BBC talks with Gary Lineker 'moving in right direction' sources say
Talks between the BBC and Gary Lineker are said to be "moving in the right direction" after a second day of scheduling disruption.
It follows an unprecedented day of turmoil for the BBC's sports operation on Saturday, with some of the most recognisable faces and voices associated with the broadcaster walking out. Match of the Day was also cut to a 20-minute highlight reel with no punditry, commentary or opening theme, though viewing figures were up by almost half a million at 2.58m.Radio coverage of Premier League fixtures went ahead but commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball told listeners it had been a "difficult decision" to make.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the issue between the BBC and Lineker should be resolved by the BBC itself. He went on to call the situation an "unhappy accident" and urged the BBC to "ignore the papers", saying he knew Mr Lineker well enough to "believe in his good faith".On the same show, Peter Salmon, who was previously the corporation's head of sport, said the BBC's impartiality guidelines were "opaque" and urged bosses to "get this sorted out".
Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer have both attacked the presenter this week for his comparison between the government's language and Nazi Germany.Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachael Reeves said the BBC had "clearly come under immense pressure from the Conservative Party to take Gary Lineker off air".
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