Gary Lineker ‘has not agreed Match of the Day step back’ as BBC decision sparks backlash

Gary Lineker ‘has not agreed to step back’ from Match of the Day this weekend and has instead been taken off air by the BBC following an impartiality row over his social media use. The former England striker is now at the centre of a huge story following a tweet, in which he criticised the government’s new asylum policy.

The BBC is set to hold further discussions with Lineker over his future, however, it’s understood he will not be apologising for his comments due to freedom of speech.

Lineker’s recent tweet is considered to be a breach of guidelines in the view of the BBC, who have advised the 62-year-old to “keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”

But despite suggestions Lineker was the one to decide he would not be presenting Match of the Day this Saturday night, it has now emerged that the decision was taken out of his hands by the BBC.

Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: “Source close to Gary Lineker says he has not agreed to step back from MOTD – claiming the BBC has taken him off air.

“It’s understood Lineker is unwilling to apologise for his tweets and admit he should not have posted them. The BBC has been approached for comment.”

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