Jeremy Clarkson Suspended from BBC’s Top Gear

Due to his suspension, BBC will not broadcast this Sunday’s episode.

"Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation," said BBC in a statement.

Adding: "No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time."

Clarkson has brushed off the BBC’s decision to pull the remaining episodes of his lucrative TV series amid allegations that he punched a producer in a dispute over catering.

FINAL WARNING

He however has not issued a formal statement, though he has been joking on Twitter about films that could replace Sunday's show.

Clarkson, who has presented the motoring programme since 2002, was given what he called his "final warning" last May after claims he used a racist word during filming.

Within minutes of news of his suspension breaking, fans of Clarkson had started an online petition to have him reinstated. More than 10,000 people signed the petition in the first three hours.

BBC has banned staff from talking about what could become a disciplinary issue involving a grievance brought by another member of staff.

By Irene Mbacha