Gary Lineker to 'step back' from Match of the Day over political tweets
It's until him and the BBC have agreed on his use of social media
Last updated 10th Mar 2023
Match of The Day presenter Gary Lineker will “step back” from presenting the show after controversy over some of his tweets.
It's not a permanent stepping down, in a statement the BBC said it's until he and the corporation reach an “agreed and clear position” on his use of social media.
The presenter has been involved in a row over impartiality after comparing the language used to launch a new Government asylum policy with 1930s Germany.
In a statement, the BBC said: “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.”
Ian Wright also not appearing
Match of the day pundit Ian Wright tweeted to say he will also not appear on the show in solidarity with Lineker.
It is not yet clear who will stand in for Lineker or Wright during Saturday’s edition of Match Of The Day.
Social media guidelines at the BBC
BBC director-general Tim Davie warned staff about their use of social media when he took on the role at the end of 2020, and guidelines around social media use have since been updated.
Staff were told they need to follow editorial guidelines and editorial oversight in the same way as when doing BBC content.
Lineker is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a permanent member of staff, and is not responsible for news or political content so does not need to adhere to the same rules on impartiality.