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Gary Lineker says he is “delighted” after the BBC announced that it will re-host Match of the Day.

The former Leicester City and Tottenham striker was removed from his hosting duties last week after he refused to apologize for a tweet criticizing the government’s new asylum policy. He took to social media to claim that the Illegal Migration Bill was an “immeasurably cruel policy targeting the most vulnerable people in language not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s.”

The BBC’s decision to suspend Lineker sparked a strike by pundits and commentators in solidarity with the 62-year-old, disrupting the station’s football coverage over the weekend. Football Focus was removed from the programme, while Match of the Day was replaced with a 20-minute highlights package without pundits or match commentary.

READ MORE: Statement issued by the BBC confirming the decision on the future MOTD of Gary Lineker

“After a surreal few days, I’m thrilled we’re through this,” Lineker tweeted after the announcement. “I want to thank everyone for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game, but your support was overwhelming.”

“I have been presenting sports on the BBC for almost three decades and I am immensely proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to return to the MOTD chair on Saturday.”

“A final thought: as difficult as the last few days have been, they simply do not compare to having to flee home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a faraway land. It is heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight by part of so many of you. We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.”

In addition, Lineker thanked CEO Tim Davie “for his understanding during this difficult period. He has an almost impossible job of keeping everyone happy, particularly in the area of ​​fairness. I’m delighted that we continue to fight the good fight, together.” “

In a statement, Davie said: “Gary is a valuable part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to seeing him present our coverage next weekend.

“Everyone recognizes that this has been a difficult period for the staff, contributors, presenters, and most importantly, our audience. I apologize for this.”

Davie also announced that the BBC would launch an independent review of its social media guidelines, with a particular focus on freelancers outside the news and current affairs like Lineker.

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