BBC's Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has received huge support after it was reported that his bosses at the BBC would be having a "frank conversation" with former England striker, following his criticism of the newly announced Illegal Migration Bill from UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Lineker took to Twitter to write: "There is no huge influx. 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".
Braverman then hit back at Lineker, calling him 'irresponsible' for comparing her measures to those used in Nazi Germany.
However, support as flooded in for Lineker, notably from Emily Maitlis - a former BBC journalist, famous for her interview with Prince Andrew - who questioned why the BBC allowed Lineker to voice his concerns about the World Cup in Qatar, but are doing the opposite when he speaks out against his home country.
She wrote: "Curious that @GaryLineker was free to raise questions about Qatar’s human rights record - with the blessing of the bbc - over the World Cup , but cannot raise questions of human rights in this country if it involves criticism of government policy …"
Emily Maitlis Comes Out To Bat For Gary Lineker
Curious that @GaryLineker was free to raise questions about Qatar’s human rights record - with the blessing of the bbc - over the World Cup , but cannot raise questions of human rights in this country if it involves criticism of government policy … https://t.co/wkm60i4hp6
— emily m (@maitlis) March 8, 2023
I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all. 👊🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 8, 2023
Good heavens, this is beyond awful. https://t.co/f0fTgWXBwp
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023
READ HERE: Gary Lineker Reveals Source Of NSFW Prank In BBC Studio
Ex-Wales keeper Neville Southall, a former Everton teammate of Lineker, also shared his support, while Lineker shared his thanks for all those who came out to back him.
"I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all."
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