Gary Lineker reveals reason why he missed Match of the Day, three weeks after BBC row
GARY LINEKER revealed earlier this evening that he would NOT be presenting Match of the Day, three weeks after being taken off the show by the BBC.
The presenter was reinstated to the show after being taken off it for what the Beeb said was a breach of impartiality rules.
Lineker criticised the Government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
But he reassured viewers that he has not been suspended again, and is simply on holiday.
Taking to Twitter, Lineker wrote: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight.
“I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week. ”
Following his previous suspension, Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues rallied around him and refused to participate in broadcasts until his reinstatement.
The 62-year-old returned for the Beeb’s FA Cup coverage the following weekend, before having to miss another broadcast due to being unwell.
Earlier this week, Lineker won a £4.9million tax battle.
HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer.
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The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018.
But Lineker insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms.
But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case.