In fairness He did take in an asylum seeker for a few months. Of course whilst this can be seen as noble he didn't offer to pay for the cost of this person living in the UK for the rest of their lives, apparently that is our job.

One more point

I think he should be free to make political comments, as should anyone as it is a basic freedom. It would also make the BBC's left-wing bias more obvious when their overpaid people speak their minds.

Edited by georgenorman (08 Mar 2023 9.56am)

Yep, wriggle wriggle.

But if he’s not bound by employee rules and as a freelancer is free to comment, why is there a need to speak to him about it?

Doesn’t make sense to me.

My thoughts on Mr Lineker.

He is simply wrong on two main topics:

1. Whilst employed by the BBC he and others have been repeatedly warned not to engage in politics or comments that are likely to bring the BBC into an impartiality row. He may not be a full time employee but their rules still apply. This is not about freedom of speech but about corporate governance. I was not allowed to engage with the media or do anything that would bring reputational damage on the bank I worked for, this is standard work practice. The other day an estate agent was fired after some social media spat unrelated to his employee but they felt he had damaged their reputation (yes ironic didn't know estate agents had one).

To not sanction Lineker now will make a mockery of all those BBC employees who do follow the rules and the next time they fire someone it will be used as a defence in a employment tribunal.

2. His analogy about Nazi Germany is wrong and insulting. The Nazis initially encouraged Jews and others to leave the country by threats and intimidation later they simply exterminated them.
I am not aware of thousands of people fleeing this country it's the other way around. The UK is a democracy we treat asylum seekers very well unlike many European nations which is why they want to come here.

The BBC has an opportunity here I am not aware of anyone who goes home on a Saturday night to watch The Gary Lineker Show, we watch MOTD and their viewing figures are based on the excitement of the PL not the presenters.

He is a loose cannon and is causing trouble for his paymasters let him go to Sky where he will be able to do his football presenting and no doubt have a GL Show on Sky news where he can air his views freely.

Edited by Badger11 (09 Mar 2023 7.59am)

One more point

Yes but that person was intensively vetted before it happened, didn’t take him straight from the boat to Linekar Towers

I haven't read all this Lineker stuff, but my amusement is seeing people who promote cancel culture complaining about cancel culture.

If Lineker had been known for more 'right wing' views, he would have been sacked already, with his career in ruins. The blatant hypocrisy is there for anyone with eyes to see

The lack of self awareness with these people never ceases to amaze.