Featured Image Credit: BBC/Alamy/Twitter@GaryLineker
Topics: Gary Lineker, Football
Marcus Chan
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is in a spot of bother after he compared the government’s new asylum policy to Nazi Germany.
Lineker took to social media to criticise the government after Home Secretary Suella Braverman revealed plans to stop migrant boats crossing the English Channel as they step up plans to ban anyone seeking asylum in the UK via illegal means.
Lineker said on his official Twitter account: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
After another Twitter user described his comment as “out of order,” Lineker replied: “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?”
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Since his tweets, Lineker has attracted criticism from several Conservatives politicians, the Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson wrote: “This is just another example of how out of touch these overpaid stars are with the voting public.
“Instead of lecturing, Mr Lineker should stick to reading out the football scores and flogging crisps.”
Now, a spokesperson for the BBC has said: “The BBC has social media guidance, which is published. Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. We have appropriate internal processes in place if required.”
It has also been reported that the BBC will have a “frank conversation” with the former England international.
According to iNews, Lineker will not be deleting his tweet and has not spoken with the BBC.
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The report stated that according to BBC insiders, Lineker is not responding to calls from the corporation regarding this matter.
On Wednesday, Lineker once again defended himself, he tweeted: “Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree.
“I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all.”