Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, is to temporarily step back from Match of the Day after breaking the broadcaster’s impartiality rules on Twitter.
The BBC announced the dramatic decision on Friday afternoon after “extensive discussions” with Lineker, in which the sports presenter was told that his tweet comparing UK government policy to Nazi Germany was unacceptable.
On Tuesday, Lineker railed at “beyond awful” government plans to stop small boats carrying asylum seekers from arriving on British shores.
Related Story
Netflix Boards 'Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now'; Vue International Promotions; New Agents At First Artists Management; BBC Names Wimbledon Presenter — Global Briefs
He later added: “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.”
The BBC said Lineker was being benched while it figured out how the presenter can voice his views on social media in a way that is compatible with the corporation’s duty to impartiality.
The BBC said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
“The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
“When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
More follows
Must Read Stories
Austin Fest Preview & Hot List: Pics With McGregor, Sweeney, Gillan, Mackie, More
Robert Blake Dies: ‘Baretta,’ ‘In Cold Blood’ Star Acquitted In Murder Trial Was 89
Michael B. Jordan Spearheading Film & TV ‘Creed-Verse’ In Works At Amazon
‘Heartstopper’ Star Kit Connor To Lead Cast In Horror ‘One Of Us’
Read More About:
Source: Read Full Article