Gary Lineker, a beloved host of BBC’s Match of the Day and legendary former footballer, was unexpectedly dismissed by the broadcaster, triggering a wave of speculation and concern among fans and the media. His exit has ignited discussions surrounding the BBC’s editorial policies, the growing influence of social media on media decisions, and the balance between personal views and public broadcasting responsibilities.
While the BBC has not publicly detailed the reasons for Lineker’s departure, many believe it stems from mounting pressure both internally and externally. Lineker has consistently used his social media platforms to express his views on various political and social issues, such as supporting refugees and critiquing government policies, especially under the current leadership, which may have contributed to his strained relationship with the broadcaster.
Lineker revealed that he received threats after sharing a post calling for Israel’s exclusion from international sporting events, according to The Guardian. The 63-year-old former footballer had retweeted a message from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, which he later deleted.
Gary Lineker on UK’s migrant policy
Last year, Gary Lineker, the long-time host of Match of the Day, was suspended by the BBC after drawing comparisons between former home secretary Suella Braverman’s remarks on immigration and the rhetoric of Nazi Germany.
There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023
“There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in a language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?” Lineker tweeted in March 2023.
Following his suspension from Match of the Day for criticizing the government’s immigration policy, Gary Lineker reaffirmed his stance on the issue in an interview with Men’s Health UK. The controversy began when Lineker responded to a video message from Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding efforts to prevent small boat crossings in the Channel, commenting, “Good heavens, this is beyond awful,” and later describing the policy as “immeasurably cruel.”
“The levels of attack are extraordinary” Lineker on Israel – Palestine conflict
Gary Lineker also expressed that he cannot remain silent about the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip amid Israeli airstrikes. He stated that he has never seen anything more horrifying in his life and that he is deeply moved, often in tears, by the images of children being killed in the conflict.
He added: “Everybody I talk to, every single person I know, is going: What? What is happening?’ But the minute you open your mouth — well, not my mouth, but the minute I tweet a little bit, it’s so toxic. If you lean to one side or the other, the levels of attack are extraordinary. How could it be controversial to want peace? I just don’t understand it.”
“You don’t need to be Islamophobic to condemn Hamas, or antisemitic to condemn Israel. But at the moment it’s just awful. Awful.” he added.
"It's not anti-Semitic to say that what Israel is doing is wrong."
Former English footballer Gary Lineker says that, having viewed the war on Gaza with a neutral perspective, he admits it is "the worst thing" he has witnessed in his lifetime. pic.twitter.com/0jXzOt07bo
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 12, 2024
Lineker acknowledged the fear many people feel about speaking out on Gaza, emphasizing that he cannot stay silent given the horrors unfolding. He also addressed accusations of antisemitism, stating that Israel appears to have an agenda to launch a ground offensive against Rafah.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
