Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker will take a step back from presenting "Match of the Day," the iconic British football show, following controversy about a tweet he wrote ...

Meanwhile, Dan Walker, a former BBC Breakfast and Football Focus presenter, tweeted: “I used to sit in for Gary Lineker on MOTD… “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. 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?”

Ian Wright said he will not appear on tomorrow's edition of the BBC's Premier League highlights show in “solidarity” with lead presenter Gary Lineker.

The BBC said Lineker was being benched while it figured out how the presenter can voice his views on social media in a way that is compatible with the corporation’s duty to impartiality. Lineker’s suspension has also prompted criticism of the BBC from across the political spectrum. On Friday, the opposition Labour party said the BBC’s decision was “cowardly” and an “assault on free speech in the face of political pressure.” The BBC announced the decision to pull Lineker back from the popular highlights show on Friday afternoon after “extensive discussions” with Lineker, in which the sports presenter was told that his tweet comparing UK government policy to Nazi Germany was unacceptable. Solidarity.” Former Arsenal footballer and popular BBC presenter Alex Scott also posted a meme on Twitter that features a clip of Bernie Sanders saying “nah, not me” with the caption “FYI.” Many have interpreted the post as Scott also bowing out of Match Of The Day duties.

Corporation takes its highest-paid presenter off air after criticism from Tory MPs and rightwing media.

I wasn’t down to be doing Match of the Day tomorrow, but if I was, I would of said no and stood with my fellow pundits and @GaryLineker.” Philippa Childs, head of the entertainment trade union Bectu which represents thousands of BBC workers, said the broadcaster’s decision was “deeply concerning”. The presenter and former Arsenal and England player Alex Scott also appeared to rule herself out of presenting Saturday’s edition of Match of the Day amid speculation that she might take over. Lineker’s comments dominated coverage of the government’s new asylum policy and were publicly criticised by a number of cabinet ministers. Sharp later claimed that he had acted “in good faith” as a “go-between”. “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. Not me” alongside the caption: “FYI …” He likened the language used by ministers about asylum seekers to “that used by Germany in the 30s”, a [comparison labelled “offensive”](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/09/gary-lineker-says-he-stands-by-remarks-about-immigration-policy-bbc) by the home secretary, Suella Braverman. A BBC spokesperson said Lineker would be off air until an agreement was reached on his future use of social media. Wright, the former England footballer and a regular co-presenter, swiftly said he would not be working on this Saturday’s Match of the Day as a result of Lineker’s suspension. “We are comforted that football fans who want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use World Feed commentary if they wish.”

Gary Lineker will "step back" from presenting his football show until he and the BBC have reached an "agreed and clear position" on his use of social media, ...

"Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow," he tweeted. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. "The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match Of The Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media." The former England footballer, who presents the flagship Match of the Day show, compared the language used to launch the new policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany. Gary Lineker will "step back" from presenting until an agreement is reached on his use of social media following an impartiality row sparked by his criticism of the British government's new asylum policy, the BBC said on Friday. - Lineker, who presents the BBC's Match of the Day show, compared the language used to launch the new policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany.

The BBC have confirmed that presenter Gary Lineker will step back from his role at Match of the Day amid discussions over his use of social media.

Ian Wright has also confirmed he will not be appearing on Match of the Day on Saturday in "solidarity" with Lineker. [said he expected](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1633835628898160642) to be presenting Match of the Day as normal on Saturday. "The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is to step back from presenting the programme until an agreement is reached on his use of social media, the BBC sai.

We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. Lineker tweeted on Thursday that he was “very much looking forward” to presenting Match Of The Day on Saturday. Pundit and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has said he will not be appearing on Match of the Day on Saturday in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker. “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match Of The Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media. Gary Lineker will “step back” from presenting Match Of The Day until he and the BBC have reached an “agreed and clear position” on his use of social media. “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker has faced criticism from members of the Conservative party after comparing the language used to launch a new Government ...

A lot of people feel very strongly about this, and they feel that if Lineker is being taken off air, they want nothing to do with Match of the Day on Saturday either." Why are sections of the media and the press just focussing on Lineker? "What about another member of the BBC board, Sir Robbie Gibb. "Now, the rules are a little bit different depending on what area of the BBC you work in. He is somebody who has helped to arrange an £800,000 loan for the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "The question is will he ever present Match of the Day again? "But of course, Lineker doesn't work in news of current affairs. A Labour source said: "The BBC's cowardly decision to take Gary Lineker off air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure. "It will now be interesting to see what happens with other presenters, pundits, analysts and commentators. We expect these individuals to avoid taking sides on party political issues or political controversies and to take care when addressing public policy matters." The statement continued: "When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. "Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting @BBCMOTD on Saturday.

Piers Morgan jumped to defense of his friend Gary Lineker, slamming the BBC's 'spineless' decision to take him off air.

We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. In a tweet on Tuesday, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.

Lineker was removed as presenter of BBC's Match of the Day show after criticising UK government's asylum-seeker policy.

He was the leading scorer at the 1986 World Cup and finished his international career with 48 goals in 80 matches for England. 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? In the interests of fairness could you please now ask [@Lord_Sugar]to step aside from [@bbcapprentice]. Otherwise people may wonder if you are truly impartial [@GaryLineker] [pic.twitter.com/GY2JurOiLy] “So Gary Lineker wants to continue to present ‘Match Of The Day’ and is not apologising for what he has said,” Walker said on Channel 5, where he works, “but he has said it’s a BBC decision to force him to not present the program at the moment”. Lineker has yet to make an official comment on his temporary dismissal, though one of his former BBC colleagues – Dan Walker – said he had been in contact with Lineker and asked him “whether he is stepping back or whether the BBC have told him to step back”.

When being interviewed on BBC News Alastair Campbell was heavily critical of the broadcasting corporation.

An assertion was made from Campbell that Lineker had effectively been told to step back because he wasn't "towing the line" and he praised Ian Wright who said he would not appear on Match of the Day in "solidarity" with Lineker. [the BBC](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23378796.ian-wright-pulls-motd-gary-lineker-steps-back/)." Campbell went on: "I'm making the point that I think that plays into the bigger point I'm going to make to you that I think this decision is driven by an utterly craven political cowardice at the top of When Ben Brown made the link at the start of the interview saying Campbell had "business links" with Lineker, he replied by saying it was "unbelievable" that the fact had to be stated. "craven political cowardice at the top of the BBC", The journalist and broadcaster Alastair Campbell has slammed the BBC for "craven political cowardice" after deciding to have Gary Lineker step back from presenting Match of the Day.

Support pours in for former England captain Gary Lineker, removed by BBC over tweets on UK government's refugee policy.

It’s the BBC that needs Lineker to restore its credibility.” Well done Ian Wright for showing the meaning of solidarity.” “I think he’s become one of the really important cultural figures for the country. “As a strong supporter of public service broadcasting, I want to be able to defend the BBC. But the decision to take But the decision to take Gary Lineker off air is indefensible.

The BBC has confirmed that Match of the Day will go ahead without studio presentation or punditry. It comes after MOTD presenters boycotted the show when ...

We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry." [Lineker](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23378664.gary-lineker-say-match-day-presenter-step-back/) responded: “There is no huge influx. [BBC](http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23378864.gary-lineker-speaks-bcc-tell-step-back-motd/), they have confirmed that [MOTD](http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23371817.gary-lineker-speaks-comments-small-boats-plan/) will go ahead with no presenters or pundits. [Lineker](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23378664.gary-lineker-say-match-day-presenter-step-back/) had commented on a Twitter video put out by [Home Secretary Suella Braverman](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/23371829.suella-braverman-did-not-see-email-attacking-civil-servants-says-no-10/), in which she unveiled government plans to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel. [Ian Wright](http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/23378796.ian-wright-pulls-motd-gary-lineker-steps-back/), Alan Shearer, Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas and more speak out. The BBC has confirmed that Match of the Day will go ahead without studio presentation or punditry.

Former England soccer captain Gary Lineker has been taken off air by the BBC after his comments on Britain's migration policy sparked a furious row between ...

His appointment, made on the recommendation of the government, is now being reviewed by Britain's public appointments watchdog. The BBC, funded by what is in effect a $192 annual “license fee” tax on all television-watching households, has a central presence in British cultural life. The BBC said after talks with Lineker and his team that it had decided he would step back from presenting its flagship Match of the Day (MOTD) soccer highlights programme "until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media". "We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies," it added. "Gary Lineker off air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure," the opposition Labour party said, calling for the BBC to re-think its decision. Lineker was told there has to be an agreed position on his use of social media before he can return, the BBC said on Friday, with Director General Tim Davie saying it had taken a "proportionate action".

Former England captain Gary Lineker was temporarily removed on Friday from his role as presenter of the BBC's flagship football highlights show in the wake.

As a freelancer who doesn’t work in news or current affairs, Lineker isn’t bound by the same rules and he often delves into politics and human rights issues with his tweets. He was the leading scorer at the 1986 World Cup and finished his international career with 48 goals in 80 matches for England. The BBC considers Lineker posting such views on social media as a breach of its guidelines. “So Gary Lineker wants to continue to present ‘Match Of The Day’ and is not apologizing for what he has said,” Walker said on Channel 5, where he works, “but he has said it’s a BBC decision to force him to not present the program at the moment.” After more of his BBC co-workers, like former football players Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas and Micah Richards, said they would not want to work on “Match of the Day” because of the treatment of Lineker, the BBC took the decision to change the format of the show. Lineker has yet to make an official comment, though one of his former colleagues on the BBC — Dan Walker — said he had been in contact with Lineker and asked him “whether he is stepping back or whether the BBC have told him to step back.”

Ex-director general says decision to suspend presenter for criticising government's asylum policies is mistaken.

And clearly the BBC has failed on that.” The decision led to displays of solidarity from Lineker’s co-hosts, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, who announced that they would not be participating in Saturday’s show. If you’re working for the BBC, you have a responsibility, when you’re public-facing … “I think what the BBC did yesterday was mistaken. Asked whether Lineker’s tweet was acceptable, he said: “We live in a world of freedom of speech and therefore, yes. “And once the BBC does that, then you’re in real problems.

Gary Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter, compared the government's asylum policy to rhetoric used by Nazi Germany.

Lineker was deemed to have broken BBC impartiality rules last October after tweeting his views on the Conservative Party accepting donations from Russia. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. The BBC said Lineker had “additional responsibility” because of his high profile and reminded him that employees should “avoid taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.” Some called for him to be suspended. Lineker has repeatedly defended his original tweets.

Pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer and regular commentators say they will not appear on Saturday.

He is employed by the BBC on a freelance basis. "The BBC is not acting impartially by caving in to Tory MPs who are complaining about Gary Lineker," he told broadcasters at Welsh Labour's conference in Llandudno. He said the government should focus on fixing the asylum system rather than "whingeing on" about Lineker and accused BBC bosses of bowing to pressure from ministers. Lineker reacted to it on Twitter calling it an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s". Mr Dyke warned the move could create the impression that the "BBC has bowed to government pressure". "The real problem today is that the BBC has undermined its own credibility by doing this," he told the BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

BBC Radio 5 Live's schedule was obliterated as live sport coverage was replaced by podcast repeats. Colin Murray and Mark Chapman were among the presenters who ...

We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. Lineker was deemed to have broken BBC impartiality rules last October after tweeting his views on the Conservative Party accepting donations from Russia. “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. - Lineker is yet to even comment on his suspension. We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans. [BBC](https://deadline.com/tag/bbc/) has apologized after its Premier League output went into freefall as mutinous presenters and pundits staged a protest over the suspension of [Gary Lineker](https://deadline.com/tag/gary-lineker/).

Alex Scott, the host of the BBC's "Football Focus" TV programme, pulled out of the show after Gary Lineker was taken off air.

This is a common sense decision that ensures players won't now be in that position." In the interest of transparency, this was a decision taken by the entire FT team and myself." "The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight's programme," the PFA said in a statement.