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The Telegraph
The Telegraph
National
Will Bolton

Gary Lineker latest: BBC 'capitulated' by allowing presenter to return to Match of the Day

Lineker - Jamie Lorriman/Telegraph
Lineker - Jamie Lorriman/Telegraph

Gary Lineker has issued a defiant statement without an apology over his tweets about the Government's illegal immigration policy as it was confirmed he will return to Match of the Day.

Lineker said that the backing he received during the row was "overwhelming" but "however difficult the last few days had been it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away".

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, acknowledged that it had been a "difficult period" caused by "grey areas" in the corporation's social media guidance.

Sir Craig Oliver, former news executive at the corporation, said that allowing Lineker to return was a "capitulation".

He added: "I think what's happened here is Gary Lineker one - BBC credibility nil."

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