By Gavin Mackintosh-
Gary Lineker practically stuck two fingers to the BBC’s call for impartiality by standing by his controversial tweet and claiming not to fear BBC suspension over an impartiality row bout a tweet in which he compared the policy to one used by the Nazi’s.
The outspoken presenter also said he was looking forward to presenting match of the day, in a defiant show of confidence that his position was safe because of his power and influence.
Lineker had compared the language the British government used to set refuse asylum to illegal immigrants found in the Uk who has crossed the boarder.
He compared the plans to “that used by Germany in the 30s”.He was reacting to the Uk government’s outlined plans to ban people arriving in the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum, in a bid to address a rise in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.
His comments led to a backclash, given the insensitivity and extremity of his words.
The BBC has the challenge of establishing a credible system of accountability in matters where codes of conduct are said to have been breached.
As a former England star and current television personality, Gary Lineker has many reasons to believe he can act as he pleases, and escape proper accountability. His critics want him proved wrong.
Asked by reporters outside his home whether he stood by his tweet, the Match of the Day host said: “Course”. The television reporter also said he was not afraid of being suspended.
The culture secretary said the presenter’s tweets were “disappointing and inappropriate”.
Lucy Frazer said it was “important for the BBC to retain impartiality if it is to retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”.
The BBC had said on Wednesday it was having a “frank conversation” with Lineker about the BBC’s guidelines on remaining impartial, but Lineka’s most recent tweets and response to reporters suggest that no frank conversation the BBC may have had with him affected his position or changed his mind.
If the BBC feel Lineka’s statement on twitter amounted to impartiality, he has no plans to change anytime soon, according to his responses.
The corporation’s former editorial policy controller Richard Ayre said the presenter had a choice to make over his role at the BBC.
He said Lineker must consider whether to stay or to leave, and “become a social media influencer”.
Lineker has received support from media figures including Piers Morgan and the Sky News commentator Adam Boulton. Piers Morgan lost his Good Morning Britain job on ITV due to making statements without caring about the consequences.
Opposition MPs and charities strongly objected to the proposals by the Uk government, but the PM and home secretary have defended the plan, saying stopping the crossings is a priority for the British people.
Responding to some of the criticism on Wednesday, Lineker defiantly tweeted: “I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no choice.”
His response comes across as the presenter sticking two fingers up to the broadcaster, conveying the idea of invincibility.
The BBC has come under scrutiny in the past over the behaviour of its employees, and their seeming escape of accountability.
The most notable example is that of Martin Bashir, who fraudulently produced bank statements, which he deceptively used to secure a panaorama documentary about the late Princess Diana in 1995.
Lineker, 62, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999 also works for LaLiga TV.
Responding to a question in the Commons Ms Frazer said: “As somebody whose grandmother escaped Nazi Germany in the 1930s I think it’s really disappointing and inappropriate to compare government policy on immigration events to events in Germany in the 1930s.
“The BBC is operationally independent and I’m pleased the BBC will be speaking to Gary Lineker to remind him of his responsibilities in relation to social media.”
Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale said the BBC’s requirement to be politically impartial should cover “all those who are presenters on the BBC” and urged ministers to ensure the mid-term review of the BBC’s charter would “cover enforcement of this rule on freelancers as well as full-time employees”.
Lineka appears to think he is immune from the rules of the BBC.