We round up the latest information following the BBC statement about Gary Lineker not featuring on Match of the Day this weekend. <\/p>
Match of the Day is in turmoil ahead of the weekend following the news that Gary Lineker will step back from hosting<\/a> this weekend\u2019s show.<\/p>\n Lineker criticised Home Secretary Suella Braverman\u2019s announcement of a new Illegal Imgration Bill on Tuesday (6th March).<\/p>\n He described language used by Braverman as \u201cnot dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s\u201d and has subsequently been criticised by the Home Secretary and other Members of Parliament over the course of the week.<\/p>\n Initial reports suggested the Match of the Day icon would continue in his role as usual this weekend, but a BBC statement on Friday afternoon suggests this will not be the case.<\/p>\n A BBC spokesperson said: \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we\u2019ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen 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\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n RadioTimes.com<\/a> has rounded up the latest situation with regards to who will present Match of the Day on Saturday night.<\/p>\n Read more football features: Best players in the world<\/a> | Best players of all time<\/a> | Live football on TV today<\/a> | Premier League TV schedule<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n As late as Thursday afternoon, Lineker appeared to put the issue behind him, playing down any consequences and confirming he was \u201cvery much looking forward to presenting\u201d Match of the Day on Saturday.<\/p>\n Well, it\u2019s been an interesting couple of days. Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting @BBCMOTD<\/a> on Saturday. Thanks again for all your incredible support. It\u2019s been overwhelming.<\/p>\u2014 Gary Lineker \ud83d\udc99\ud83d\udc9b (@GaryLineker) March 9, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>Who will present Match of the Day this week?<\/b><\/h2>\n