Gary Linekar leave BBC MOTD over antisemitic insult row [Update@post#237]

[topspin]

I wonder how Richard Sharp has kept his job as BBC Chairman on the premise of impartiality.

 

[Robert]

I think Mark Chapman will step in.

MOTD and BBC made a huge mistake, as this will only give more bad publicity to the government. The head of BBC is very pro-Tory too.

Or will it fuel their culture war? It’s really all they have left at this point?

 

[Firebat]

All PL clubs tomorrow will refuse to speak to BBC broadcasts. All MOTD pundits stood down so they were going to run a program of just highlights. However, the MOTD commentators have also stood down.

This has backfired stupendously )

 

[Firebat]

Congratulations to the BBC on uniting the entire country against them, a remarkable feat.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol discusses the BBC’s announcement that Gary Lineker is 'stepping back' from his duties as Match of the Day presenter <a href="https://t.co/fDg4ZztTs0">pic.twitter.com/fDg4ZztTs0</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1634315608450912256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Robert]

Congratulations to the BBC on uniting the entire country against them, a remarkable feat.

Oh, plenty of racist Mail reading types will be roaring the Beeb decision on and saying Braverman is a hero.

 

[MenInG]

Joint statement from MOTD presenters

 

[Robert]

I expect an exodus of BBC presenters, producers, researchers and writers now.

 

[cpleigh]

Mistake by the Tories. I'm delighted. Taking on the presenter of the nations fave sport, a media darling, because he tweeted his humanity against a deeply unpopular bill.

Thick as mince

 

[KB]

The analogy with Nazi Germany is I think misplaced but Linekar has put his finger on the problem: the importance of language and how it is being used (‘invasion, ‘stop the boats’) by a section of the Conservative Party to de-humanise a category of people.

Ultimately it is the language of a section of the Conservative Party and the right-wing press, and not the dodgy historical analogy deployed by Linekar, that I find deeply shameful.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Mistake by the Tories. I'm delighted. Taking on the presenter of the nations fave sport, a media darling, because he tweeted his humanity against a deeply unpopular bill.

Thick as mince

Backfired a bit on them.

People are sharing tweets about Linekar not get fired for criticisng Corbyn.

Also the relationship between one of the hesds of the BBC and Boris isn't quite impartial.

Massive own goal by the Tories.

 

[Robert]

Backfired a bit on them.

People are sharing tweets about Linekar not get fired for criticisng Corbyn.

Also the relationship between one of the hesds of the BBC and Boris isn't quite impartial.

Massive own goal by the Tories.

That was Lord Sugar I thought?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

That was Lord Sugar I thought?

Sugar too.

But there is a tweet of Gary floating around where he mentions that Labour should 'Bin Corbyn'.

 

[shaz619]

Didn’t agree with Garry on Qatar but at least he is not shying from criticising government policy, at the end of the day this charade is a distraction from our current woes in the nation

 

[MenInG]

A former head of the BBC has said it was a mistake to take Gary Lineker off air following the presenter's criticism of government asylum policy.

Greg Dyke's comments come as the BBC's flagship football show Match of the Day descended into crisis, with staff withdrawing in support of Lineker.

The show's six main pundits and its entire commentary team have stepped back from Saturday's programme.

Mr Dyke said the BBC "undermined its own credibility" by suspending Lineker.

"There is a long established precedent in the BBC that if you are an entertainment presenter or a sports presenter then you are not bound by those same rules," Mr Dyke - who served as director general between 2000 and 2004 - told the BBC's Today programme.

"The real problem today is that the BBC has undermined its own credibility by doing this," he said, adding that the move could create the impression that the "BBC has bowed to government pressure".

Mr Dyke's comments came as the organisation faced further withdrawals from its broadcast coverage of Saturday's English football fixtures.

Ex-Arsenal and Lionesses captain Alex Scott has pulled out of presenting the Football Focus programme in solidarity with Mr Lineker. The programme was subsequently withdrawn from Saturday's BBC1 schedule.

Her withdrawal followed the decisions by the pundits Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, along with six commentators, not to appear on Saturday evening's Match of the Day.

The growing boycott forced the BBC to issue a statement on Friday saying the highlights programme would air "without studio presentation or punditry" and instead "focus on match action".

In a later statement, a spokesperson said: "Some of our pundits have said that they don't wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary.

"We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry."

Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has confirmed that players and managers from the 12 Premier League clubs playing matches on Saturday will not receive requests for MOTD post-match interviews.

"The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight's programme," the PFA said in a statement.

Ian Wright was the first pundit to say publicly that he would not appear on Saturday's programme, tweeting: "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity."

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, who also appears on the show, then said he had "informed the BBC that I won't be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night".

Lineker has not yet publicly commented on the latest developments, but while presenting on Channel 5 on Friday, former BBC presenter Dan Walker read out a text live on air from the 62-year-old.

Walker said he had messaged Lineker asking: "What is happening. Are you stepping back?"

He said he had received a reply saying: "No, they've [the BBC] told me I have to step back."

BBC News has been told that the Match of the Day production team were not told in advance about its decision.

The row began on Tuesday, when Home Secretary Suella Braverman outlined the government's plans to ban people arriving in the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum, in a bid to address a rise in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Lineker reacted to it on Twitter calling it an "immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".

Lineker has hosted Match of the Day since 1999 and is the BBC's highest paid star, having earned about £1.35m in 2020-21. He is employed by the BBC on a freelance basis.

In the statement announcing he would not be presenting MOTD, the BBC said: "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."

Speaking to the Today Programme, former director general Greg Dyke said the BBC had "undermined its own credibility" by suspending the presenter and created an impression it had "bowed to government pressure".

Dyke added that the ongoing controversy surrounding BBC Chairman Richard Sharp and allegations that he helped facilitate a loan to former Prime Minster Boris Johnson had helped fuel perceptions that the organisation was failing to stand up to government pressure.



BBC

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Morning all.<br><br>As you know, Final Score is a TV show very close to my heart. <br><br>However - I have this morning informed the BBC that I will not be presenting the show this afternoon on BBC One.</p>— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasonmohammad/status/1634502438064648192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Technics 1210]

Bless the radical liberals uniting behind a tweet posted by a man who avoided paying his taxes, was critical of a Muslim nation, didn't want Qatar to host the World Cup, and accused - without evidence - members of government of being on Russia's payroll.

I say let these radical liberals stand in solidarity so society can identify them and then round them up to sack them en-mass. This entire Gary nonsense will be over in a few weeks, and the world will move on without radical liberals!

The war against Liberal terrorism is alive an well!

 

[MenInG]

Lineker row reaches Scotland

BBC Scotland has apologised for changes to its programming amid the fallout from Gary Lineker being asked to step back from Saturday's Match of the Day.

Sportscene will run this evening but with an amended format similar to the current plans for Match of the Day, while some of the Sportsound slot on Radio Scotland was replaced by pre-recorded material.

In a statement BBC Scotland says it "will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that."

It adds: "We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans.

"We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon."

 

[HitWicket]

man who avoided paying his taxes

Probably worth mentioning for those that aren't aware that Lineker's 'tax evasion' case that's currently in court would have resulted in him paying more Tax/NI in total than if he'd been set up an as an employee like HMRC are trying to argue he should have been. It's the BBC/BT Sport who saved on their tax (or national insurance if you want to get specific) bill in this case.

 

[Saj]

MOTD is on tonight - but just for 20 minutes.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Suella Braverman and Rishi presumed too much with their fudge brownie antics. We Brits don't like illegal refugees, but what we really despise is using Farage like sensationalist politics against one of our most beloved heroes. Your days are numbered fudgies.

 

[Robert]

Suella Braverman and Rishi presumed too much with their fudge brownie antics. We Brits don't like illegal refugees, but what we really despise is using Farage like sensationalist politics against one of our most beloved heroes. Your days are numbered fudgies.

Hear hear! :

 

[Technics 1210]

Fans of woke Gary need not cry, yet. He has not been sacked and he could return to MOTD, even though most of his defenders in this thread do not watch MOTD.

 

[bones]

What a clown show. Everything and everyone is just so woke these days. It is so bad it’s not funny.

 

[Saj]

BBC director general Tim Davie says the corporation wants Gary Lineker back on air.

Match of the Day host Lineker was suspended on Friday following his criticism of the government's controversial asylum policy, leading to a number of BBC football shows across TV and radio being taken off air on Saturday after presenters and commentators pulled out in "solidarity".

Final Score and Football Focus were pulled from BBC One while the late-night Match of the Day programme was trimmed to 20 minutes with no opening theme tune, pundits or commentary. It is still not clear if MOTD 2 will go ahead on Sunday after host Mark Chapman did not host Radio 5 Live Sport on Saturday.

Lineker, who watched Leicester's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, is stepping back from MOTD until an "agreed and clear position" on his social media use is made, after he compared the language used to launch a new government asylum policy with that of 1930s Germany.

Davie apologised for the disruption to the BBC's services and hailed Lineker. He said: "Let's be clear - we've got the best sports broadcaster in the world.

"We want to make sure that he can come back on air, we work together to make that happen and everyone wants to see a reasonable solution to this.

"As a keen sports fan, I know to miss programming is a real blow and I'm sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.

Quizzed on whether Lineker would have been removed from his position had he supported the government's Illegal Migration Bill, Davie said he was "not going to go through all the hypotheticals of the past" and that "we deal with these things on an ongoing basis".

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he hopes the BBC can resolve its row with Lineker in a "timely manner" but the dispute is not something the government should get involved in. In a statement, he said Lineker "was a great footballer and is a talented presenter".

Lucy Powell, Labour's shadow culture secretary, said the PM was offering "weasel words" and trying "desperately to duck any responsibility".

Earlier in an email to staff, the BBC's director of sport, Barbara Slater, said: "We understand how unsettling this is for all of you - the staff in BBC Sport and our freelance community. And we understand the strength of feeling which has been generated by this issue.

"Individual heads of department and lead editors will be updating teams as and when they can, so if you have any specific questions about your role, please contact your line manager.

"We are working hard to resolve the situation and we will update you as soon as possible."

SKY

 

[James]

What a clown show. Everything and everyone is just so woke these days. It is so bad it’s not funny.

It was obvious the moment Lineker was pulled and “Wrighty” joined him in a “solidarity abstention” that they would all jump on the bandwagon for a boycott. It’s not difficult to see that there is very little diversity of opinion in the elite ranks of the BBC. This in itself is a problem, even if some of these said opinions are reasonable and agreeable.

 

[MenInG]

Match of the Day 2 coverage is expected to be "much-reduced" as the fallout from the Gary Lineker BBC row continues.

BBC Two will also broadcast the Women's Super League Chelsea v Manchester United match using world feed commentary - without presenter or pundits around the coverage of the game.

It is the second day the BBC has been forced to reduce its sports coverage.

It came as Lineker's eldest son said he thought the presenter would go back to MOTD - but "won't ever back down".

The BBC News sports editor Dan Roan said on Twitter: "At this stage BBC expecting the planned WSL match between Chelsea and Manchester United this afternoon to be on BBC2, but with no pre-match presentation.

"Expecting MOTD2 to follow similar much-reduced format to MOTD last night."

SKY

 

[Technics 1210]

Match of the Day attracted 500,000 more viewers on Saturday night compared to the week before, as viewers tuned in to see the new, shorter format following Gary Lineker's suspension.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/20...test-news-no-presenters-bbcs-coverage-womens/

"Liberal Solidarity"

) ) )

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The BBC will go begging back to Lineker and his fellow co-hosts. The only alternative will be to bring in really thick commentators like Robbie Savage or Clint Morrison, and that will utterly destroy the respect the nation holds for it as a reliable media outlet. The Brits still believe in the BBC, and that is why Gary will be brought back. You read it here first.

 

[Technics 1210]

The BBC will go begging back to Lineker and his fellow co-hosts. The only alternative will be to bring in really thick commentators like Robbie Savage or Clint Morrison, and that will utterly destroy the respect the nation holds for it as a reliable media outlet. The Brits still believe in the BBC, and that is why Gary will be brought back. You read it here first.

If Gary is brought back then he will have to agree and sign up to new terms revolving around social media use, while working as a 'freelancer' with the BBC.

Though 500000 more watched MOTD yesterday, so really, Brits might believe in the BBC, but they do not believe in Gary.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If Gary is brought back then he will have to agree and sign up to new terms revolving around social media use, while working as a 'freelancer' with the BBC.

Though 500000 more watched MOTD yesterday, so really, Brits might believe in the BBC, but they do not believe in Gary.

Respectfully disagree. Let's see who is proven right.

 

[Technics 1210]

Respectfully disagree. Let's see who is proven right.

Which part do you disagree with? Viewership for MOTD did increase by 500000 yesterday, this was announced by the BBC.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Which part do you disagree with? Viewership for MOTD did increase by 500000 yesterday, this was announced by the BBC.

I don't believe the viewing figures will stay high once the furore about yesterday dies down.

 

[Robert]

Nobel Kaureate Kazuhiro Ishiguro has come out in support of Lineker too.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-64922187

I hope this is the beginning of a movement of kind, antiracist, open-hearted decent Britons pushing back against the creeping fascism which stalks our land.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I don't believe the viewing figures will stay high once the furore about yesterday dies down.

No chance they will stay that high, it was clearly curiosity

20 mins highlights without commentary, analysis, interviews etc, what's the point? May as well watch the highlights Sky Sports put on YouTube

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

The BBC have massively misjudged this situation, they clearly don't care for impartiality, they just don't like the Tories being criticised. Guaranteed if Lineker had tweeted "great policy" absolutely nothing will have been said.

Where the BBC messed up is that they presumed Lineker would instantly back down, apologise and everyone would move on.

Instead, he rightly told them he had no intention of apologising. The pivotal moment was Ian Wright pulling out, if he hadn't then I think they would easily have gotten another host. The moment Wright did that the battle line was drawn, you either agreed with Lineker (not necessarily his comments but the principle of him being allowed to make the comments).

I do wonder how the BBC resolve this situation because I don't see Lineker apologising or even agreeing to not tweet such things moving forward.

I think they'll release a general statement saying they've had a discussion and come to an understanding of the guidance, whilst he'll must carry on as normal.

 

[Firebat]

Gary Lineker: BBC talks with presenter 'moving in right direction', sources say

Talks between the BBC and Gary Lineker are said to be "moving in the right direction" after a second day of scheduling disruption.

BBC News understands there are hopes of a resolution soon but not all issues are "fully resolved" at this stage.

Weekend football coverage has been disrupted due to walkouts triggered by the Match of the Day host's suspension.

Director General Tim Davie has apologised to licence fee payers for the changes.

Presenters, pundits and commentators pulled out of BBC football coverage in support of Lineker, who was taken off air for criticising government asylum plans.

TV and radio coverage have been hit throughout Sunday as the stand off between the host and the BBC continues.

It follows an unprecedented day of turmoil for the BBC's sports operation on Saturday, with some of the most recognisable faces and voices associated with the broadcaster walking out.

BBC Two's Sunday afternoon coverage of the Women's Super League went ahead without studio analysis and had to rely on world feed commentary, while Radio 5 Live was forced to plug gaps in the schedule with pre-recorded programmes for a second straight day.

Match of the Day 2 followed the main programme's much-reduced format - airing for just 15 minutes - and was without the usual commentators and host Mark Chapman.

The show started the same as Saturday's Match of the Day, where a continuity presenter apologised for the lack of commentary, which was followed by the opening credits that featured the words: "Premier League Highlights" without the usual theme tune and credits.

Match of the Day was also cut to a 20-minute highlight reel with no punditry, commentary or opening theme, though viewing figures were up by almost half a million at 2.58m.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64930957

 

[Firebat]

Sources close to Gary Lineker say they are increasingly confident his dispute with the BBC will be resolved to his satisfaction in the next 24 hours, Sky News understands.

 

[Robert]

Its an old tactic of the British, when the country is going down the pan or the government has messed up, they bring out stories so people can hate each other instead.

Yes, but that’s not “Britain” but Tories. They are very good at getting their blue collar support to look at immigrants instead of them.

 

[Firebat]

Well, he's officially back...

 

[Firebat]

BREAKING: Lineker to return to air this weekend after BBC deal reached

Gary Lineker and BBC management have reached a deal to get the presenter back on air, after the weekend's disruption to BBC Sport schedules.

Director General Tim Davie says: “Gary is a valued part of the BBC and I know how much the BBC means to Gary, and I look forward to him presenting our coverage this coming weekend.”

In a statement, Davie also announces the BBC will launch an independent review into its social media guidelines, with a particular focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.

Gary Lineker says in the statement: "I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air."

 

[Firebat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday. 2/4</p>— Gary Lineker &#55357;&#56473;&#55357;&#56475; (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1635220916019040256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Robert]

A victory for liberalism against the forces of creeping fascism in the UK. Well done Gary! If only some of our Opposition politicians would show such outspoken gumption.

 

[shaz619]

A victory for liberalism against the forces of creeping fascism in the UK. Well done Gary! If only some of our Opposition politicians would show such outspoken gumption.

His conviction was admirable, it’s rare for a media personality. I think what he also had in mind was the license paying public and their concerns, ultimately in this area we hold the power. #PeoplePower

Lovely to see the BBC with their nose bloody for once.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

As I mentioned earlier they misjudged the situation and as a result they had no choice but to back down.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The BBC have massively misjudged this situation, they clearly don't care for impartiality, they just don't like the Tories being criticised. Guaranteed if Lineker had tweeted "great policy" absolutely nothing will have been said.

Where the BBC messed up is that they presumed Lineker would instantly back down, apologise and everyone would move on.

Instead, he rightly told them he had no intention of apologising. The pivotal moment was Ian Wright pulling out, if he hadn't then I think they would easily have gotten another host. The moment Wright did that the battle line was drawn, you either agreed with Lineker (not necessarily his comments but the principle of him being allowed to make the comments).

I do wonder how the BBC resolve this situation because I don't see Lineker apologising or even agreeing to not tweet such things moving forward.

I think they'll release a general statement saying they've had a discussion and come to an understanding of the guidance, whilst he'll must carry on as normal.

I disagree, I think the BBC has traditionally been fairly impartial, or at least as impartial as a national media outlet can be.Over the last decade or two they have come in for rabid criticism from the tabloids who "represent" the white working man, and it felt to me that they were being slowly pushed to take a more right wing stance. But because Lineker is such a national hero, he was able to take them on and make them back down. It's a massive victory for decency, and the old British standards of fair play.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I disagree, I think the BBC has traditionally been fairly impartial, or at least as impartial as a national media outlet can be.Over the last decade or two they have come in for rabid criticism from the tabloids who "represent" the white working man, and it felt to me that they were being slowly pushed to take a more right wing stance. But because Lineker is such a national hero, he was able to take them on and make them back down. It's a massive victory for decency, and the old British standards of fair play.

Traditionally speaking I agree

However I should have been more specific, currently I don't think they care that much for impartiality, particularly when it comes to what people tweet.

If Lineker had tweeted "great policy" do you think any of this would happened? Absolutely not.

They were basically pandering to the rabid right wing morons of this government and country

However they made the mistake of thinking he would just back down and now they have a bloody nose to show for it

 

[Technics 1210]

So Gary bartered his free speech for a hefty paycheck by signing up to new guidelines.

Typical Liberal, no values.

Any man worth his salt would have walked away.

 

[Technics 1210]

A victory for the war against Liberal Terrorism!

Either tow in line, or bugger off with your Liberal nonsense, Gary chose the former.

Will be interesting to see how active Gary's Twitter account will be henceforth.

Love it.

 

[Technics 1210]

I disagree, I think the BBC has traditionally been fairly impartial, or at least as impartial as a national media outlet can be.Over the last decade or two they have come in for rabid criticism from the tabloids who "represent" the white working man, and it felt to me that they were being slowly pushed to take a more right wing stance. But because Lineker is such a national hero, he was able to take them on and make them back down. It's a massive victory for decency, and the old British standards of fair play.

Gary needs the 1.3M a year to house 'refugees'. This is why he had to swallow his pride and take the money.

Of course he has a massive tax bill over his head too!

 

[HitWicket]

So Gary bartered his free speech for a hefty paycheck by signing up to new guidelines.

Typical Liberal, no values.

Any man worth his salt would have walked away.

Where are you seeing any kind of statement that he's agreed to any new social media guidelines?

 

[Technics 1210]

Where are you seeing any kind of statement that he's agreed to any new social media guidelines?

Daily Telegraph.

Gary is a FREELANCER, and not an employee of the BBC, which is why he got away with his social media posts.

BBC are revising the social media guidance, and Gary has agreed.

From the Gary, reported in DT:

"Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.

“Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles. The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate."

 

[Halaribo]

Any man worth his salt would have walked away.

While Technics continues to mooch in the liberal west.

Lineker took the suspension, risked his job, stood up against partisan, impartial leadership within his organisation, inspired his friends and colleagues to follow his lead, all risking their own jobs, and then forced the organisation to terms.

I don't care what Lineker does or doesn't do, but he is consistent, whether you agree with him or not. His actions make sense off the back of Maitlis and Marr's actions.

 

[HitWicket]

Daily Telegraph.

Gary is a FREELANCER, and not an employee of the BBC, which is why he got away with his social media posts.

BBC are revising the social media guidance, and Gary has agreed.

From the Gary, reported in DT:

"Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.

“Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles. The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate."

Unsurprisingly you left out the bit of the statement that follows and disproves your made up nonsense. There's been absolutely no changes to the guidelines and Lineker has not agree to any changes to them, just an agreement to start the process of an independent review of them:

“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review"

"Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place."

 

[Technics 1210]

Unsurprisingly you left out the bit of the statement that follows and disproves your made up nonsense. There's been absolutely no changes to the guidelines and Lineker has not agree to any changes to them, just an agreement to start the process of a review of them:

“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review

Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place."

Proving what I said.

The guidance is being updated such that Gary the freelancer will not be posting impartial views going forwards

Get over it, Gary needed the money, and bartered his freedom of speech.

This is liberalism. Mecernaries to the highest bidder.

Come back when Gary posts his political views on Twitter henceforth.

 

[HitWicket]

Proving what I said.

The guidance is being updated such that Gary the freelancer will not be posting impartial views going forwards

Get over it, Gary needed the money, and bartered his free of speech.

This is liberalism. Mecernaries to the highest bidder.

Come back when Gary posts his political views on Twitter.

It literally directly disproves what you've said:

"Gary bartered his free speech for a hefty paycheck by signing up to new guidelines." - False, Lineker hadn't signed up to anything new at all. No indication of a new contract and the statement above clearly states there are no new guidelines.

"BBC are revising the social media guidance" - False again, there's been no revisions to the guidance and no confirmation that they will be revised.

 

[Halaribo]

Unsurprisingly you left out the bit of the statement that follows and disproves your made up nonsense. There's been absolutely no changes to the guidelines and Lineker has not agree to any changes to them, just an agreement to start the process of an independent review of them:

“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review

Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place."

Unsurprising indeed. Peak Alastair Campbell and Comical Ali couldn't rival Technics spin and lies.

 

[Technics 1210]

It literally directly disproves what you've said:

What ever helps you sleep at night.

Fact is, you were unaware Gary is a freelancer, and more importantly, Gary broke the social media guide lines, and the grey area will now be as clear as black and white, which Gary has agreed to.

Mark this day, and come back when Gary posts his political views on social media while at the BBC going forwards. He is not permitted to do so while he is a freelancer working for the BBC.

You can have the last word, because its clear Gary has tweeted his final political view while freelancing for the BBC.

Gary needs the BBC, not the other way round, otherwise Gary could have jumped ship to ITV for more money but in the end he needed the maximum exposure in the UK, and no channel other than BBC provides this.

Truth be told, Gary can see value for money.

 

[Halaribo]

What ever helps you sleep at night.

Fact is, you were unaware Gary is a freelancer, and more importantly, Gary broke the social media guide lines, and the grey area will now be as clear as black and white, which Gary has agreed to.

Mark this day, and come back when Gary posts his political views on social media while at the BBC going forwards. He is not permitted to do so while he is a freelancer working for the BBC.

You can have the last word, because its clear Gary has tweeted his final political view while freelancing for the BBC.

Gary needs the BBC, not the other way round, otherwise Gary could have jumped ship to ITV for more money but in the end he needed the maximum exposure in the UK, and no channel other than BBC provides this.

Truth be told, Gary can see value for money.

So according to Technics, Gary broke the guidelines... the guidelines the BBC are reviewing because it could not establish that the guidelines were broken. Lol.

Technics, I marked the day you said Kwarteng released an excellent budget.

Still waiting to hear back why it was so good.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

What ever helps you sleep at night.

Fact is, you were unaware Gary is a freelancer, and more importantly, Gary broke the social media guide lines, and the grey area will now be as clear as black and white, which Gary has agreed to.

Mark this day, and come back when Gary posts his political views on social media while at the BBC going forwards. He is not permitted to do so while he is a freelancer working for the BBC.

You can have the last word, because its clear Gary has tweeted his final political view while freelancing for the BBC.

Gary needs the BBC, not the other way round, otherwise Gary could have jumped ship to ITV for more money but in the end he needed the maximum exposure in the UK, and no channel other than BBC provides this.

Truth be told, Gary can see value for money.

Did Lineker take back his words or apologise for comparing the Tories to Nazis? It was a pretty big slur so you would think if it was a serious matter the BBC would have sacked him if they don't need him. They asked him to apologise and he told them to get stuffed, so then they went grovelling to get him on board, effectively telling Suella she can do one.

A victory for the real people of Britain, and a slap in the face for Farage and co.

 

[HitWicket]

Fact is, you were unaware Gary is a freelancer,

I'm not sure what makes you think I was unaware Lineker was a freelancer, I've referred to it earlier in this thread given that status is the basis of his tax dispute case with HMRC.

and more importantly, Gary broke the social media guide lines, and the grey area will now be as clear as black and white, which Gary has agreed to.

You are aware that repeating your made up facts 100 times doesn't make them true? Once again, as shown multiple times above, Lineker has not agreed to any changes to the guidelines he is bound by.

Mark this day, and come back when Gary posts his political views on social media while at the BBC going forwards. He is not permitted to do so while he is a freelancer working for the BBC.

That's funny, just a few lines above this it was in your own words a grey area now suddenly (with no changes to the guidelines) it's a cold hard fact? Make your mind up.

 

[Technics 1210]

I wonder whether Gary had history lessons because his comparison between UK's refugee policy with Germany refusing refugees was historically inaccurate, but had he said the Tory policy was similar to Amreeka under FDR who turned away Jewish refugees in 1939 would have been more accurate.

https://www.history.com/news/wwii-jewish-refugee-ship-st-louis-1939

 

[Technics 1210]

I'm not sure ....

Be sure when Gary posts any more of his political views on Twitter.

All the best.

 

[Technics 1210]

One silver lining in all of this, Liberals will think thrice before invoking Godwin's law. Pathetic and desperate to say the least, but its all they have.

 

[Halaribo]

I wonder whether Gary had history lessons because his comparison between UK's refugee policy with Germany refusing refugees was historically inaccurate, but had he said the Tory policy was similar to Amreeka under FDR who turned away Jewish refugees in 1939 would have been more accurate.

https://www.history.com/news/wwii-jewish-refugee-ship-st-louis-1939

Lineker didn't compare the policy to what the Nazis did.

He called the policy cruel.

Then he said the language isn't dissimilar to 1930s Germany.

Anyone focusing on the direct comparison to Nazism is deliberately avoiding the issue of implications of using loaded language.

The Nazi party was a fringe element until things were bad enough and the road was clear for them to take power on the foundation of "othering".

Only comment about the policy was it's cruelty.

Technics caught once again in the muck of MSM.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Tory party has been slapped pretty hard by footballers in recent times.

First Rashford and then now Lineker.

Seems like they are the real opposition in the country

 

[Technics 1210]

Did Lineker take back his words or apologise for comparing the Tories to Nazis? It was a pretty big slur so you would think if it was a serious matter the BBC would have sacked him if they don't need him. They asked him to apologise and he told them to get stuffed, so then they went grovelling to get him on board, effectively telling Suella she can do one.

A victory for the real people of Britain, and a slap in the face for Farage and co.

Gary didn't take back his words obviously, but clearly he will now be careful with what he posts on social media inline with the new BBC social media guidelines.

BBC has to shift the news cycle from a tweet to more important matters, but Gary caved in. Gary is no Clarkson.

Lets see how MOTD viewer stats will be affected by this, but this is a great day as Liberals who abuse their status to peddle their lies, are reigned in line.

 

[topspin]

Tory party has been slapped pretty hard by footballers in recent times.

First Rashford and then now Lineker.

Seems like they are the real opposition in the country

Don't forget Gary Neville as well.

 

[Halaribo]

Don't forget Gary Neville as well.

And Neville Southall.

 

[Technics 1210]

Clarkson - speaks his mind - reprimanded by the BBC, and leaves, reprimanded by the Daily Telegraph, and leaves, cancelled by Amazon - but continues to stick to his views, principles, and values.

Gary - gets away with posting impartial views, critical of a Muslim nation hosting a WC, finally reprimanded, schooled on history, set aside from MOTD, spends his Saturday witnessing Lecister City lose to Chelsea 3-1, contacts the BBC cos he .isses MOTD, agrees to comeback based on new social media guide lines cos he needs the money and exposure.

Keeping in mind Clarkson attracted a greater viewership than Gary, Gary is no Clarkson, cos Clarkson ain't no mercenary Liberal.

 

[HitWicket]

Clarkson - speaks his mind - reprimanded by the BBC, and leaves, reprimanded by the Daily Telegraph, and leaves, cancelled by Amazon - but continues to stick to his views, principles, and values.

You're aware Clarkson was removed from the BBC for racially abusing and then physically assaulting his producer...?

agrees to comeback based on new social media guide lines cos he needs the money and exposure.

I make this the 7th time you've repeated this fact you made up, got to be nearing a new record even for you?

 

[Firebat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also, I’d like to thank Tim Davie for his understanding during this difficult period. He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality. I am delighted that we’ll continue to fight the good fight, together.</p>— Gary Lineker &#55357;&#56473;&#55357;&#56475; (@GaryLineker) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1635226878138277891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Technics 1210]

So now Gary is a Tory sympathiser!? Sympathising with the challenges Tim Davies faces with impartiality, thanking the guy who helped Boris secure a £800K loan, the same Boris who is tainted with the very refugee policies Gary was criticising!

Good lord.

 

[Halaribo]

So now Gary is a Tory sympathiser!? Sympathising with the challenges Tim Davies faces with impartiality, thanking the guy who helped Boris secure a £800K loan, the same Boris who is tainted with the very refugee policies Gary was criticising!

Good lord.

Lol. I'm not even going to say anything about this one.

Proof if ever needed that Technics just regurgitates bakwaas without even knowing what he's talking about.

 

[HitWicket]

So now Gary is a Tory sympathiser!? Sympathising with the challenges Tim Davies faces with impartiality, thanking the guy who helped Boris secure a £800K loan, the same Boris who is tainted with the very refugee policies Gary was criticising!

Good lord.

When did Tim Davie have anything to do with the £800k loan? You wouldn't be making stuff up would you? That would be very out of character of course...

This is getting hilarious. Keep the false information coming, wouldn't want to ruin this impressive streak.

 

[Technics 1210]

It wouldn't surprise if Gary votes for the Tories, just to avoid paying his taxes.

 

[Halaribo]

Just to remind everyone, while Technics froths at the mouth about liberals, he is literally cheerleading the man (although going by his posts, I don't think he even knows his name) who not only donated to the Tories and secured Boris a loan, he donated to the Quilliam foundation.

The same Quilliam foundation that sought to undermine the Islamic faith with it's liberal interpretations and outright lies.

 

[HitWicket]

It wouldn't surprise if Gary votes for the Tories, just to avoid paying his taxes.

A reminder as mentioned previously that Lineker being registered as a freelancer through a partnership rather than as an employee would have realistically saved him nothing in tax. Wouldn't want you to accidentally create a false narrative around his tax case...

 

[Technics 1210]

Gary is following his new instructions from the BBC on social media posts.

5 hrs ago:

"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you"

A far cry from his inane ramblings, accusations, and use of inflammatory language criticising the government.

From my perspective had Leicester lost 5-1, he would've bailed from Twitter.

 

[HitWicket]

Gary is following his new instructions from the BBC on social media posts.

5 hrs ago:

"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you"

A far cry from his inane ramblings, accusations, and use of inflammatory language criticising the government.

Once again conveniently missing the bit where this tweet was in reference to people who were showing empathy to the plight of people having to flee their home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.

 

[Technics 1210]

Liberals crying false narrative.

https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2023/03/g...=In 2012, he was forced,his fair share of tax.

It's not the first time Gary has had a run in with HMRC:

"In 2012, he was forced to pay £4.9 million in back taxes after being found to have used a tax avoidance scheme. Lineker has stated that he regrets using the scheme and has since taken steps to ensure that he pays his fair share of tax."

Thought he could pull the same stunt.

Makes sense now, had he joined the ITV, he would have done so as an employee, and not a freelancer with IR35 excuses, which meant more taxes if working at ITV.

Ahhhh got to love the hypocritical Liberal.