Gary Lineker, English football legend, suspended by BBC after criticizing British immigration policy – The Liberation

A certain lack of mucus and a storm blows over the “beep”. The BBC announced on Friday it was withdrawing its star presenter Gary Lineker after the former England footballer tweeted a comparison of the government’s language on refugees to Germany in the 1930s. him.

After the Conservative government on Tuesday announced a new bill aimed at stopping migrants from seeking asylum in the UK through the Channel, Gary Lineker, who is very active on Twitter, condemned the social network. “A cruel policy aimed at the most vulnerable is not unlike the one used by Germany over the years. 30″.

The 62-year-old former England striker’s words, followed by nearly 9 million internet users, sparked a lively debate in the context of immigration issues, but also sparked persistent criticism from the British right-wing about the lack of bias aimed at public broadcasting. The BBC said it was going “to chat” With the presenter Game of the dayThe most popular football program broadcast every Saturday since 1964.

On Friday, the audiovisual board said it was considering “Recent Proceedings [de Gary Lineker] Violation of instructions on social networks”. “The BBC has decided that he[GaryLineker}willwithdrawfrompresenting[GaryLineker}allaitseretirerdelaprésentationde[கேரிலைனேக்கர்}வழங்குவதில்இருந்துவிலகப்போவதாகமுடிவுசெய்துள்ளது[GaryLineker}allaitseretirerdelaprésentationdeGame of the day As long as there is a clear agreement with him about his use of social networks.

A storm in the political world

In response, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said he would not be taking part in Saturday’s show, where he usually appears as a pundit. “Everyone knows what that means Game of the day For me, but I told the BBC I wouldn’t be there tomorrow.”He said on Friday. Later, it was Alan Shearer, another legend of English football, who announced that he would not be attending the event this Saturday in favor of Linegar.

On the political side, the Audiovisual Committee’s decision has been condemned by many figures, from the Labor opposition to Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon.“”Indefensible” The BBC’s position. According to her, she puts, “Freedom of expression is at risk in the face of political pressure”.

“The BBC has damaged its own credibility by appearing to bow to government pressure”, said Greg Dyke, former director-general of the BBC. According to him, the duty of impartiality of employees working on political news does not apply to those who present entertainment programs. According to the newspaper Daily Express On Saturday, 36 British Conservative MPs reportedly wrote to the group’s chief executive, Tim Davey, apologizing. “without reservation” of the issuer.

“Mr. Nice”

After the outcry over his tweet, Gary Lineker reiterated that he agreed with his words. He also thanked his supporters on Twitter. “I have never received so much love and support in my life (except maybe my World Cup goals). I want to thank each and every one of you. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless.He specifically wrote.

Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals in an English jersey until his retirement in 1994, hosted the show from 1999. Game of the day on the BBC. Nicknamed “Mr. Nice” throughout his career, he became a star presenter and freely expressed his political views, particularly against Brexit and in favor of welcoming refugees.

The new bill, which aims to end the flow of illegal immigrants through the Channel, has been criticized by the UN and several human rights groups. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has accused London of favoritism “End the Right to Asylum”.