The dispute over British sports presenter and former football star Gary Lineker, who has been suspended by the BBC, could move soon. The BBC reported this evening that there was hope the dispute could be resolved soon. However, not all controversial points were resolved.
Portal/Toby Melville
The Sun tabloid had just quoted unnamed sources as saying Lineker was expected to return to the air next week. Broadcaster Sky News, citing people close to Lineker, said it was “hopeful” the dispute would be resolved within the next 24 hours.
Suspended after government criticism
Lineker was suspended from the BBC on Friday over a tweet critical of the government. He accused the British government of using refugee-related language reminiscent of Nazi rhetoric in the 1930s. Lineker violated the public service broadcaster’s political neutrality guidelines, the BBC justified the move.
Several of Lineker’s colleagues, including former professional players Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, as well as several BBC staff, expressed their solidarity with the presenter and refused to participate in TV and radio programs about football.
The most important football program in the country, “Match of the Day”, therefore, did without a moderator, expert voices and interviews with football players over the weekend. Other shows had to be canceled entirely. Critics accused the BBC and its director-general Tim Davie of bowing to government pressure.