…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Gary Lineker, the host of Match of the Day, accused Richard Madeley, host of Good Morning Britain, of misrepresenting his views during a recent interview.
Lineker, who was temporarily removed from presenting duties by the BBC after tweeting about the UK government’s language on immigration, clarified that he did not compare the government to the Nazis or discuss the Holocaust.
He explained that his intention was to highlight similarities in language used between the present day and the 1930s.
Lineker emphasized the importance of using kinder language and stated that the controversy with the BBC was now resolved.
During the interview, Lineker acknowledged that while he defended Lineker’s right to express his views, Madeley disagreed with his statement.
Madeley raised the question of whether Lineker’s role as a BBC broadcaster, paid by license-fee payers, conflicted with making political statements.
Lineker clarified that he is a freelance presenter and not involved in news and current affairs.
He believed the story was blown out of proportion due to misrepresentation and expressed his satisfaction with the resolution.
Lineker is set to receive a sport and human rights award in Rome, recognizing his advocacy for the rights of refugees and migrants.
In the interview, Lineker also shared his experience of hosting two refugees at his home, describing it as a wonderful experience for his family.
He highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances that lead individuals to leave their homes and emphasized the need for compassion and empathy towards refugees.
Gary Lineker to Receive Sport and Human Rights Award, Opens Up about Hosting Refugees
Gary Lineker, host of Match of the Day, will be honored with a sport and human rights award at a ceremony in Rome.
The award, presented by human rights organization Amnesty International in collaboration with Sport4Society, recognizes Lineker as a staunch advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants.
Lineker expressed his gratitude and highlighted the significance of using his platform to promote what he believes is good.
During an interview, Lineker discussed his experience of hosting two refugees at his home and the positive impact it had, particularly on his children.
He shared how the experience provided them with perspective and appreciation for their own privileges.
Lineker emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances that force individuals to leave their homes due to persecution or conflict.
He expressed support for organizations like Refugees At Home and encouraged kindness, compassion, and empathy towards refugees.
Lineker also addressed the controversy surrounding his temporary removal from presenting duties by the BBC.
He clarified that he did not compare the UK government to the Nazis or discuss the Holocaust.
Rather, he highlighted similarities in language used between the present day and the 1930s.
Lineker stated that the story was blown out of proportion due to misrepresentation and expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
As a freelance presenter, Lineker defended his ability to express his views, noting that he is not involved in news and current affairs.
He downplayed any perceived contradiction between his role as a BBC broadcaster, paid by license-fee payers, and making political statements.
The sport and human rights award celebrates Lineker’s outstanding contributions to human rights in the field of sport and recognizes his dedication to advocating for the rights of refugees and migrants.