Gary Lineker's career at the BBC is on the brink today, after the Match of the Day host refused to backdown from his controversial comments on Rishi Sunak’s new illegal immigration policy.
There has been mounting pressure on the former England footballer after he compared the Government’s new proposed approach on Channel migrants to 1930s Germany.
He has been accused on breaking impartiality rules with his outspoken views on social media.
The comments sparked outrage across the UK, with notable celebrities and politicians hounding the football pundit.
Gary Lineker said he stood by his criticism of the Government.
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However, in the face of the backlash he has refused to back down and continued to antagonise those who disagree with him.
Speaking to reporters outside his London home this morning, Lineker said he stands by his comments and does not fear suspension from the BBC.
He also shared a tweet which read: “Gary Lineker is entitled to say what he likes, he’s not a political reporter. Just like the frequently voiced views of BBC actors.”
Elsewhere, he appeared to poke fun at those lambasting him for sharing his opinion, tweeting on Wednesday morning: “Morning all. Anything going on?”
He followed the tweet up by addressing those who have shown him support: “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.
Gary Lineker receives £1.35million a year from the BBC.
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“I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all.”
Insiders have said his stubbornness and refusal to back down has “fanned the flames” further.
BBC director-general, Tim Davie, has previously warned staff over their use of social media when he took on the role in 2020.
Staff were told they need to follow editorial guidelines and editorial oversight in the same way as when making BBC content.
On Wednesday, Davie told the BBC he had not spoken to Lineker, before being asked about how many “strikes” he has had on impartiality and social media.
Davie said: “I wouldn’t talk specifically about individuals; I don’t think it’s right. I think the BBC absolutely puts the highest value on impartiality and that’s clearly important to us.”
Lineker is not a permanent member of staff at the BBC and instead freelances for the corporation.
In his original tweet, he said the Government's policy to deal with illegal immigration and the language used "is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s".
Gary Lineker has said he is not worried about losing his job at the BBC.
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Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster on GB News Breakfast yesterday : “I’m disappointed about Gary Lineker’s attempt to somehow equate my Bill with 1930s Germany.
“I don’t think that comparison was fair or appropriate.
“What I believe is that I’ve won the moral argument already. I believe this is what the British people want.”