via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Gary Lineker has taken the world by storm after the UK-based media house BBC suspended him. The former England international was suspended after publicly criticizing the Conservative government’s immigration policy. Lineker criticized the British Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, for using similar language to Nazi Germany to promote a plan to stop asylum seekers who arrive on boats across the English Channel.
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Soon his comments spread across the whole internet, thus resulting in the BBC making a tough call for their sports broadcaster. They further released a statement saying the “Match of the Day” show will take place as usual, only without any hosts or commentary.
Fans react to BBC’s dilemma as WSL match in jeopardy
Gary Lineker has been a part of the BBC’s famous “Match of the Day” show for many years. However, it was the first time in history that the show took place without him. And it seems it is going to continue this way, as they announced Match of the Day 2, and coverage of the WSL match between Manchester United and Chelsea will be in a reduced format.
This has left them in quite a bind as they are facing another disruption to their famous sports coverage. Moreover, it has also led to netizens flooding Twitter with their thoughts.
Hopefully the beginning of the end for the TV licence
— Nammy (@Nammy65147113) March 12, 2023
The BBC dropped a complete clanger with this Lineker malarkey
— mac cheddar (@Palliniho74) March 12, 2023
It's one thing for highlight and magazine programs not to be able to be aired (or aired in a farcical fashion).
It's a whole other thing if live coverage of a pivotal game in the WSL season (1st v 2nd) can't occur due to this fiasco.
— Jeff Miles (@Jeffreyemiles) March 12, 2023
Good. The BBC is being found out as the mouthpiece of a very dodgy government
— pete_the peg leg (@anthony_nuthall) March 12, 2023
It'll be interesting to see if 5 Live Sport and MOTD2 go ahead as planned (as with yesterday, unlikely methinks) but also the live Six Nations match this afternoon.
— Phil Masters 💙 (@philnmasters) March 12, 2023
Indeed, the fans have pretty strong views regarding the situation.
Lot of contract breaches going on. A strong employer would be dealing with this swiftly.
Ironic in the extreme if Lineker helps hasten the end of the existing BBC model.— B.W.Shaw Playboy 💙💛 (@dalesman1000) March 12, 2023
I find it beyond incredible that the BBC would rather disrupt their entire sports coverage for days and get all this unwanted attention, than allow someone to tweet something negative about the Tory government.
Just shows where their priorities are.
— The Equaliser (@socioEqualiser) March 12, 2023
Assuming most are staff. HR should be busy with contract breaches. While Gary and the freelancing millionaires will still be earning.
— Sarcastic Bob (@Sarcastic__Bob) March 12, 2023
Gary Lineker deepens BBC Wounds
The 62-year-old’s departure has surely created a ruckus for everyone around the world, including the BBC. The former England international is getting a huge amount of support from many countries around the world.
In fact, several co-hosts have come to his support, as both Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also informed the BBC that they would not be appearing on the show. In fact, he is getting immense support from several Premier League players, who wish not to appear in post-match interviews.
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I made a decision last night that even though I love doing football focus and we have had an incredible week winning an SJA award that it just doesn’t feel right going ahead with the show today. Hopefully I will be back in the chair next week…
— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) March 11, 2023
Moreover, another notable host, Alex Scott, has also come out in support of Mr. Lineker. She is quite known for hosting the BBC’s “Football Focus” TV program in Britain. The former England and Arsenal defender announced her decision on Twitter.
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Indeed, the fire has increased all over Britain, and it has already started in other countries as well. It remains to be seen what will happen regarding the situation.
