Rishi Sunak wades down row engulfing BBC on Gary Lineker for second time

Due to an unofficial staff boycott, Match of the Day was played without pundits or commentary on Saturday, leaving viewers only 20 minutes of footage

Rishi Sunak claimed the debacle was "between Gary Lineker and the BBC" (

Image: PA)

Rishi Sunak attempted to distance himself from the row of Gary Lineker engulfing the BBC tonight.

The Prime Minister insisted the turmoil at the broadcaster over the sports presenter's criticism of his government's asylum policy was "between Gary Lineker and the BBC".

Due to an unofficial staff boycott, Match of the Day was played without pundits or commentary on Saturday, leaving viewers with just 20 minutes of footage.

Speaking to reporters flying to the US, Mr Sunak urged both sides to 'resolve the issue in a timely manner' but said it was important to have a 'perspective' on his plans for illegal immigration.

When asked if the top presenter should apologize or be kicked out of the BBC, he said: "I think the problem between Gary Lineker and the BBC is one they should solve. I hope they can solve it timely.

The suspension of Gary Lineker has sparked enormous anger and walkout from BBC staff (

Picture:

Getty Images)

"I think Gary Lineker was a great footballer and a very talented presenter, but that's a problem they have to solve themselves.

“It is important that we take a step back, there is a very real problem with tens of thousands of people coming into our country illegally and I believe we need to have a compassionate and effective response to this and I believe that the proposals the government has put forward are exactly that.

"They are the compassionate, fair and just way to solve this problem which is a huge priority."

Pressed on whether viewers had been harmed by the chaos, he said: "These issues need to be addressed by the BBC...