Lineker to return to BBC air following suspension for social media posts

Former England international TV pundit Gary Lineker will return to the BBC after being suspended for political posts on social media, SkyNews correspondent Rob Harris said on Twitter.

Earlier, Lineker, commenting on the bill on the deportation of illegal migrants from the UK, compared these measures with the rhetoric of the German government in the 1930s. The Englishman was suspended indefinitely from the air on the BBC. Football coverage in England was later interrupted by strikes by commentators, players and coaches caused by Lineker’s suspension.

BBC CEO Tim Davey said Lineker is “a valuable part of the network” and also noted that he “looks forward to the expert’s return to the pre-match studio as soon as possible next weekend.”

Lineker himself also reacted to the decision to return to the air.

“After a difficult few days, I’m happy to report that we’ve made it through. I want to thank you all for your incredible support, especially my colleagues at the BBC Sports Department for their wonderful show of solidarity. Football is a team game, but their support was overwhelming. I have represented sports for the BBC for nearly three decades and I am immensely proud to work with the best and most honest broadcaster in the world. I can’t wait to get back in the Match Of The Day chair on Saturday,” Lineker tweeted.