- Gary Lineker had compared the government’s crackdown on migrants to Nazi Germany
- Frank Warren has slammed the host’s decision to openly criticize the policy
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Boxing promoter Frank Warren has condemned Gary Lineker’s views on immigration in a tirade.
Lineker was banned from Match of the Day for three days after posting a series of anti-Tory tweets on March 7, 2023.
The former England football captain called the government’s crackdown on migrants “immeasurably cruel” and compared it to Nazi Germany, which critics said breached the Beeb’s strict impartiality rules.
Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid star with an income of £1.35 million a year, later returned to his role after colleagues boycotted the flagship show in his honour.
Warren, 72, has now criticized Lineker’s decision to openly criticize the policy, insisting that ‘the floodgates have opened’.
Boxing promoter Frank Warren (pictured) has criticized Gary Lineker’s views on immigration in a tirade
Lineker (pictured) called the government’s crackdown on migrants ‘cruel beyond measure’ and compared it to Nazi Germany last year
The Londoner said in conversation with the Telegraph: ‘I don’t think you should be ashamed of being British.
“But if you’re a white person over fifty, you’re treated like an outsider, like you don’t matter.”
When asked if he feels like an outsider, Warren replied, “Not particularly. I’m lucky. I’m in a business where people want free tickets.
“But I see the problem elsewhere, and I don’t think it’s right.
‘I disagreed with Gary Lineker last year when he posted that tweet about the Conservatives’ asylum policy, saying it was similar to 1930s Germany.
“Seriously, what the fuck are you talking about? Nazi Germany? We let people in and don’t take their property.
‘We are a hospitable country. But we must welcome legal immigrants and let them go through the process.
‘This illegal dimension changes the dynamics around schools, homes and hospitals. It’s totally unacceptable.’
Lineker was suspended for three days from Match of the Day after posting a series of anti-Tory tweets in March 2023, but later returned
Warren, 72, has criticized the host’s decision to publicly criticize the policy
Lineker has been the subject of speculation about his future at the BBC for months
Meanwhile, Lineker was spotted catching a train earlier on Saturday ahead of tonight’s Match of the Day after rumors it would be his final appearance on the BBC’s flagship football show.
Earlier this week, MailOnline revealed how an email was being circulated which appeared to suggest bosses are preparing a statement to be released announcing his departure after 25 years on the show.
The message appears to come from the broadcaster’s sporting director, Alex Kay-Jelski, and includes a statement announcing that the former England striker has withdrawn from presenting the iconic show.
It has not been possible to verify the authenticity of the email and the BBC insists he remains under contract until the end of the season.
When MailOnline contacted the BBC we were told: ‘We have nothing to announce and we have not yet agreed the next steps regarding his contract. He has a contract until the end of the season.’