While headlines everywhere but here, focus on a banking tech collapse in America, and the Ukraine war, who could predict British news has been dominated by the suspension of a sports TV commentator this weekend, and the story calls into question the British Governments influence campaign over public broadcaster BBC and a far right campaign against illegal immigration.
What a scandal!
Gary Lineker is a former pro football player, and hosts the BBC’s weekend wrap on soccer games, on a program called Match Of The Day.
But the real match was between Lineker and British Home Secretary Suella Braverman who has championed shutting down illegal immigration to Britain, firing up unfounded fears and distorting the issue for political gain.
Braverman, has championed a campaign against illegals crossing the English Channel in boats, stating 100 million people estimated to be displaced around the world would have the right to seek asylum in Britain.
“Let’s be clear - they are coming here,” she said.
She went even further in an article for the Daily Mail in which she said “billions” of refugees could attempt to come to the UK. By the way Braverman wants to deport illegals to Rwanda later this year which has caused a huge stir.
The notion Britain is drowning in refugees is beyond ridiculous, as the UK only had some 45,000 illegals in 2022.
Regardless, Linkeker caused a fire storm when he tweeted “There is no huge influx. 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, and I’m out of order?”
Lineker was suspended by the BBC for commenting on Government policy and so the controversy went a social meet spat, to a full fledged headline news story as Lineker’s co-hosts all walked out in solidarity with him, and even players refused to be interviewed until Lineker was reinstated.
Was Lineker stating fact or was it commentary?
Is a TV commentator now allowed to comment on politics?
Is commenting on social media, different than making comments on the program your hosting?
The BBC has been turned upside down by the questions, because many think the Government is trying to use political influence on a network funded by mandatory licensing fees paid by the public, but is under increasing pressure not to criticize the ruling Conservative Party.
No one said a word when Lineker spoke out against the World Cup being held in Qatar, and the human rights record of the ruling family. That was political but it was applauded.
And the BBC Chairman who suspended Lineker, has his own issues, as it has come to light Richard Sharp helped former Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrange a loan, just before he was awarded the top broadcasting job.
I personally am not a fan of broadcasters showing their politics, or supporting or opposing policies.
I’m less a fan of networks which lean left or right instead of staying neutral.
But this tweet of Linekers, calls into question so much more, and a great broadcasting platform the BBC is now reflecting on it’s social media policies which no doubt will likely end with the attempt to roll back the voices of high profile hosts.
If that is done in the name of keeping the BBC neutral and fair, I applaud it, but if its really a concealed attempt to muzzle criticism of the Government, which I fear it is, that’s a step backwards for free speech and democracy.
For the moment Lineker has won. The announcement has been made he will return to Match Of The Day this weekend while the BBC management launch a review of social media policies.
Good luck with that! Because Lineker is a commentator paid to have opinion, and by the way a freelancer who is not an employee.
The good news is this Sunday morning I can get caught up on football scores and hear Lineker’s panel of sports opinion.
He may not wade into the water of illegal immigration again or will he? Because while the BBC review is underway Lineker may do as he pleases.
And that may yet sink the British Government’s populist hysterical immigration distraction, away from its horrible handling of the economy and issues that actually matter.
Dana Lewis