The former footballer was taken off the air over his views on the government’s asylum policy

Gary Lineker will return to hosting ‘Match of the Day’ after he was taken off air over criticising the government about its asylum policy.

BBC director general Tim Davie said an independent review of BBC social media guidelines would be carried out.

Linkeker was told to step down from his duties late last week, which saw a number of his colleagues also follow suit.

This saw football coverage in the U.K. disrupted over the weekend on the network.

After his return to BBC TV was announced, 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 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.”

In a separate statement, Davie apologised, saying: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this.”