BBC bosses accused of ‘pathetic capitulation’ after letting Match of the Day’s Gary Lineker back on air without apology
BBC bosses were accused of “pathetic capitulation” last night after letting Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishment over his migrant tweet.
In an astonishing surrender, Director-general Tim Davie said the star will return to Match of the Day this Saturday.
ReutersBBC bosses have let Gary Lineker back on air without any apology or punishment[/caption]
BBCLineker with footie ace Ian Wright and Alan Shearer on the set of MOTD[/caption]
RuckasDirector-general Tim Davie said the TV pundit will return to Match of the Day this Saturday[/caption]
And, while Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi Germany, Mr Davie announced that he personally was sorry for the resulting chaos.
In a new series of tweets, former Spurs and England striker Lineker seemed unrepentant and thanked his supporters.
Meanwhile No10 refused to say it has confidence in Mr Davie — and Tory MPs called for the licence fee to now be axed.
Backbencher Philip Davies piled in: “This pathetic capitulation by the BBC is the start of the end for the licence fee.”
Tom Hunt, deputy chair of the Conservative Common Sense Group, told The Sun: “There has been no apology from Lineker for the grossly offensive remarks he made that would have offended millions of people who are forced to make a contribution to his salary.”
And ex-Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “The issue is that the BBC is the state broadcaster and that it’s funded by a tax. If it weren’t, then we wouldn’t need to worry about its impartiality.”
Mr Davie sought to package the agreement with Lineker as a compromise, which would bring an end to days of disrupted coverage on BBC sport.
A new independent review into BBC stars’ use of social media was announced.
But it remains unclear how strict any new regulations imposed by the review will be — or even how long that process will take.
A BBC source said: “This is a short term solution to dampen the flames. Both sides agreed things were getting out of hand.
“But the problem hasn’t gone away by any means. It’s just been kicked into longer grass
“Clearly the rules need addressing, tightening and perhaps more strictly enforcing — but that’s all for the independent panel to decide.
“Whether presenters like Gary choose to agree to the new rules is a different matter.”
Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter on £1.35million a year, has agreed to abide by existing guidelines and welcomed the review.
He said: “I am glad we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
After the statement was released, Lineker tweeted his thanks to colleagues after a “surreal few days”.
Pundits, led by Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, refused to appear on Match of the Day while Lineker was suspended.
Commentators joined in, plunging BBC Sport’s coverage into chaos.
Lineker added that “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”.
Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance is recognised.
“The BBC has a commitment to impartiality and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act where people are subject to different contracts and on-air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.”
PM Rishi Sunak was “glad” the issue had been resolved and “looked forward to watching Match Of The Day back on our TV screens”.
Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker has not said sorry for comparing the language used about Channel migrants to that in Nazi Germany[/caption]
Lineker continues to have his say on Twitter after the BBC announced his return
