Gary Lineker's reaction caught up in BBC impartiality row
The BBC is facing a row over impartiality after the corporation's most prominent presenter, Gary Lineker, sparked a backlash with a tweet about the government's asylum policy.
The former England footballer, who presents the flagship BBC One programme Match of the Day, said the government's plans to deport asylum seekers who crossed the Channel into the UK were "not far removed from the policy pursued by Nazi Germany".
Lineker's tweet sparked a furious response from the government and Conservative MPs, with many calling for him to be sacked from the BBC.
The BBC has since clarified its impartiality guidelines, saying that Lineker's tweet was a "personal view" and did not reflect the corporation's editorial stance.
However, the row has raised questions about the BBC's ability to maintain impartiality in the face of growing pressure from politicians and the public.
In a statement, the BBC said: "Gary Lineker has been given a clear directive by the BBC that he should be impartial, but he has also been told he can express his personal views.
"However, if his personal views are perceived to be in conflict with the corporation's editorial stance, then he must avoid expressing them in a way that could be seen as promoting a particular point of view."
Lineker has since deleted his tweet, saying he was "sorry" for any offence caused.
Author's summary: The BBC's impartiality row highlights the challenges faced by public service broadcasters in maintaining neutrality in a highly politicized environment.
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GB News — 2025-11-25