EXCL: The BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologised for the disruption caused across sports programming after removing @GaryLineker off air.

I put to him trust is a key value of the BBC, many don’t trust him - but he says he is not resigning.

Coming up @BBCNews @BBCWorld Follow our BBC live page as DG #TimDavie says “today is a difficult day.”

bbc.com/news/live/ente…

#GaryLineker

Update: El Shafee Elsheikh trial.

Defense + Prosecution finished opening statements.

Defense says Elsheikh wasn’t part of the Beatles.

But was a “simple fighter”for IS going to Syria alone to help “suffering Muslims.”

And not legally responsible for deaths of hostages. Defense admits this is a horrific case, and the jurors “may find it hard to keep an open mind.”

But “evidence will show there’ll be inconsistency in identification of Elsheikh” - he had been fully masked when around hostages.

A member of the notorious ISIS 'Beatles' terror group starts his trial today in Virginia.

UK-raised El Shafee Elsheikh is the only prominent member of the Islamic State Group to face prosecution in the USA. The 33-yo and three other men were dubbed the 'Beatles' by their captives due to their British accents.

Elsheikh is charged w. having a role in torturing + killing 4 Americans - Kayla Mueller, James Foley, Peter Kassig and Steven Sotloff.