Sharp, who once again come under scrutiny amid the Gary Lineker row.

Rishi Sunak earlier declined to back Mr Sharp's character or integrity.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The prime minister said that the office for the commissioner for public appointments has announced a review of that competition process to approve the chairman of the BBC to ensure that the process was run in compliance with the rules.

“We will await the outcome of that review and we will of course provide any assistance with that process but it is for that review to look into that.”

BBC boss ‘respects the views’ of staff

Monday 13 March 2023 12:02 , Thomas Kingsley

Tim Davie has said he “respects the views” of staff at BBC Sport after presenters, pundits and commentators refused to appear on air during the weekend after Gary Lineker was told to step back from Match Of The Day.

The director-general of the corporation was asked if he was out of touch after reduced sports programming was shown instead, and he told BBC News: “(Sports presenters) were obviously put in a very difficult situation.

“I think people across the BBC... are all very passionate about our standing as an impartial broadcaster, so important in this world, and this affair tells you how polarised debate has become.

“I want to fight for a BBC where we can have proper calm debate (and) facilitate free speech.”

When asked about Conservative Party pressure on the BBC, Mr Davie said it is “not how we work” at the corporation and the impartiality guidelines are “equally applied” to those who express left and right-wing views.

He added: “The audience numbers in terms of trust in the BBC... is in good order.”

Monday 13 March 2023 11:45 , Thomas Kingsley

The BBC Board said in a statement: “The Board welcomes the fact that the executive has reached an agreement following the disruption of the weekend.

“Impartiality is a cornerstone of the BBC. We believe this is the right time to look at the clarity of the BBC's social media guidance and how it is applied.

“We will support the executive in its continuing work to ensure the organisation delivers world-class, impartial content for all audiences.”

Gary Lineker refused to answer questions from reports as he left his home

Monday 13 March 2023 11:30 , Thomas Kingsley

Gary Lineker refused to answer questions from reporters as he left his home in Barnes, south-west London on Monday morning after his return to the BBC was announced.

Taking his dog out for a walk, the Match Of The Day host told reporters: “I've already said what I'm going to say on Twitter.

“If I say anything more now it just encourages people to doorstep me.”

Mr Lineker refused to respond when he was asked: “Do you stand by what you said?”, “Have you won?”, “Is this a victory for common sense?” and “Has Tim Davie apologised to you personally?”

As photographers took pictures, he said: “Right that's enough - you've got your pictures.”

Labour welcomes return of Gary Lineker

Monday 13 March 2023 11:15 , Thomas Kingsley

Labour has welcomed the announcement that Gary Lineker will return to Match Of The Day and called on the Government to examine how it can protect a “truly independent and impartial BBC.”

Shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said: “This is welcome and we will all be pleased to see Gary Lineker and football coverage back on the BBC this weekend. A review of the BBC's social media guidelines is clearly needed.

“But much bigger questions remain about the impartiality and independence of the BBC from government pressures.

“The Tory government have long wanted to undermine the BBC. They appointed a BBC chair now subject to investigation over his personal links to the Conservative Party. The ongoing uncertainties around the future of the BBC are keeping it over a barrel and making it susceptible to political campaigns orchestrated by ministers, MPs and the right-wing press.

“As well as a review of the BBC's social media guidelines, this saga should prompt the Government to examine how it protects and promotes a truly independent and impartial BBC.”

Monday 13 March 2023 11:00 , Thomas Kingsley

Former BBC TV and radio presenter Roger Bolton said the BBC's plan for a review into its social media guidance “in itself resolves nothing.”

Following the confirmation Gary Lineker will return to his regular presenting duties on Match Of The Day, Mr Bolton, who hosts Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch podcast, said: “The review is necessary but its independence depends on who conducts it. Will it simply analyse the problem or give recommendations?

“Is the BBC committed to accept any recommendations? It seems not.

“The report will be given to the BBC Board to decide what further should be done. It is chaired by someone, Richard Sharp, who is not seen as impartial by many people and who has been missing in action over the last crucial days.

“And has Gary Lineker agreed not to tweet on controversial issues while the review takes place? This is an important and necessary holding operation but in itself resolves nothing.”

Monday 13 March 2023 10:45 , Thomas Kingsley

BBC director general Tim Davie said there have been “no easy answers” and he did the “right thing” after the corporation asked Gary Lineker to step away from Match Of The Day.

Davie told BBC News: “I've always said we need to take proportionate action, and for some people...we've taken too severe action, others think we're being too lenient.

“There's never been an easy solution but asking Gary to step back off air, I think, was a significant thing and now we look forward with this agreement, moving forward to resolve things and get back to business as usual.”

On whether he had reached an agreement on social media with Lineker after the presenter was announced to be coming back on air, Davie said the presenter will “abide by the editorial guidelines” until a review has taken place.

He added: “I think it was a very big moment in terms of us saying we have to take stock here, we have to take action, we did take action which we thought was proportionate and as the BBC we did the right thing, I did the right thing.”

Lineker will abide by social media guidelines while review is under way

Monday 13 March 2023 10:28 , Thomas Kingsley

Tim Davie said Mr Lineker had agreed to abide by the BBC's social media guidelines while a review is under way.

Given the consensus that those guidelines contain significant grey areas, it is unclear exactly what this will mean in practice - and, as mentioned a little earlier, it is being reported that he will be allowed to continue tweeting without restrictions.

In a statement earlier, the BBC confirmed it would launch an independent review of its guidance.

Suspension does not compare to plight of refugees, Lineker says

Monday 13 March 2023 10:14 , Thomas Kingsley

With a final thought on his standing down from Match of the Day, Gary Lineker said his suspension does not compare to the hardship refugees face.

He said: “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.”

Gary Lineker confirms he will return to Match of the Day on Saturday

Monday 13 March 2023 10:09 , Thomas Kingsley

In a continuation of his Twitter thread, Gary Lineker confirmed he will return to hosting on Saturday 18 March.

He wrote: “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.”

Gary Lineker breaks silence after suspension

Monday 13 March 2023 10:06 , Thomas Kingsley

Writing on his Twitter for the first time since his suspension, Gary Linker thanked his supporters and colleagues at the BBC.

He wrote: “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.”

BBC confirm return of Gary Lineker and review into social media guidelines

Monday 13 March 2023 10:03 , Thomas Kingsley

The BBC has released a statement confirming news that Gary Lineker will return to hosting at the broadcaster.

Director general Tim Davie says: “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, Mr Davie also announces the BBC will launch an independent review into its social media guidelines, with a particular focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.

Gary Lineker says in the statement: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”

Lineker will be allowed to tweet ‘with no restrictions’ as part of agreement with BBC, according to reports

Monday 13 March 2023 09:56 , Thomas Kingsley

According to the i newspaper, the terms of the deal mean Gary Lineker will be allowed to continue tweeting about politics with “no restrictions”.

If confirmed, this would represent a major climbdown from BBC leadership, following an outpouring of strong criticism over their actions since last week as well as boycotting from the biggest stars in their sports coverage.

BREAKING: Gary Lineker set to return to BBC after tweets row

Monday 13 March 2023 09:42 , Thomas Kingsley

Gary Lineker is to return to presenting sport on the BBC after he was taken off air over his tweets criticising the government's migration policy, according to reports.

Sky News has reported that the corporation will apologise to the Match Of The Day presenter.

BBC in a ‘muddle’ over impartiality, former director of news claims

Monday 13 March 2023 09:40 , Thomas Kingsley

James Harding, co-founder of Tortoise Media and former director of news at the BBC, said the corporation has got into a “muddle” over the issue of impartiality as he warned that the broadcaster cannot police the opinion of every contributor.

His comment came amid hopes of a resolution in the row with Gary Lineker.

“I think it's part of a bigger muddle on impartiality,” he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, adding that the situation is “completely different” for staff outside news and current affairs.

“Why do we care about impartiality? We care about making sure that a publicly funded broadcaster that delivers news and information that informs the country is impartial, but people can make up their own minds on political issues.

“But you can't get to a world in which the BBC is policing the opinions of every writer, director, musician, sports personality, scientist, business entrepreneur.

“Not only can you not actually do it, but the principle is wrong.

“The principle is wrong because it will actually deter people from joining the BBC, it will diminish the BBC.

“But, even more importantly, there are freedom of speech principles here. Those people have lives beyond the BBC and should be able to give voice to what they say.”

Gary Lineker’s son says his dad ‘shouldn’t need to apologise'

Monday 13 March 2023 09:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

George Lineker posted a message of solidarity for his dad on Twitter on Sunday as he said he is “proud” of his “old man”.

He added: “Shouldn’t need to apologise for being a good person and standing by his word. The reaction of the public has been overwhelming. Thanks for the support”

BBC and Gary Lineker closing in on deal to resolve impartiality row

Monday 13 March 2023 08:46 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Gary Lineker is reportedly set to return to Match Of The Day this coming weekend amid speculation he and the BBC are close to resolving their impartiality row.

There is “growing confidence” that the former England player will return to host the popular BBC show, according to reports, following a weekend which saw the broadcaster’s sports coverage suffer severe disruption.

Lineker did not appear on the football highlights programme after he was told to stand down from the role when he compared language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a Tweet.

The corporation is expected to announce it is reviewing its social media guidelines following the controversy and it is believed the sports broadcaster will agree to be more careful about what he tweets, the Telegraph said.

BBC and Gary Lineker closing in on deal to resolve impartiality row

Talks ‘moving in the right direction'

Monday 13 March 2023 08:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Talks between the BBC and Gary Lineker are “moving in the right direction” after the broadcaster’s sports coverage suffered disruption throughout the weekend, the corporation has reported.

There “are hopes of a resolution soon, but not all issues are ‘fully resolved’ at this stage”, BBC news said.

Football coverage on BBC TV and radio shows was hit across the weekend as pundits walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker after the former England player was told to stand down from presenting Match Of The Day when he compared language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany.

Match Of The Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from presenters, and Sunday’s edition also ran for a reduced time but with commentary.

BBC chairman Richard Sharp faces calls to quit over Gary Lineker meltdown

Monday 13 March 2023 07:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

BBC chairman Richard Sharp is facing growing calls to resign amid the Gary Lineker impartiality row which has sparked an unprecedented crisis at the corporation.

Roger Bolton, a former senior executive at the BBC, joined calls from opposition parties and senior media figures for Mr Sharp to quit.

Mr Bolton said the chairman was compromised by the investigation into whether he failed to properly share details of his involvement in facilitating an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson when he was at No 10.

“The BBC chairman now needs to resign,” he told GB News. “The very fact that he can’t speak out on the subject and defend the BBC and define impartiality, as the chairman of the BBC, means he can’t do his job. So, I’m afraid he should go.”

Adam Forrest reports:

BBC chairman Richard Sharp faces calls to quit over Gary Lineker meltdown

What did Gary Lineker tweet?

Monday 13 March 2023 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The BBC was sent into meltdown this weekend after presenters and pundits staged a mutiny in solidarity with Gary Lineker, who has been forced off air over a tweet about the government’s asylum crackdown.

Mr Lineker, who has hosted Match of the Day for almost a quarter of a century, has been embroiled in a row over impartiality after comparing the language used to launch a new asylum policy with 1930s Germany.

The comparison saw Mr Lineker suspended from the helm of the popular BBC show – prompting several fellow pundits, including Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, and Alex Scott, to announce they would not be taking part in solidarity with the former England striker.

Emily Atkinson has more.

What did Gary Lineker tweet?

Who is under-pressure BBC chairman Richard Sharp?

Monday 13 March 2023 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The BBC chairman under pressure to resign in light of the Gary Lineker row is a former banker with connections at the heart of the political establishment.

Richard Sharp became embroiled in a cronyism row earlier this year over helping former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility.

His old friend Sam Blyth, a Canadian businessman, went to Mr Sharp with an offer to help Mr Johnson as the then-prime minister struggled financially in 2020.

The 67-year-old’s links with the political elite also include time as boss to a young Rishi Sunak during his Goldman Sachs career.

Read more here.

Who is under-pressure BBC chairman Richard Sharp?

London Mayor says Gary Lineker was ‘right’ to criticise small boats plan

Monday 13 March 2023 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

London Mayor has said it was “right and proper” for Gary Lineker to criticise the government’s small boats plan.

Sadiq Khan said: “It’s right and proper that Gary Lineker should be able to speak freely about his views on the government’s policies, particularly when their policies are unworkable and immoral.”

The BBC pulled Gary Lineker off the air after his tweet about the government’s small boats legislation led to an impartiality row.

Watch here.

Sadiq Khan says Gary Lineker was ‘right’ to criticise small boats plan

Lineker row with BBC will be resolved in next 24 hours - report

Monday 13 March 2023 06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Gary Lineker’s row with the BBC will be resolved to his satisfaction in the next 24 hours, Sky News reported, citing sources close to the presenter.

There is likely to be a statement issued on the issue this morning, according to the network.

Coverage of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United aired without a pre-match presentation yesterday and Radio 5 Live replaced much of its usual live sports coverage over the weekend with pre-recorded content.

Mr Lineker has not publicly commented on the situation since he was taken off air on Friday, telling reporters that he “can’t say anything” as they questioned him on the future of his presenting career when he left his home in Barnes.

PM declines to back Richard Sharp’s character

Monday 13 March 2023 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has declined to back BBC chair Richard Sharp’s character or integrity.

Asked if he is a man of integrity, Mr Sunak said: “Richard Sharp was appointed by a government before my time, before I was prime minister.

“That process is being reviewed again by someone who has been appointed independently. It’s right that process finishes its course. It wouldn’t be right for me to speculate before then.”

Asked if he could endorse Mr Sharp’s character, he added: “I’ve known him obviously for a long time. But with regards to his appointment, it’s right that that’s done independently and rigorously.”

The pair have known each other since Mr Sharp was Mr Sunak’s mentor at Goldman Sachs.

George Osborne backs Gary Lineker in migrants controversy

Monday 13 March 2023 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former Tory chancellor George Osborne has backed Gary Lineker in the controversy over his comments about Rishi Sunak’s new immigration plan in a major blow to the prime minister.

Mr Osborne backed Mr Lineker, criticising the rhetoric around asylum policy by some in his party.

“Personally I think some of the language used on immigration by some Conservatives - not all - is not acceptable,” he told Channel 4.

Martha McHardy reports.

BBC and Gary Lineker closing in on deal to resolve impartiality row

Who is embattled BBC director-general Tim Davie?

Monday 13 March 2023 03:32 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The BBC director-general facing calls to resign over the Gary Lineker row is a former Pepsi executive with past experience dealing with controversies at the corporation.

Tim Davie has had a tumultuous week after his decision to suspend Lineker over a tweet about the Government’s asylum policy caused major disruption to the corporation’s sports coverage, as several presenters and reporters withdrew in solidarity with the former England star.

Faced with an open rebellion among the ranks of the corporation’s top sports presenting talent, Mr Davie has already said he wants Lineker “back on air” delivering “world-class sports coverage” together with the BBC.

Read more here.

Who is embattled BBC director-general Tim Davie?

BBC News presenter heckled by passerby on live TV shouting 'bring back Gary Lineker'

Monday 13 March 2023 02:05 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC must U-turn on Gary Lineker and bow to the principle of free speech

Monday 13 March 2023 01:45 , Martha Mchardy

The presenter’s words were offensive and wrong but the corporation has handled them badly, says The Independent.

Editorial: The BBC must U-turn on Gary Lineker and bow to free speech

‘I’m proud of my dad for standing by his word’, says Gary Lineker’s son

Monday 13 March 2023 01:25 , Martha Mchardy

George Lineker told The Sunday Mirror: “Dad is a good man, a good human, and I’m proud of him for standing by his word. That’s why he was pulled off the show – because he wouldn’t apologise. But he will always speak up for people who don’t have a voice.

“He is passionate about helping refugee charities – he took in two refugees who he is still in touch with and trying to help.

“It means a lot to him to stand up for people whose only hope is to escape a country with only the clothes on their back. That’s why he’s been so firm.

“Will he go back to Match of the Day? I think so – he loves Match of the Day. But he won’t ever back down on his word.”

Gary Lineker will not ‘back down on his word’, according to his son

Monday 13 March 2023 01:05 , Martha Mchardy

Gary Lineker’s son has said he thinks the presenter will return to Match Of The Day – but that he would not “back down on his word”, according to reports.

In an interview with The Sunday Mirror, the former England striker’s eldest son George claimed his father had been “a bit disappointed” by the BBC asking him to step back from hosting Saturday’s Match Of The Day after he compared the language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet.

However, he said Lineker had been “overwhelmed by the support” of fellow pundits who had withdrawn from various BBC sports shows in solidarity with him, particularly his co-presenters Ian Wright and Alan Shearer.

Naomi Clarke reports:

Gary Lineker will not ‘back down on his word’, according to his son

How much is Gary Lineker paid to present Match of the Day?

Monday 13 March 2023 00:45 , Martha Mchardy

In 2022, Lineker topped the BBC’s highest earners list for the fifth year in a row, taking home £1.35m.

The year before, he was paid £1.36m, having taken a pay cut in 2020 from his previous £1.75m salary. Lineker has presented Match of the Day since 1999, making him the show’s longest running presenter.

Isobel Lewis reports:

How much is Gary Lineker paid as the BBC’s highest earning presenter?

BBC chairman faces fresh scrutiny to resign

Monday 13 March 2023 00:25 , Martha Mchardy

BBC chairman Richard Sharp is facing growing pressure to resign as the corporation’s policy on impartiality has been challenged after Gary Lineker was told to stand down from presenting Match Of The Day.

Mr Sharp, who was appointed chairman in February 2021, has been embroiled in a cronyism row over helping former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility in recent months.

An investigation is being undertaken into his appointment but he now faces renewed scrutiny as his position has been brought into question amid the backlash against the BBC’s decision to take Lineker off air for comparing language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell both questioned Mr Sharp’s position in light of the Lineker row.

Ms Reeves said on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “He is still in his job. Gary Lineker isn’t able to present the football commentary?”

She added: “The Tories obviously put a huge amount of pressure on the Government to get rid of Gary Lineker, I don’t remember those same Tory MPs crying about impartiality when those revelations about Richard Sharp came out.”

Ms Powell wrote to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to demand that Mr Sharp’s position is “urgently clarified”, saying his involvement in arranging an £800,000 loan facility for Mr Johnson has “profoundly damaged the perception of the BBC’s impartiality and independence from government”.

She added in her letter: “As the ultimate arbiter of these matters, Richard Sharp’s position, which was already increasingly untenable, needs to be urgently clarified.

“He is the one who should be giving staff, viewers and complainants the confidence that the organisation has acted proportionately and fairly. He is totally unable to perform this function.”

She also asked the minister to clarify when the investigation into Mr Sharp’s appointment would be completed.

Who is embattled BBC director-general Tim Davie?

Monday 13 March 2023 00:05 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC director-general facing calls to resign over the Gary Lineker row is a former Pepsi executive with past experience dealing with controversies at the corporation.

Tim Davie has had a tumultuous week after his decision to suspend Lineker over a tweet about the Government’s asylum policy caused major disruption to the corporation’s sports coverage, as several presenters and reporters withdrew in solidarity with the former England star.

Faced with open rebellion among the ranks of the corporation’s top sports presenting talent, Mr Davie has already said he wants Lineker “back on air” delivering “world-class sports coverage” together with the BBC.

Luke O’Reilly reports:

Who is embattled BBC director-general Tim Davie?

Gary Lineker will host BBC FA Cup coverage next weekend, according to reports

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:49 , Martha Mchardy

Gary Lineker will host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next weekend, according to reports.

Mr Lineker has struck a deal, which will reportedly be announced tomorrow, with BBC bosses after being suspended from Match of the Day over an impartiality row.

A TV source told The Sun: “Gary will be back to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage. A deal has been struck.

“If the BBC have agreed to allow him to keep tweeting his anti-Tory views, it will be seen as a major victory for Gary, but the details of the deal are unclear at this stage.”

It is unclear whether the deal will include Mr Lineker’s return to presenting Match of the Day.

Rishi Sunak suffers major blow after George Osborne backs Gary Lineker in migrants controversy

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:45 , Martha Mchardy

Former Tory chancellor George Osborne has backed Gary Lineker in the controversy over his comments about Rishi Sunak’s new immigration plan in a major blow to the prime minister.

George Osborne backed Gary Lineker, criticising the rhetoric around asylum policy by some in his party.

”Personally I think some of the language used on immigration by some Conservatives - not all - is not acceptable,” he told Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show.

Martha McHardy reports:

George Osborne backs Gary Lineker in migrants controversy

Rishi Sunak declines to back BBC chairman Richard Sharp

Sunday 12 March 2023 23:25 , Martha Mchardy

Rishi Sunak has declined to offer his backing to BBC Chairman Richard Sharp after he failed to properly share details of his involvement in facilitating an £800,000 loan for Boris Johnson when he was at No 10.

The prime minister stressed that his appointment was made by his predecessor Boris Johnson.

Travelling to San Diego, Mr Sunak told reporters: “Richard Sharp went through an independent appointments process at the time that I had nothing to do with - he was appointed before I was prime minister, but also the Chair of Publics appointments has asked, a leading KC, has asked to review - to re-review - that appointments process so there is not much I can say more that’s ongoing, but it’s right in that process concludes.

“It gives people the confidence that they need.”

Mr Sharp is facing pressure to resign after a row between Gary Lineker and the BBC broke out over impartiality.

Richard Sharp is the former boss of Rishi Sunak during his Goldman Sachs career.

Another silent Match of the Day airs

Sunday 12 March 2023 22:43 , Martha Mchardy

Another silent edition of Match of the Day Two has aired on BBC One amid a walkout over a row between Gary Lineker and the BBC.

The BBC One show was originally scheduled to last an hour and 15 minutes, but it was reduced to 15 minutes and the classic theme song did not play at the beginning.

A continuity announcer introduced the programme, saying: “Now on BBC One, sorry we’re not able to show our normal Match Of The Day 2 including commentary tonight, but here’s the best action from today’s Premier League matches.”

It comes as several presenters and reporters are boycotting the show in solidarity with Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day presenter was stood down on Friday.

Former England internationals Alan Shearer and Ian Wright announced on Friday their boycott of this weekend’s Match Of The Day.

What did Gary Lineker tweet?

Sunday 12 March 2023 22:30 , Martha Mchardy

On Tuesday, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a video in which home secretary Suella Braverman unveiled plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

Ms Braverman, who was previously chastised for comparing migrant crossings to an “invasion”, has been heavily criticised for her use of language around the matter.

“Good heavens, this is beyond awful,” Lineker wrote in response to the video.

Replying to the sports broadcaster, another Twitter user described his comment as “out of order”, adding that it was “easy to pontificate when it doesn’t affect you”.

Lineker responded: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”

The comparison saw Lineker suspended from the helm of Match of the Day – prompting several fellow pundits, including Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, and Alex Scott, to announce they would not be taking part in solidarity with the former England striker.

We can all get behind the Match of the Day walkout

Sunday 12 March 2023 22:10 , Martha Mchardy

It doesn’t matter if you’re red or blue – we can all get behind the Match of the Day walkout, says Clare Morrison.

Opinion: We can all get behind the Match of the Day walkout

How the Gary Lineker and Match of the Day chaos unfolded

Sunday 12 March 2023 22:05 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC’s decision to stand Lineker down from its flagship football highlights programme caused a pundit boycott and left producers scrambling to keep the show alive, reports Miguel Delaney.

How Match of the Day fell apart within ‘minutes’

Gary Lineker’s row with BBC will be resolved in next 24 hours - reports

Sunday 12 March 2023 21:46 , Martha Mchardy

Gary Lineker’s row with the BBC will be resolved to his satisfaction in the next 24 hours, according to Sky News.

According to reports, a statement on the Lineker issue could be released as early as tomorrow morning.

Former BBC director-general believes Tim Davie will survive Lineker row

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:35 , Martha Mchardy

Former BBC director-general Mark Thompson said he “absolutely hopes” and “believes” Tim Davie will survive the impartiality row surrounding Lineker.

Asked by Kuenssberg whether he thinks the presenter will be back on air by Sunday night, he replied: “I hope so.”

The BBC’s decision on Friday to stand Lineker down from presenting Match Of The Day, after he compared language used to launch a new Government asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet, has prompted a growing number of its sports presenters to boycott their shows.

Lineker told reporters that he “can’t say anything” as they questioned him on the future of his presenting career when he left his home in Barnes, south-west London, to walk his dog on Sunday morning.

Among the questions he was asked was whether he had spoken to BBC Director-General Tim Davie overnight, but provided no response.

Mr Davie has apologised for the disruption to the sporting schedule this weekend but said he will not resign.

BBC talks with Lineker ‘moving in right direction’ - reports

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:29 , Thomas Kingsley

Talks between BBC and Gary Lineker are “moving in the right direction” but not all issues have been “fully resolved” at this stage, BBC News reports.

It comes as disruption has entered the second day with Match of the Day 2 to run only 14 minutes with no pundits or commentary.

BBC urged to get a ‘grip’ as Match of the Day 2 airs without presenters

Sunday 12 March 2023 20:15 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC has been urged to get a “grip” of the impartiality row over Gary Lineker as its sports coverage faced disruption for a second consecutive day.

Match Of The Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from pundits following a boycott in “solidarity” with former England player Lineker.

Sunday’s Match Of The Day 2 will run for a reduced 15 minutes, while coverage of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United aired without a pre-match presentation and with world feed commentary used instead of regular BBC presenters.

Uncertainty over Match Of The Day 2 grew yesterday after main presenter Mark Chapman was absent from his BBC radio duties and Jermain Defoe announced he had pulled out of appearing as a pundit on the highlights show.

For a second day, Radio 5 Live also replaced its usual live sports coverage with pre-recorded content, such as the podcast Sport’s Strangest Crimes.

The station did provide match commentary from its two scheduled Premier League games on Sunday afternoon but the sports presenter admitted it had been a “very difficult decision” to come on air.

Ahead of the Fulham game against Arsenal, Alistair Bruce-Ball said: “It’s been a very difficult decision to make personally - I can assure you it’s not been taken lightly - but I’m a BBC staff member, I’m a radio commentator for this station and, just like yesterday, we are here to provide our football service to you, our audience.”

Former BBC executive Peter Salmon, who was previously controller of BBC One and director of sport, told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg the situation is “complex” and Lineker is a “major figure”.

He added: “Twenty-five years in Match Of The Day - he’s more than just a TV presenter, he’s a national figure.

“He’s got views, he’s got passions, he’s been involved in looking after Ukrainian refugees. It may be that Gary’s outgrown the job and the role in the BBC.

“Twenty-five years in, before that Des Lynam, Gary took over, he’s been brilliant. Sometimes there’s a point at which you cross the line.”

Reflecting on the disruption to the BBC’s sports schedule, he added: “It’s a mess, isn’t it?

“They must be wishing they could reel back 72 hours and start all over again. It’s Oscars day but there’s no awards for how this has been managed.

“I think they’ve got to take action pretty quickly. It doesn’t help the chairman of the BBC himself is slacked to one side in this process and there’s a bit of an issue.

“Tim Davie is isolated in some ways; he needs to come home and grip this now. We need him back running the ship.”

Former BBC director-general Mark Thompson said he “absolutely hopes” and “believes” Mr Davie will survive the impartiality row surrounding Lineker.

Gary Lineker row will be ‘resolved in 24 hours’ - reports

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:57 , Thomas Kingsley

Sources close to Gary Lineker say they are increasingly confident the matter will be resolved to his satisfaction in the next 24 hours, Sky News reports.

It comes as Match of the Day 2 will last just 14 minutes tonight after a rare 20 minute episode on Saturday.

BBC chair Richard Sharp faces fresh scrutiny amid Gary Lineker impartiality row

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:55 , Martha Mchardy

BBC chairman Richard Sharp is facing growing pressure to resign as the corporation’s policy on impartiality has been challenged after Gary Lineker was told to stand down from presenting Match Of The Day.

Mr Sharp, who was appointed chairman in February 2021, has been embroiled in a cronyism row over helping former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility in recent months.

Naomi Clarke reports:

BBC chair Richard Sharp faces fresh scrutiny amid Gary Lineker impartiality row

Who has lent their support to Gary Lineker amid BBC row?

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:35 , Martha Mchardy

On social media, many famous friends and fans of Lineker have shown support for the presenter using hashtags such as “#IStandWithGary”.

Here, we give you a list of all the celebrities who have supported Gary Lineker.

Carol Vorderman

Presenter Carol Vorderman has posted several messages using the hashtag “#IStandWithGary”.

On Saturday, Vorderman tweeted that she was at the BBC’s headquarters in London “where there is a statue of George Orwell and his words”.

Her post included the quote: “If Liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

Self Esteem

Singer Self Esteem – whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor – showed her support for Lineker during her sold-out show at London’s Eventim Apollo on Saturday night.

Returning for her encore, the “I Do This All The Time” singer appeared on stage in a “Free Gary” t-shirt.

In a photo shared on Instagram, she wrote: “Thank you London. Solidarity @garylineker.”

Dawn French

Actor and comedian Dawn French retweeted a post from a Twitter user which read: “Shakespeare saying stand with Gary Lineker. As only he can”.

The post quoted a passage from Shakespeare’s play Sir Thomas More.

Above the retweeted post, French added: “This. #IStandWithGaryLineker.”

Piers Morgan

Despite saying he “did not agree” with Lineker’s tweet, Piers Morgan surprised social media users as he offered support for the Match of the Day presenter.

“Gary didn’t say any of it on the BBC, and isn’t even a BBC employee… I didn’t agree with what he said, but so what? It’s HIS opinion.”

Fatboy Slim

During his show at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on Friday, DJ Fatboy Slim – real name Norman Cook – projected Lineker’s face on screen as part of the visuals for his set.

Lineker’s face was met with loud cheers, with Cook writing on social media: “Enough respect #imwithgary.”

Philip Pullman

Writer Philip Pullman lent his support to Lineker, Wright and Shearer.

He tweeted: “I hope the BBC finds this all very difficult. Meanwhile, my admiration for Gary Lineker, Ian Wright, and Alan Shearer is unbounded.”

Kazuo Ishiguro

Nobel Literature laureate and football fan Kazuo Ishiguro also backed Lineker.

“I think he’s become one of the really important cultural figures for the country. I think he stands for really good things. I’m fully behind him on this”, he wrote.

Emily Maitlis

Former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, who was reprimanded by the broadcaster for retweeting a post from Piers Morgan criticising the government’s response to the pandemic, said the corporation could face a “bigger battle” following its decision.

“I’m not sure when they suggested to Gary Lineker he step back from #MOTD the BBC realised it might be starting a much much bigger battle”, she wrote.

Could Gary Lineker be Britain’s Volodymyr Zelensky?

Sunday 12 March 2023 19:10 , Martha Mchardy

Picture the reaction if a parliamentary by-election occurred now and Lineker threw his hat in the ring, says Simon Walters.

Fantasy politics: Could Gary Lineker be Britain’s Volodymyr Zelensky?

Match of the Day 2 to last 14 minutes

Sunday 12 March 2023 18:50 , Martha Mchardy

Match of the Day 2 coverage will last for only 14 minutes tonight as the row between Gary Lineker and the BBC continues.

The Women’s Super League Chelsea v Manchester United game on BBC Two kicked off with no pre-match presentation and no pundits tonight.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s football phone-in programme 606 will also not air again tonight, according to Sky News.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says Gary Lineker was 'right' to criticise small boats plan

Sunday 12 March 2023 18:35 , Martha Mchardy

Box of chocolates left on Gary Lineker’s doorstep, thanking him for his stance on refugees

Sunday 12 March 2023 18:15 , Martha Mchardy

A box of chocolates and a thank you card have been left on Gary Lineker’s doorstep, thanking him for his stance on refugees.

Chris Hoydon, 42, who lives nearby, arrived with his partner and son and left raspberry and champagne truffles and a card for the former England footballer and Match Of The Day pundit.

He told PA news agency: “The letter says ‘thank you for showing such leadership on a really important issue.’

“We live locally and don’t know him at all, but we really like him and I am a really passionate believer in refugee rights and the rights of asylum seekers.

“My dad used to work for the BBC and I really believe in the BBC, but it is ridiculous as it has no effect on impartiality.

“There have been plenty of examples of people in the BBC who have been clear about their politics. If he had come out in favour of Government policy he would not have been monstered like this. Of course he wouldn’t have, it is ridiculous.”

BBC ‘make it difficult’ to defend them following Gary Lineker controversy, Ed Balls says

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:55 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC “make it difficult” to defend them following the Gary Lineker controversy, Ed Balls said.

Mr Balls, who was shadow chancellor between 2011-2015, said: “I’m one of those people who hates the far right and the hard left attacking the BBC.

“I want to defend the BBC as our impartial broadcaster but sometimes they make it difficult,” he told Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show while discussing the Gary Lineker controversy.

Urgent talks between BBC and Gary Lineker ‘inching forward’ as schedule chaos continues

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:35 , Martha Mchardy

The BBC is locked in urgent talks with Gary Lineker to get him back in work and end the staff boycott which has crippled the broadcaster’s weekend sports schedule, The Independent understands.

Senior sources at the BBC said that talks with the Match of the Day host were “inching forward”, with the aim of getting Lineker back to work this week. A breakthrough would be announced immediately if reached.

BBC director general Tim Davie has made it clear he wants to see the presenter back on air, after he was suspended on Friday for comparing the government’s asylum crackdown to Nazi Germany.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Urgent talks between BBC and Lineker ‘inching forward’ as schedule chaos continues

Ed Balls ‘doesn’t agree’ with language used by Gary Lineker

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:15 , Martha Mchardy

Ed Balls ‘doesn’t agree’ with language used by Gary Lineker, he told Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show today.

The former shadow chancellor said: “I don’t agree with the way which Gary Lineker used language about the 1930s. I don’t think on the BBC you have a right to unfettered free speech, but they way they responded by taking him off air, and also the inconsistency of treating Gary Lineker, a sports broadcaster in that way, while, for example, Alan Sugar gets away with far more blatant party political statements.

“I mean, its ridiculous. They have got to get this sorted out.”

BBC chairman might prove ‘collateral damage' from the Lineker controversy, George Osborne says

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:55 , Martha Mchardy

Former Tory chancellor George Osborne said Richard Sharp might prove “collateral damage” from the Lineker controversy, but stopped short of calling for him to quit.

“The chairman of the BBC should be there to defend the BBC, come thick or thin, against the government and Richard’s got to show in the next couple of days he can do that, and perhaps broker some kind of deal,” he told Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show.

Position of BBC chairman ‘totally untenable’, says Ed Balls

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:35 , Martha Mchardy

The position of the BBC chairman is “totally untenable”, Ed Balls has said.

The former shadow chancellor said the position of the BBC chairman Richard Sharp has “become totally untenable”, during an interview on Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show.

Mr Balls said niether BBC director general Tim Davie or chancellor Jeremy Hunt were “willing to defend the position of Richard Sharp.”

“It’s been a catastrophic couple of days for the BBC”, Mr Balls said.

George Osbourne condemns ‘language used on immigration by some Conservatives'

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:15 , Emily Atkinson

Former Tory chancellor George Osborne has backed Gary Lineker, criticising the rhetoric around asylum policy by some in his party.

“Personally I think some of the language used on immigration by some Conservatives - not all - is not acceptable,” he told Channel 4’s The Andrew Neil Show.

“I have a lot of sympathy for Tim Davie, the director-general, who’s trying to maintain impartiality for the BBC in a partisan age. But it’s all ended up in a bit of a mess.”

Women’s Super League match kicks off without pre-match presentation

Sunday 12 March 2023 16:05 , Emily Atkinson

The Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United kicked off on BBC Two earlier with no pre-match presentation as the broadcaster’s sporting programming for TV and radio continues to be disrupted over the Gary Lineker impartiality row.

The match is being aired live alongside world feed commentary by football commentator Nigel Adderley.

A continuity announcer introduced the match, saying: “Live women’s Super League football now on BBC Two Chelsea vs. Manchester United.”

The BBC has gone nuts, says Nick Ferrari in show of support for Gary Lineker

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:55 , Emily Atkinson

Broadcasting veteran Nick Ferrari has pledged his support to Gary Lineker, as the former England striker’s row with the BBC continues.

Tweeting this afternoon, the LBC host said: “Having been a Leicester City fan for 50 plus years, I’ve supported Gary Lineker since 1978. And while I question his interpretation of history, I support him now. The BBC has gone nuts.”

Royal National Institute of Blind People attacks BBC over ‘unacceptable’ removal of MOTD commentary

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:45 , Emily Atkinson

The Royal National Institute of Blind People has branded the BBC’s decision not to include commentary on Match Of The Day as “unacceptable” and said the corporation “needs to do better”.

The football highlights show aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from pundits following a boycott in “solidarity” with former England player Gary Lineker.

In a tweet, the charity added: “The BBC should be upholding basic accessibility standards so that everyone can enjoy their output.”

Urgent talks between BBC and Match of the Day host ‘inching forward’

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:25 , Emily Atkinson

Urgent talks between the BBC and Gary Lineker are underway and are inching forward, The Independent understands.

Senior sources at the BBC said the talks aim at getting the Match of the Day host back to work this week. If an agreement is reached, the breakthrough would be announced immediately.

BBC director-general Tim Davie has made his view clear that he wants to see the Match of the Day host back on air, saying last night: “Success for me is getting Gary back on air and together we are giving to the audiences that world-class sports coverage which, as I say, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to deliver today”.

Watch: Gary Lineker admitted tweet at centre of BBC row was 'step too far, claims fellow broadcaster

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:25 , Emily Atkinson

‘We are here to provide our football service to you, our audience’

Sunday 12 March 2023 15:00 , Emily Atkinson

Before match commentary from its two scheduled Premier League games this afternoon started on Radio 5 Live, commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball said: “I want to reiterate what we said ahead of our football coverage yesterday.

“I know you’ll all appreciate this is a difficult time for BBC Sport and for all those who work in the department, and we hope it all gets resolved as soon as possible.

“It’s been a very difficult decision to make personally, I can assure you it’s not been taken lightly, but I’m a BBC staff member, I’m a radio commentator for this station and, just like yesterday, we are here to provide our football service to you, our audience.”

BBC star ‘should not apologise for being a good person’, says son

Sunday 12 March 2023 14:40 , Emily Atkinson

Gary Lineker’s eldest son has tweeted in defence of his father, saying he should not feel pressured to apologise “for being a good person.”

George Lineker tweeted: “Proud of the old man after a busy few days.

“Shouldn’t need to apologise for being a good person and standing by his word.

“The reaction of the public has been overwhelming. Thanks for the support.”

Watch: Glimpse of GB News broadcast of 'alternative' Match Of The Day

Sunday 12 March 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website