Gary Lineker says he’s “looking forward” to hosting Match Of The Day on Saturday – after speculation about his future at the BBC.
Lineker told reporters outside his London home today that he stands by his criticism of the Government’s immigration policy and does not fear suspension by the BBC.
The presenter posted a message on social media criticising plans aimed at stopping asylum-seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats.
He appeared to suggest the language being used by ministers talking about the problem was similar to rhetoric from Nazi Germany.
Mr Lineker, the corporation’s highest-paid star, has refused to back down over his tweet drawing parallels between the Government’s small boats policy and the SS.
BBC Bosses are under pressure to sack the former England striker whose contract obliges him to “avoid taking sides on party political issues or political controversies“.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in response that “flippant analogies” linked to her asylum policy used by Gary Lineker “diminishes the unspeakable tragedy” of the Holocaust.
She told the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast: “I think it is, from a personal point of view, to hear that characterisation is offensive because, as you said, my husband is Jewish, my children are therefore directly descendant from people who were murdered in gas chambers during the Holocaust.
“And my husband’s family is very, feels very, keenly the impact of the Holocaust actually.
Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting @BBCMOTD on Saturday. Thanks again for all your incredible support. It’s been overwhelming.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 9, 2023
