MY ACCOUNT
Gary Lineker is taking a step back from presenting the BBC’s Match of the Day until an agreement is reached over his use of social media.
Former England and Tottenham striker Lineker, 62, has come under fire this week after his criticism of the UK Government’s migration policy.
A statement from the national broadcaster read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
“We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
“The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
“When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
“We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
Lineker’s original social media post had compared the language used by the government over its plan to tackle Channel crossings to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.
