Gary Lineker vs the BBC: How it all unfolded

Gary Lineker is a former professional footballer who has played for England over 80 times and scored 238 goals in 461 appearances. Many football fans in the UK will however best know him for his work presenting Match of the Day on BBC, a role he has had since 1999.

But the 62-year-old was suspended from his post as MOTD presenter last week after his controversial comments about the UK government's 'Stop the Boats' policy.

The 'Stop the Boats' policy is one of the five major promises made by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ending all illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK.

In solidarity with the former professional footballer, many BBC football shows were boycotted over the weekend.

Radio shows like BBC 5 Live were forced off the air, including TV shows Football Focus and Final Score, after staff refused to work. Match of the Day had a 20-minute program, solely showing the highlights with no analysts commenting on the games.

Let's take a look at how it all started.

On March 7th, Lineker tweeted, "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s."

Picture – Twitter @GaryLineker

The tweet was in solidarity with the United Nations and other Global leaders, who condemned the UK's new 'Stop the Boat' policy.

After his controversial comments, the BBC announced Lineker would "step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media."

As Britain's public broadcaster, the BBC is bound by 'due impartiality', and due to Lineker's comments about a government policy, he breached the BBC's regulations.

As a freelance presenter and not a full-time contracted BBC employer, it's unclear why a former football player and football presenter can't voice his own opinions on what he believes is right.

Famous controversial journalist Piers Morgan expressed anger with the situation and tweeted, "It's now a sackable offense in Britain to express an opinion. What a pathetic state of affairs. #Lineker"

Lineker was joined by the main presenters and pundits of the BBC's football coverage in boycotting last weekend's footballing action.

England legends Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were quick to announce they weren't going to be involved in MOTD, Alex Scott announced she wasn't presenting Football Focus, and Jason Mohammad confirmed he wasn't hosting Final Score.

According to CNN, BBC Director General Tim Davie said, "The BBC's social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes-difficult challenges, and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate."

It looks as though the BBC have softened their position after a statement on Monday, where the broadcaster confirmed Lineker will be back presenting Match of the Day this weekend after being suspended last week.

According to CNN, Lineker said, "I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity."

Picture – Twitter @GaryLineker

Lineker tweeted, "However difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn't compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away."

After the chaos of last weekend, it's confirmed that all shows will run as normal from this week and onwards.