The dispute over British sports presenter and ex-soccer star Gary Lineker, who was suspended by the BBC, might soon be moving. The BBC reported tonight there was hope the dispute might be settled soon. However, not all disputed points have been resolved.
The tabloid “The Sun” had just quoted unnamed sources, according to which Lineker should be back on the air next week. The broadcaster Sky News, citing those close to Lineker, said it was “hopeful” that the dispute would be resolved within the next 24 hours.
Suspended following criticism of government
Lineker was suspended from the BBC on Friday for a tweet critical of the government. He accused the British government of using language related to refugees that resembled Nazi rhetoric in the 1930s. Lineker violated the guidelines for political neutrality of the public service broadcaster, the BBC justified the step.
Several of Lineker’s colleagues, including ex-professional footballers Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, as well as numerous BBC employees, expressed their solidarity with the presenter and refused to take part in TV and radio programs on football.
The country’s most important football show, “Match of the Day”, therefore had to do without a moderator, expert voices and footballer interviews at the weekend. Other programs had to be canceled entirely. Critics accused the BBC and its director general Tim Davie of bowing to government pressure.
