Gary Lineker

[Rowls]

I don't have a problem with you Rowls

Being polite does not mean your point has any merit, and again, you are not remotely interested in the actual reason that Lineker tweeted, or even what he tweeted

You don't think there's even a smidgeon of risk to BBC impartiality when one of it's flagship presenters is essentially a high profile political commentator?

Before social media came along, none of us (bar those who either know him or were within the same social sphere) would have the foggiest about Gary Lineker's political opinions.

The world has changed. The BBC needs to change too.

[Nori1958]

He's setting himself up for another go at BLM here isn't he?

3-2-1......

Lancaster doing his best to get another thread closed, by raising a topic that wasn't even being discussed

[IanMcL]

The BBC are really milking the story and keep repeating the anti Gary comments.

We live in a tory fascist dictatorship.

[Falcon]

You don't think there's even a smidgeon of risk to BBC impartiality when one of it's flagship presenters is essentially a high profile political commentator?

Before social media came along, none of us (bar those who either know him or were within the same social sphere) would have the foggiest about Gary Lineker's political opinions.

The world has changed. The BBC needs to change too.

What's your solution, tell him not to post politics on Twitter, or sack him?

Or is it just because you don't like what he says and want him to shut up...

[Lancasterclaret]

You don't think there's even a smidgeon of risk to BBC impartiality when one of it's flagship presenters is essentially a high profile political commentator?

Before social media came along, none of us (bar those who either know him or were within the same social sphere) would have the foggiest about Gary Lineker's political opinions.

The world has changed. The BBC needs to change too.

But you are not remotely bothered by Robbie Gibb or Richard Sharp

The Hypocrisy is staggering

[BurnleyFC]

A 5m quid bill from HMRC will hopefully shut old jug ears up for a bit.

[martin_p]

Please don't be flippant.

Left wing bias at the BBC is well known and it would be difficult to argue against it. The BBC, for example, advertised solely in the Guardian for staff.

The BBC DG has admitted the problem himself.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/1 ... roupthink/

If you support the BBC and want it to continue then you ought to support contiued efforts to present itself impartially on all levels.

Well if you appoint a DG who’s a friend of the party with the sole intention of rooting out lefty bias it’s hardly a surprise when he finds lefty bias is it. Lefty bias isn’t a perception shared by a lot of people outside your bubble.

[Falcon]

All my 'leftie' mates think the BBC has a right-wing bias and is just a mouthpiece of the government.

Weird how it works really isn't it... almost is if both sides see the worst in it... almost as if despite everything it does try to be impartial...

[Big Vinny K]

1. I don't know. Probably, I'm assuming this is rhetorical but I didn't see it so I can't say 100% for sure. Leading with the Rashford story does not bring any impartiality into question. I don't think anybody raised this issue, at the time or afterwards.
2. No.

Now it's your turn to answer the question, "Why do you think I chose the footballers I did as examples?"

In some spurious way of trying to prove your point that the BBC were giving Lineker a platform ?

Ignoring the points completely that he has millions of followers on a different platform and has never expressed his political views on the BBC platform.

How can the Rashford example be anything other than the BBC giving a footballer a platform to express his political views ? Forget the cause for a minute but they allowed him to and indeed promoted him to get the government to change policy. BBC breakfast arguably did more to change this government policy than Rashford did.

I was absolutely fine and in fact delighted with what the BBC did for Rashford.
How can you fine with what the BBC overtly did with Rashford but not with Lineker ?

That last one’s a rhetorical question - we all know why you are fine with one of the subject matters and not the other.

[Exeterclaret]

Good luck to him in his tax avoision battle with the HMRC, I think he'll need it.

As for his political opinions; he's perfectly entitled to them.

The problem isn't Gary Lineker. He's a decent chap by all accounts.

The problem is BBC rules not being strong enough to effectively enforce it's commitment to impartiality. The rules regarding political / news / current affairs are strong but these days when every Tom, Dick and Rowls is some kind of part-time political commentator, then the rules are no longer suitable and need updating. The BBC give him a platform and he uses the platform to make political statements.

The BBC need stronger rules to maintain their commitment to impartiality.

They also need to look again at their commitment to diversity. They do a good job on gender, race & ethnicity, sexuality etc but there is apparently close to zero diversity of poltical opinion among BBC staff. It is, to co-opt a phrase from a previous Director General, "hideously lefty". Everybody is entitled to their personal politics but the monoculture within the BBC leads to echo chambers and the labelling of mainstream opinions as minority views.

I assume you said the same when the BBC employed Andrew Neil?

[martin_p]

Anyway, the good news is that the BBC have confirmed they won’t be taking action over the Linekar tweets.

[1882Clarets1882]

It's being reported the BBC won't be taking any action over Linekers controversial remarks.

For Saint Gary - Kerching ££££££££ !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Greenmile]

Like that has every stopped you!

F**k off with the "Oh, I'm a reasonable man and perfectly happy to here different positions"

You'll get your a**e handed to you on a plate by people who know about stuff like this (as always) and you'll go down a route to guarantee the thread is pulled

To be honest, the fact that you and Wrongo are concentrating on this, rather than the inhuman policy he commented on tells me all I need to know

I’m not generally a fan of quoting posts just to agree with them - that’s what the like button is for, imo - but this one was so “nail on head” that I couldn’t help myself.

[1882Clarets1882]

Lancaster doing his best to get another thread closed, by raising a topic that wasn't even being discussed

This.

[1882Clarets1882]

I note the usual suspects seem to have been triggered , for the usual reasons as per usual.

[Rowls]

What's your solution, tell him not to post politics on Twitter, or sack him?

Or is it just because you don't like what he says and want him to shut up...

I think the BBC needs to make wholesale changes to how it remains impartial.

It needs to ensure it hires people with varied political opinions. It needs to make sure that the entirety of its output it much more tightly governed in terms of impartiality. It does a good job in it's political and news output (most of the time) but in other areas it is sadly lacking.

If I were running the BBC I'd say that he is such a high profile employee (or contractor, if that's the word) that he needs to moderate his social media output. His comments about the government plans to stop small boats illegally bringing immigrants into the country were definitely an overstep into.

Lineker needs an ultimatum as it isn't the first time he has brought scrutiny onto the BBC - either give up your position or stop making such controversial political statements in public.

[Falcon]

I note the usual suspects seem to have been triggered , for the usual reasons as per usual.

Projecting much?

[Greenmile]

I note the usual suspects seem to have been triggered , for the usual reasons as per usual.

You started this thread because you were so “triggered” by Lineker exercising his free speech, Ringo.

[Rowls]

I assume you said the same when the BBC employed Andrew Neil?

As a political journalist, Andrew Neil had to abide by the system of impartiality that I've praised several times on this thread alone.

[Falcon]

Anyway, the good news is that the BBC have confirmed they won’t be taking action over the Linekar tweets.

Common sense prevails.

Keep it up Gary.

[MrTopTier]

I note the usual suspects seem to have been triggered , for the usual reasons as per usual.

Note that the OP was triggered enough to post in the first place. A day after the event.

[martin_p]

I think the BBC needs to make wholesale changes to how it remains impartial.

It needs to ensure it hires people with varied political opinions. It needs to make sure that the entirety of its output it much more tightly governed in terms of impartiality. It does a good job in it's political and news output (most of the time) but in other areas it is sadly lacking.

What other areas?

[1882Clarets1882]

Note that the OP was triggered enough to post in the first place. A day after the event.

How is simply starting a thread about a sports presenter and former England International who's in the headlines on a footy message board "being triggered?" I thought that's what this forum was for . Call me old fashioned

A day after the event ? It's still headline news today mate! Lol

[Lancasterclaret]

As a political journalist, Andrew Neil had to abide by the system of impartiality that I've praised several times on this thread alone.

I think Andrew Neil is a fantastic interviewer, but the idea that he abided by the system of impartiality will have me LOLOLOLOLing for weeks

[martin_p]

As a political journalist, Andrew Neil had to abide by the system of impartiality that I've praised several times on this thread alone.

Yes, but your point was that the BBC didn’t have enough diversity of political views (because you somehow know the political views of all BBC employees). There’s been lots of prominent right wing staff at the BBC, Neil being just one example.

[Billy Balfour]

Entrenched positions on both sides and not one single mind will be changed before the thread is locked. You'd have better luck nailing jelly to a wall - and probably more fun too.

[Rowls]

What other areas?

Recruitment
Drama
Entertainment
Comedy
Radio...

These areas don't need the same level of introspection as the political output but literally every single aspect of the BBC should be made to consider impartiality at every level of decision making.

[jrgbfc]

You can guarantee the Tories will be absolutely loving this. These stupid little culture wars are all they have left. I'm sure the Daily Mail and Telegraph are all over it as well.

[BurnleyPaul]

The highest paid on screen talent that the BBC has under contract displays his own political opinions…hardly news; he’s been doing it for several years now.

Even though he is a ‘freelancer’ though and not technically a BBC employee Gary Lineker is in an invidious situation because, rightly or wrongly, perceived as the “face” of sport on the BBC and the BBC is a public service broadcaster which expects public IMPARTIALITY from its employees and is paid for by taxation from the general public.

Gary Lineker is playing with fire here…some of his earlier political statements on Twitter have been close to the bone; on this occasion he might have gone too far in likening a democratically elected government policy to the actions of the Nazi regime in 1930s Germany- he certainly has in the opinion of the ex-BBC employee who wrote their current rules on social media conduct/impartiality a few years ago.

Either the BBC grows a backbone and actually forces Gary Lineker to come off social media / not make ANY political comments at all (and actually take action if he does…unlike the 3-4 occasions at least where he’s been “spoken to” by senior BBC management) OR Gary Lineker ends his work with the BBC and moves to another broadcaster where he will be able to get away with speaking his mind without there being the risk of serious consequences for his employer.

I wonder which will happen? A sacking for repeated violations of the same offence (gross misconduct perhaps? I’m not legally trained so have no idea about employment law) or Gary Lineker walking away from a £1.3m (approx.) p.a. contract…

[ralph8]

It’s all about trying to shut him up as some people don’t like his views and his access to a wide audience on Twitter. If you don’t want to see or hear his views- keep off his Twitter or don’t read articles in crap newspapers such as the Mail.

Just who was the waste of space wheeled out on Good Morning Britain this morning - up against Terry Christian advocating Free speech then wanting Lineker sacked for having an opinion.
She was absolutely clueless.I did not agree with anything she had to say but she does have a right to her opinion.
She probably did better for the Lineker argument.

[brexit]

No surprise that the usual suspects what to shut down free speech in the media. They troll anyone on here that challenges their entrenched views.Namely

• Dyche is god
  tories are evil
  corbyn was framed

[Big Vinny K]

I think the BBC needs to make wholesale changes to how it remains impartial.

It needs to ensure it hires people with varied political opinions. It needs to make sure that the entirety of its output it much more tightly governed in terms of impartiality. It does a good job in it's political and news output (most of the time) but in other areas it is sadly lacking.

If I were running the BBC I'd say that he is such a high profile employee (or contractor, if that's the word) that he needs to moderate his social media output. His comments about the government plans to stop small boats illegally bringing immigrants into the country were definitely an overstep into.

Lineker needs an ultimatum as it isn't the first time he has brought scrutiny onto the BBC - either give up your position or stop making such controversial political statements in public.

Surely Sally Nugent needs to be sacked first though Rowls ?

Sally ticks your box of being one of the main headline presenters on the BBC. Actually the programme she hosts gets far more viewing figures than MOTD.

Sally led the campaign over a period of many months to get the government to change an existing policy.

Sally directly questioned government ministers about the policy and openly said it was wrong with millions of viewers watching on the actual BBC platform (not an alternative platform in her own time)

Surely you are calling for Socialist Sally to be sacked with immediate effect ?

[Lancasterclaret]

https://twitter.com/Exploding_Heads/sta ... 7173239810

Colin from Portsmouth is 100% based on Wrongo from UTC

[1882Clarets1882]

Anyway, I believe in free speach and Gary's right to prove himself to be completely out of touch with the majority British people and look a proper prat !!

Evertime he chirps up it means more people cancelling their direct debits !! Lol

Keep up the good work Gaz !!

[IanMcL]

It is just the Gov deflecting from the inept illegal Bill about migrant refugees, seeking a new life and their waste of space, EvilBraverman.

[martin_p]

Recruitment
Drama
Entertainment
Comedy
Radio...

These areas don't need the same level of introspection as the political output but literally every single aspect of the BBC should be made to consider impartiality at every level of decision making.

Give some examples because I think that’s rubbish (other than comedy but that’s the nature of the beast, it’s the people in power that get it in the neck most, that’s been the case forever).

[Chobulous]

I’ve got to say that Gary Lineker should be entitled to express his opinions, regardless of what they are, and they should then be open to challenge. I’m definitely in the Terry Christian camp on this. Some comments on this thread though

I did wonder how long it would take Wrongo to not react to this

He'll have been foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog for the past 24 hours

As usual, one of the first with the ad hominem. “Come on lads let’s all wade in to the site scapegoat”

You mean you only care about the free speech of people you agree with.

That’s fair enough - at least you’re being honest about it.

Or to flip it on its head funny how cancel culture becomes unacceptable when it’s one of your own.

[HahaYeah]

Gary Lineker is a crazed liberal nutcase who will be at the BBC for years to come.

[Falcon]

All the bootlickers piling in now

[Nori1958]

It is just the Gov deflecting from the inept illegal Bill about migrant refugees, seeking a new life and their waste of space, EvilBraverman.

It's only about illegal refugees....

[Lancasterclaret]

I’ve got to say that Gary Lineker should be entitled to express his opinions, regardless of what they are, and they should then be open to challenge. I’m definitely in the Terry Christian camp on this. Some comments on this thread though



As usual, one of the first with the ad hominem. “Come on lads let’s all wade in to the site scapegoat”


Or to flip it on its head funny how cancel culture becomes unacceptable when it’s one of your own.

Fair point, but he's not the site scapegoat, he's someone who regularly attacks me for not living in Burnley, despite me watching and supporting the clarets (ie actually turning up) for almost 40 years

[Greenmile]

I’ve got to say that Gary Lineker should be entitled to express his opinions, regardless of what they are, and they should then be open to challenge. I’m definitely in the Terry Christian camp on this. Some comments on this thread though



As usual, one of the first with the ad hominem. “Come on lads let’s all wade in to the site scapegoat”


Or to flip it on its head funny how cancel culture becomes unacceptable when it’s one of your own.

When have I ever claimed cancel culture was acceptable? When I have I ever called for someone to lose their job because they exercised their right to free speech?

[1882Clarets1882]

I’ve got to say that Gary Lineker should be entitled to express his opinions, regardless of what they are, and they should then be open to challenge. I’m definitely in the Terry Christian camp on this. Some comments on this thread though



As usual, one of the first with the ad hominem. “Come on lads let’s all wade in to the site scapegoat”


Or to flip it on its head funny how cancel culture becomes unacceptable when it’s one of your own.

Head hit firmly on nail . Rearrange at your leisure.

[martin_p]

Anyway, I believe in free speach and Gary's right to prove himself to be completely out of touch with the majority British people and look a proper prat !!

Evertime he chirps up it means more people cancelling their direct debits !! Lol

Keep up the good work Gaz !!

Opinion polls show that the majority don’t see illegal immigration as a major issue the government should be focussing on.

[Rowls]

Surely Sally Nugent needs to be sacked first though Rowls ?

Sally ticks your box of being one of the main headline presenters on the BBC. Actually the programme she hosts gets far more viewing figures than MOTD.

Sally led the campaign over a period of many months to get the government to change an existing policy.

Sally directly questioned government ministers about the policy and openly said it was wrong with millions of viewers watching on the actual BBC platform (not an alternative platform in her own time)

Surely you are calling for Socialist Sally to be sacked with immediate effect ?

You seem to have missed it but I already answered this question for you Big Vinny K.

[martin_p]

I’ve got to say that Gary Lineker should be entitled to express his opinions, regardless of what they are, and they should then be open to challenge. I’m definitely in the Terry Christian camp on this. Some comments on this thread though



As usual, one of the first with the ad hominem. “Come on lads let’s all wade in to the site scapegoat”


Or to flip it on its head funny how cancel culture becomes unacceptable when it’s one of your own.

Who’s cancelling anything? Examples would be nice.

[MrTopTier]

How is simply starting a thread about a sports presenter and former England International who's in the headlines on a footy message board "being triggered?" I thought that's what this forum was for . Call me old fashioned

A day after the event ? It's still headline news today mate! Lol

So why not start a thread about say Jake Humphrey who came out and said very similar to Lineker on Twitter.

FYI I am not your mate.

[IanMcL]

It's only about illegal refugees....

No one is illegal until they have been processed.

After that, 80% will prove (from current statistics) to be legitimate refugees.

The Government is unable to repatriate the other 20%, so all pointless. Just a political stunt....the new Brexshit to try and galvanise some sort of tory vote at an election they are currently likely to be decimated. Hate counts.

[1882Clarets1882]

Opinion polls show that the majority don’t see illegal immigration as a major issue the government should be focussing on.

Never said they did.

[bpgburn]

Fair point, but he's not the site scapegoat, he's someone who regularly attacks me for not living in Burnley, despite me watching and supporting the clarets (ie actually turning up) for almost 40 years

Isn't that something so trivial that you could and maybe should be big enough to just ignore?