It has boiled in Britain after Gary Lineker was taken off the screen before the weekend because of his Twitter message about British refugee policy. The case, which has been nicknamed Twittergate, has led to chaos at the BBC and strong criticism of the Conservative government. And huge headlines in English newspapers. At the weekend, the British broadcaster had to change the broadcast schedule on both radio and TV. Several football programs went on air without presenters and expert commentators, after they sided with Lineker. Among those who resigned from the Match of the Day programs were former big stars such as Alan Shearer and Ian Wright. Lineker also received support from current Premier League players, who said they would not be interviewed by the BBC until Lineker was back. Liverpool’s German manager Jürgen Klopp was also out and thought Lineker should be allowed to say what he wants to say – and gave him his full support. With a heart for refugees Gary Lineker is considered one of the greatest on the football front in the British Isles. The former striker and national team captain has hosted the popular program Match of the Day since the end of the 1990s. He will now be one of the BBC’s highest paid guest presenters. The former footballer was asked yesterday if his TV career was over or if he had come to an agreement with the BBC. – I can’t say anything yet, he replied. British media suggested last night that Gary Lineker will be back on TV this weekend. And according to Sky News, it already happens this weekend. The BBC will also issue an apology to Lineker, writes Sky News on its website. Heart for refugees The chaos started in the middle of last week, after Lineker published a critical message on Twitter. “Good God, this is worse than horrible. This is the most immeasurably vicious policy targeting the most vulnerable of all. I am completely fed up with this,” Lineker wrote. The British government had then put forward a proposal which is intended to prevent refugees and migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Those caught will not only be refused asylum, they will also be refused UK residence permits for life. The purpose of the proposal is to scare those thinking of embarking on the perilous journey away from even attempting, according to Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Lineker is known for his social commitment. He has had refugees live at his home, and has also previously expressed himself critically about British asylum and refugee policy. When Lineker was challenged to elaborate on his Twitter message, he spoke and stood his ground. – There is no large influx of migrants. We accept far fewer refugees than other large countries in Europe, he told The Guardian.
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Gary Lineker back on the TV screen – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
