By Sheila Mckenzie-
Gary Lineker will return to present Match of the Day after he was taken off air following an impartiality row in which he criticised the government’s new asylum policy.
It follows BBC director general Tim Davie’s announcement that an independent review will be carried out on social media guidelines.
In a series of tweets, Lineker said: “After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming.”
He continued: “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. It’s heart warming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
Lineker said he supports the review and is looking forward to getting back on air.
He said the last few days had been “surreal” and thanked people for their “incredible support”.
Weekend football coverage across the BBC was disrupted due to walkouts triggered by Lineker’s suspension.
In a statement, Mr Davie said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences.
“I apologise for this.”
Last week, in a tweet Lineker compared the language used to set out the government’s asylum plan to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.
His comments about the government’s new Illegal Migration Bill, were criticised by Conservative ministers, including the home secretary.
Lineker was told on Friday to apologise for his tweets or to forgo presenting Match of the Day at the weekend.
His refusal led to him was taken off air, triggering an unprecedented wave of walkouts from fellow pundits and commentators.
After announcing he will return to presenting on BBC TV, 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.
“It’s heart-warming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
“We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people.”
BBC employees are expected to remain impartial on political matters and must follow strict social media guidelines, but there is significant debate about how they should apply to staff outside of news.
Lineker said he supporte the independent social media review which Davie said will have a “particular focus” on how the guidelines apply to freelancers outside news and current affairs.
“Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review,” Davie said.
“Between now and the report Gary will abide by the editorial guidelines, that’s where we are.
Lineker is expected to return to host Match of the Day’s live coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley on Saturday evening.
Davie added: “Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”
Reacting to the announcement, the BBC Board said it welcomed the agreement with Lineker following the weekend of disruption.
In a statement the board said: “We believe this is the right time to look at the clarity of the BBC’s social media guidance and how it is applied.
“We will support the executive in its continuing work to ensure the organisation delivers world-class, impartial content for all audiences.”