Gary Lineker returns to BBC without any apology
Soccer Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Newcastle United v Manchester City - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - June 28, 2020 Former player and England legend Gary Lineker reacts, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Owen Humphreys/Pool via REUTERS
At 10 am on Monday morning Gary Lineker tweeted that his BBC dispute had been resolved- with no sign of an apology.
It brought to an end 65 hours of madness from the state broadcaster as they caved in to pressure from the Tory Party, Daily Mail and Daily Express for airing an opinion critical of Tory policy.
The former England striker refused to back down or apologise, showing no backbone the BBC announced that Lineker was stepping back from Match of the Day duties with an incredible wave of support for his stance.
Ian Wright and Alan Shearer refused to appear on MotD, commentators pulled out, Football Focus and Final Score were pulled with a diluted version of the show appearing on Saturday night.
After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming. 1/4
— Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday. 2/4
— Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
A final thought: 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. It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you. 3/4
— Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you. ?? 4/4
— Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023
The backlash continued on Sunday, late last night there were reports of the BBC backtracking.
Now the state broadcaster faces a new backlash from their Tory chums led by the Daily Mail and Daily Express.
The BBC is sustained entirely by the licence fee, the demise of that tax has moved a lot closer following the events of the weekend.