The BBC has suspended Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day following his controversial Twitter comments about the government's immigration proposals.
Earlier this week Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced new immigration plans in an attempt to control the flow of small boats crossing illegally over the English Channel.
Writing about the policy on his personal Twitter account, Lineker described it as an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".
The inference that the British government is comparable to Nazi Germany drew much condemnation, although simultaneously many have defended the presenter's right to free speech and to express private opinions on his non-work accounts.
The BBC, however, has insisted that on-screen talent must remain impartial on political issues and have now suspended him until a resolution is agreed.
The corporation said in a statement: "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, 62, who has presented MOTD for the last 24 years, has yet to respond to the BBC's decision but pundit Ian Wright has said that he will not appear on this week's programme out of "solidarity".
He tweeted: "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity."
A temporary replacement for Lineker has not yet been named, with Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman the most likely candidate to fill in.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
