Consequences of the Lineker dispute: BBC apologizes The warring factions complain about a lack of ammunition – the night update without photos

The BBC apologized on Saturday for the gaps in football coverage following the suspension of TV presenter Gary Lineker. “We are working hard to find a solution to the situation and hope to get it done soon,” a statement said on Saturday afternoon. Previously, several radio and television programs had to be canceled because BBC staff and football experts had expressed their solidarity with Lineker.

The BBC suspended the 62-year-old former footballer on Friday for a tweet critical of the government. Lineker violated the public broadcaster’s guidelines for political neutrality, it was said as the reason. The country’s premier football show, “Match of the Day”, had to make do without moderation or experts.

In his tweet, Lineker compared the government’s choice of words about refugees to 1930s Nazi rhetoric. Home Secretary Suella Braverman had previously spoken of an “invasion” related to boat people in the English Channel. The government wants to deny people who have entered Germany irregularly the right to asylum. On the other hand, there is strong criticism, including from the UN refugee organization UNHCR.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke out on the matter on Saturday night. He hopes that the “current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved quickly”. The government plays no role in this, he emphasized. However, Sunak defended his asylum policy. It is about stopping the dangerous crossings with small boats on the English Channel. “That is not only fair and morally correct, but also the right thing to do with humanity,” Sunak said in a statement.