Gary Lineker will miss Match of the Day again weeks after BBC forced him off air

Gary Lineker is set to miss Match of the Day tonight – but for a completely different reason to the one that forced him off the airwaves just a few weeks ago.

Back in March, Lineker was taken off the air by the BBC after he tweeted his disapproval to Home Secretary's Suella Braverman's language around immigration, claiming it was similar to language used in 1930s Germany.

The former England international was then backed by his co-stars Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and others who all refused to appear on the show, forcing the BBC to broadcast a 20-minute highlight package without any commentary.

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Thankfully, Lineker and the BBC's disagreement has been resolved now, with the Match of the Day host now back in the presenters chair.

And while the 62-year-old will actually miss tonight's edition of the flagship BBC One programme, Lineker has jokingly confirmed he has not been suspended again.

Taking to Twitter hours before Match of the Day is broadcast, Lineker tweeted: "Just so there's no misunderstanding, I won't be doing @BBCMOTD tonight. I'm not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week."

Do you think the BBC were right to take Gary Lineker off-air weeks ago? Let us know in the comments section below.

Alongside Match of the Day being taken off air back in March, both Final Score and Football Focus were not broadcast due to backlash from Lineker's co-workers.

BBC Radio Five Live was also impacted, with the support for Lineker eventually forcing Director General Tim Davie into an embarrassing apology over the saga.

Davie's statement read: "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. Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public.

"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."

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