Lineker also mouths off about inviting a refugee into his home. Turns out its his second home that he never stays in.

More virtue signalling.

Comparing the UK wit Nazi Germany is a disgrace and saying that other countries take far more than we do.

Again, turns out to be incorrect.

Except that Michael Vaughn has been sacked by the BBC for allegation of racism which he denies when he worked for Yorkshire Cricket Club and nothing to do with the BBC. It's because they feel he is a liability something that Lineker now is.

As I have said in previous posts this is about reputational damage if Lineker is allowed free reign then others will follow and the left might no like what they have to say.

Lineker has been in trouble before, we don't know what warnings he was given if any but he is damaging the BBC's reputation for impartiality.

I have a suggestion the BBC should give him his own politics show where he can mouth off to his hearts content as long as there is equal representation for the alternate view point, episode 1 him versus the Home Secretary on immigration.

Then if anybody wants to watch good luck to them I wont be.

Edited by Badger11 (11 Mar 2023 11.51am)

One more point

[Link]

For all those that are talking about the free speech issue, I agree. However did Lineker speak out and condemn those that issued death threats to JK Rowling, for expressing certain views? Did any of the other pundits? Shearer is probably the biggest hypocrite of them all, supporting free speech and those with no voice, how is this working in Saudi Alan? Did you witness this in Qatar?
Personally I think MOTD should be cancelled completely, saving millions in tax payers money. It is outdated and needed a complete overhaul. I am sure ITV or Channel 4 would pick it up.
Is it really a flagship show? Is Linekar really the face of the BBC? If so I want my money back

BBC and others all show bias on their news coverage.

I'm not really interested in football commentators opinions on anything outside football. That's not what they're paid to do.

In any event, most of the UK population doesn't endorse Lineker's view on small boats, that is a big reason for Brexit.

Loads of other commentary/radio staff doing 'virtue signalling' by pulling out of sports shows.
It was cheap-5hlt broadcasting in any event.

Fcuk the BBC and their licence fee.

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

Except this isn't actually true.

This is from the BBC website, so is likely to be accurate:-

""It is always regrettable when commentary on matters off the field take the focus away from what's happening on the field. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have taken the decision to step back from my work for the BBC for the time being," Vaughan said in a statement.

"The key driver for this is my concern for the wellbeing of my family members and my wish to protect their family life. Stepping back temporarily is also in the interests of the game and I hope that it will minimise any difficulties for my work colleagues."

In a statement, the BBC said: "Following conversations with Michael Vaughan we've accepted his decision to step away from our cricket coverage. This is a decision we respect and understand. Michael remains under contract to the BBC.""

This will all turn on whether the requirement for staff to be impartial is universal, or restricted only to their area of speciality. I didn't care when Jimmy Hill made offensive, right-wing political, and often racist, remarks off-air. I cared when he promoted Coventry City above Palace. I am much more offended by Lineker's unapologetic support for Leicester on MOTD, than I am that he dislikes government policy on immigration in his own time.

This is not only a big test for the BBC, but also for Sunak. Will he resist the push from the right to trample on the BBC or stand up for their right to govern themselves?

It will be both interesting and instructive.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.