Gary Lineker has been reinstated to BBC’s Match of the Day programming after his comments on the government’s asylum policy.

An independent review will also be carried out on the matter, as revealed by BBC director general Tim Davie. The main issue was brought about by Lineker comparing the language used by the British government to lay down their new asylum policy similar to that of Germany in the 30s.

Gary Lineker returns to BBC Match of the Day programming

This 3 minute clip from 2021 is still being widely shared. It's helpful if you want to understand how Gary Lineker feels about the issue of refugees, about his relationship with the BBC – and about the idea of the BBC telling him what he can and can't tweet. pic.twitter.com/f5EWdx68tQ
— Ros Atkins (@BBCRosAtkins) March 12, 2023

“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,” Gary Lineker tweeted after being restored to his role.

“It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.

“We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people.”

Lineker is in support of the review and has said that he looks forward to getting back on the programming. His original tweet attracted a lot of criticism from conservative ministers and ended in him getting suspended.

But in spite of his restoration, the BBC has urged its employees to remain politically impartial. The catch, however, is that Lineker works as a freelancer who works outside of the news which is why there remains a debate as to whether he can reveal his political allegiances this way.