Gary Lineker would return to Match of the Day but will not ‘back down on his word’, son says

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Gary Lineker’s son has said he thinks the sports presenter will return to Match Of The Day – but that he would not “back down on his word”, according to reports. “To be clear, success for me is: Gary gets back on air and together we are giving to the audiences that world-class sports coverage which, as I say, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to deliver today.” Mr Davie also said he does not feel this is about “left or right” politics, but about the corporation’s ability to balance free speech and impartiality, adding: “We’re fierce champions of democratic debate, free speech, but with that comes the need to create an impartial organisation.” Asked if he would resign as “there are many people in the UK that simply do not trust you”, Mr Davie said: “Absolutely not. “I think my job is to serve licence fee payers and deliver a BBC that is really focused on world-class, impartial landmark output – and I look forward to resolving this situation and looking forward to delivering that.” A snap YouGov poll has said 53 per cent of the British public think the BBC was wrong to suspend Lineker from Match Of The Day following his comments on the Government’s asylum policy. “The way in which the board is hired and that role is a different thing to editorially me running the BBC, making those decisions, trying to be fair, and getting a BBC that is truly impartial.” The broadcaster’s Sunday sports programming remains up in the air with Match Of The Day 2 also thrown into question after football pundit Jermain Defoe announced he would not appear.