Former Barcelona and Leicester City player Gary Lineker has spoken out after comments comparing the Government's asylum plans to "1930s Germany" caused controversy.
The Match Of The Day presenter and media personality made the comments on social media where he compared Home Office policy and language to Nazi Germany.
Mr Lineker commented on a video put out by Home Secretary Suella Braverman in which she unveiled plans to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.
In the comment, the presenter said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful."
Good heavens, this is beyond awful. https://t.co/f0fTgWXBwp
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 7, 2023
After some comments from other users, Gary Lineker said: “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?”
BBC to have 'frank conversation' with Gary Lineker after 'Germany in the 30s' comment
This comment was widely condemned by Conservative politicians with the BBC reportedly taking the matter "seriously" with it widely believed the broadcaster would have a "frank conversation" with the 62-year-old.
A BBC source told The Daily Telegraph: “Gary will be spoken to and reminded of his responsibilities on social media.”
A spokesperson for the broadcaster added: “The BBC has social media guidance, which is published.
“Individuals who work for us are aware of their responsibilities relating to social media. We have appropriate internal processes in place if required.”
.@richardm56 asks the Home Secretary if @GaryLineker should be sacked from the BBC.
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 8, 2023
The commentator likened @SuellaBraverman's rhetoric to that of Nazi Germany in the 1930s. pic.twitter.com/5eISiLDCHI
Home Secretary Suella Braverman reacts to Gary Lineker's comments
Home Secretary Suella Braverman commented on Lineker's comments when she appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain (GMB).
She said she was “very disappointed” by his comments.
Adding: “Equating our measures – which are lawful, necessary and fundamentally compassionate – to 1930s Germany is irresponsible and I disagree with that characterisation.”
Asked if Lineker should resign or be sacked, she said: “That’s a matter for the BBC and they will resolve that.”
Gary Lineker has since spoken out about the incident, talking to fans on Twitter.
Gary Lineker opens up to fans after 'small boats' policy clash with Suella Braverman
Gary Lineker asked fans on Twitter: "Morning all. Anything going on?" Before adding: "Great to see the freedom of speech champions out in force this morning demanding silence from those with whom they disagree.
"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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