Former BBC Correspondent Michael Cole has hit out at the broadcaster, after their top paid presenter came under fire once again for speaking out on political affairs.
Gary Lineker has continued to use his social media platforms to air his political views, despite new guidelines for its employees regarding their social media activity.
In his latest move against the guidelines, Lineker signed an open letter, calling for the Government to scrap its Rwanda scheme.
The letter called on Rishi Sunak’s government to come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
Gary Lineker has come under repeated scrutiny for his politically charged social media posts
PA
Incoming BBC chairman, Samir Shah, confirmed to MPs on the Culture Media and Sport Committee that Gary Lineker’s posts this week “seem to breach” the broadcaster’s new guidelines.
Dr Shah said of the letter: “As far as I am aware, the signing of the letter did not breach those guidelines.”
However Dr Shah said he expects the BBC to deal with the presenter, stating: “The more recent tweet where Mr Lineker identified two politicians does on the face of it seem to breach those particular guidelines.
“I’m not sure how egregious it is but it does. I would imagine the BBC is now looking at that and considering its response.”
Discussing the Match of the Day presenter and the BBC, Michael Cole told GB News the broadcaster needs to “get a grip”.
Cole fumed: “It has adopted a completely craven posture in the face of Mr. Lineker, now and before. Quite clearly, he has transcended the guidelines by making personal attacks on MPs.
“And it’s more than that. He is the highest paid person at the BBC, on the screen or anywhere else, and that comes with it a responsibility to act in a way that does not compromise the BBC’s political neutrality because without that it’s reasons for being cease to exist.”
Cole continued: “It’s quite abject the way the BBC has behaved in this situation. They should take action. They made Gary Lineker.
“He was a loquacious footballer, they made him into a star. In the old days when Roger was there, they used to make stars.”
Michael Cole said the BBC needs to ‘get a grip’ of Gary Lineker
GB News
British TV presenter and producer Roger Bolton hit back at Cole’s comments, arguing: “Gary Lineker made himself a star.
“He’s been the most wonderful footballer who could score the most fabulous goals and also is a excellent presenter, and he does work for other channels.
“There’s a real principle here, which is the collision of principles, isn’t there? There’s the freedom of speech, the right to freedom of speech, which you champion properly on your program. And then there’s the obligation of the BBC to be impartial and the different.
“There’s no difficulty with news and current affairs. The rules are very clear. You don’t comment, if you do in this way you’re out. That’s the way it should be.”
