Vincent Kompany’s return to Manchester City with Burnley for the FA Cup could be affected by the ongoing controversy surrounding Gary Lineker’s suspension from the BBC. The match is due to be broadcast on the BBC, but without a resolution to the situation, it may be shown without any pre- or post-game analysis and with a break for other programming at half-time. The FA will be hoping for a solution to the crisis over the coming days, but talks with broadcasters may be necessary if the situation escalates further. The BBC’s sports output was reduced on Saturday as presenters, pundits and commentators refused to work in protest at Lineker’s suspension, with Burnley’s clash at City and Sunday’s last eight tie between Brighton and Grimsby now at risk of being scaled-down productions. The Premier League intervened to ensure players at Saturday’s six games were not put in a position where they would be embarrassed by being asked to appear in front of the BBC cameras for post-match interviews.
