Gary Lineker to return to present BBC sports

Gary Lineker will return to presenting on the BBC this weekend, the corporation has announced, bringing an end to a stand-off that plunged its sports coverage into chaos for a weekend.

Lineker, who presents Match of the Day, was suspended on Friday over breaches of the BBC’s impartiality guidelines. Commentators and pundits walked out in solidarity, causing hours of disruption to television and radio programming.

The BBC said on Monday it will undertake a review of its guidelines, led by an as-yet unchosen independent figure. In the meantime, Lineker has undertaken to abide by the corporation’s interpretation of the rules.

“The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised,” said Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC.

“I am glad that we have found a way forward,” Lineker said in a statement on Monday. “I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”