Gary Lineker CONDEMNED by BBC colleague over Brexit outbursts - ‘Keep it to yourself!’
GARY Lineker has been slammed by his BBC colleague Jonathan Agnew for his regular outbursts about Brexit on social media.
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The ex-cricketer-turned-commentator told the Match Of The Day host to “keep his views to himself” in a tweet posted yesterday. Mr Lineker, 58, who won 80 England caps during his eight-year-international career, regularly voices his political views on social media and has previously been heavily critical about Brexit. But Mr Agnew told the ex-striker to comply with BBC guidelines which state that the broadcaster’s staff remain impartial on TV, radio, and in external activities.
He tweeted: “Gary. You are the face of BBC Sport. Please observe BBC editorial guidelines and keep your political views, whatever they are and whatever the subject, to yourself.
“I’d be sacked if I followed your example. Thanks.”
He then tweeted a link to the editorial guidelines which say: “The external activities of staff, presenters and others who contribute to our output can also affect the BBC's reputation for impartiality.”
Mr Lineker tweeted his response, writing: "Jonathan, I'm the face of my own Twitter account. I'll continue to tweet when I like and if folk disagree with me then so be it.
"Thank you so much for your concern, which, I imagine, wouldn't be a concern at all if you agreed with me."
Although he tweeted a thumbs up to Mr Lineker's tweet, Mr Agnew went on to hint at his frustration at the guidelines, tweeting his agreement with a follower who suggested he cannot “exercise the same freedom” as Lineker, despite also being a freelance.
But the two ex-sportsmen were widely applauded by fans for the polite nature of their Twitter exchange with Mr Agnew posting a thumbs up in response to the ex-footballer.
He also acknowledged fan reaction to his comments, writing: “Ok. View is overwhelmingly keep going Gary! You can stop the aggro now… @Gary Lineker."
The former fast bowler then posted a photograph of a car covered with bird poo with the caption: “Has @GaryLineker found my car…”
It comes after Mr Lineker hit out at his old England teammate Peter Shilton over his views on Jacob Rees-Mogg and Brexit.
The Match Of The Day host, who roomed with the legendary goalkeeper when they played together for England, was unhappy at his tweet supporting arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg.
Mr Shilton wrote earlier this week: “Have been so impressed with @Jacob_Rees_Mogg @Conservatives @itvnews with interviews in the last few days. He really knows what he is talking about and puts it across in a calm and calculated manner.”
Mr Lineker responded: “What’s that old saying? You should never see a tweet from your heroes?”