Gary Lineker reinstated as Match of the Day host after BBC tweet row

03/13/2023

But Davie apologised for the furore and confirmed Lineker would return to Match of the Day this weekend.

He said in a statement: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.”

Davie announced that the BBC would be formally reviewing its social media guidance, led by an “independent expert”, in order to clarify the rules in particular for its freelancers working outside news and current affairs, of which Lineker is one.

“Impartiality is important to the BBC,” Davie added. “It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles. The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.”

The review’s chairperson will be announced in the coming days and the BBC’s current social guidelines will remain in place in the meantime.

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

Gary Lineker reinstated as Match of the Day host after BBC tweet row

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