Jeremy Clarkson issues damning verdict on Gary Lineker's BBC 'rule break' backlash
Jeremy Clarkson declared Gary Lineker's wardrobe choice a "no-no" after the football host presented the Euros wearing a top from Next, a brand he advertises.
Shamir Shah, BBC chairman elect, says Gary Lineker broke rules
Gary Lineker made headlines after wearing his Next menswear range during coverage of England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia last weekend.
In his latest column for The Sun, Jeremy Clarkson joked that he first thought Gary was in trouble simply for "wearing such a garment [a t-shirt] when he is 63 years old”.
"But no. It turns out that the t-shirt in question is sold by Next, a brand that Gary advertises," he continued.
"That’s a no-no at the Beeb, and rightly so. But speaking as a 64-year-old man, I must confess that sometimes I appear on my farm show wearing a Diddly Squat baseball cap."
However, Jeremy clarified that he often does so because he has pressing matters on his Chipping Norton farm, meaning his wardrobe decisions take a back seat.
"It was probably the same with Gary. He just needed some threads, and that t-shirt was better than appearing topless," Jeremy sympathised, highlighting the relatability of the situation.
"That’s how men of our age think, I’m afraid. 'Can you see my genitals?' No. 'Well, I’m dressed then.'"
Gary was seen wearing a light green t-shirt in the build-up to England's match against Serbia before putting on a sage jacket later at night.
Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted that both items appear from his menswear range with Next.
The BBC guidelines, which Gary is alleged to have breached, state: “Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest.”
This rule is in place to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the BBC’s programming.
The 63-year-old broadcaster launched a range with the high-street retailer Next in 2023.
The retailer says the range offers “timeless appeal and classic cuts” and “lightweight jackets, special event suits and easy-to-wear shirts that transcend day to night and work or play with ease.”
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Gary – the BBC’s highest-paid presenter in last year’s annual report – breached the rules during the 2018 World Cup by wearing a TM Lewin shirt on Instagram after becoming the face of the clothing brand.
The BBC said Gary had breached guidelines but said it was “a genuine mistake”. Speaking about the matter to OK! Lineker said, “I’ve always got my clothes, and I’ve always dressed myself on television.
“There’s no wardrobe budget at BBC Sport, so we all dress ourselves.”
Other presenters have been reprimanded for promoting brands. In 2022, the BBC told the presenter and former footballer Alex Scott, a brand ambassador for Reiss, to stop promoting items from the clothing brand while presenting World Cup coverage in Qatar.
