Gay BBC reporter suspended for Tyson Fury comments will not be returning

The gay BBC journalist at the heart of the Tyson Fury furore has revealed he will not be returning to the national broadcaster following his recent suspension.

Andy West was suspended from his post as a reporter on BBC Northern Ireland’s Newsline last December, after making comments made on social media in which he criticised the BBC’s nomination of Fury for its annual Sports Personality of the Year Award.

At the time on his suspension, he said: “I made my bed, now I have to lie in it.”

I can’t say more but, as of yesterday, I am suspended by the BBC pending investigation. I made my bed now I have time to lie in it!

— Andy West (@andywestTV) December 10, 2015

Now, in a series of follow-up tweets, West has revealed that he will not be returning to the BBC.

It’s not yet clear whether the departure is West’s or the BBC’s decision, but the reporter told followers he was “sad” to be leaving both his colleagues in Belfast, and the city itself.

“I’m so sad to have left the BBC but I thank my former colleagues for being such an inspiration,” he tweeted.

“I look forward to the next challenge!”

I love NI and @love_belfast and I’m so sad to be leaving it. I am lucky to have lived here. It’s a special place. x https://t.co/LuZQUCBNGr

— Andy West (@andywestTV) February 4, 2016

I’m so sad to have left the BBC but I thank my former colleagues for being such an inspiration. I look forward to the next challenge! 🙂

— Andy West (@andywestTV) February 4, 2016

Last month, the British Boxing Board of Control ruled against penalising Fury for making public comments which condemned homosexuality, but officials warned the heavyweight to “avoid making controversial, non-boxing comments”.

“Tyson Fury has made comments in the media that have caused offence to members of our society. However, there is no suggestion that he has broken the law by exercising his right to freedom of expression,” read a statement by the Board at the time.

Attitude has reached out to Andy for further comment. Stay tuned for further updates.

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