Gary Lineker slams critics as he laughs off row over 'Nazi Germany' comments
Gary Lineker has poked fun at the furore surrounding his comments on the government's controversial new Illegal Migration Bill - as well as issued a stern response.
The Match of the Day presenter described the bill as "beyond awful" after it was unveiled by home secretary Suella Braverman on Tuesday. The BBC, who remain impartial on political matters, are set to hold talks with Lineker over his social media "responsibilities".
Yet Lineker, who has thanked fans, made light of the situation on Wednesday morning. "Morning all," tweeted the legendary footballer. "Anything going on?"
Lineker, who has presented the BBC's flagship football show for more than two decades, also hit back at his critics. He added, "Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree."
Braverman announced the Illegal Migration Bill on Tuesday. The legislation is highly controversial, as the government wants to detain migrants who enter the country via illegal routes without bail or judicial review before being deported and blocked from returning.
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The bill has been heavily criticised since its announcement. "Good heavens, this is beyond awful," tweeted Lineker in response to a video published by the Home Office.
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Lineker added: "There is no huge influx [of refugees]. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s."
Lineker was referring to the language used by the Nazis in Germany during that period. The BBC have confirmed they will have a "frank conversation" with Lineker about his "responsibilities" - as Braverman responded to the iconic forward on Wednesday morning.
"I'm disappointed, obviously," Braverman told BBC Breakfast. "I think it's unhelpful to compare our measures, which are lawful, proportionate and - indeed - compassionate, to 1930s Germany. I also think that we are on the side of the British people here."
Braverman also appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morning. Asked whether Lineker should resign or be sacked, Braverman said, "That's a matter for the BBC and they will resolve that."
Lineker is not afraid to voice his opinion social and political matters. He has also received a lot of support on social media for being brave enough to criticise the government's questionable bill. More than 53,000 people liked his initial tweet in response to the news.
Everton legend Peter Reid is among those to show their support to Lineker on Wednesday morning, as more than 12,500 people have already liked his "freedom of speech" tweet. "Go Ed lad," wrote Reid, an expression which is used to show support in Liverpool.
Lineker thanked his followers on Wednesday morning. He tweeted, "I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all."
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