Gary Lineker has sparked a massive reaction from viewers at home with his opening monologue to the BBC's World Cup coverage, as the broadcaster 'snubbed' the opening ceremony and decided not to show it.
As soon as it was confirmed that Qatar landed the 2022 tournament, questions were raised over its suitability to host the event and more and more questions have been asked as the opening fixture, involving the host nation and Ecuador loomed, and not just because of the fact that it is happening in the run up to Christmas, rather than summer.
Huge concerns have been raised in regard to the deaths of workers working on building the stadiums for the World Cup, the country's attitudes to women and the fact that homosexuality is still illegal in Qatar and punishable with people facing fines, prison or even the death penalty.
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And Gary, who has anchored the BBC's coverage of major football tournaments, did not shy away from addressing those issues as coverage of Qatar v Ecuador began on BBC One on Sunday afternoon. Looking down the lens, the former Spurs star and England striker said: "Ever since FIFA chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest nation to host football's greatest competition has faced some big questions.
The Match of the Day host continued: "From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who've built the stadiums where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here and women's rights are also in the spotlight. Also the decision to switch the tournament from summer to winter.
He ended his opening gambit by adding: "Against that back drop, there is a tournament to be played here that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football say FIFA, well we will - for a couple of minutes at least."
Gary's monologue sparked a massive reaction online, with many fans praising him, with high profile critics like Piers Morgan condemned both him and the BBC. Well in favour of Gary speaking out, one Twitter user responded: "Well done @GaryLineker these issues need to be aired and discussed, and not swept under the carpet."
However, ex Good Morning Britain presenter Piers, who has locked horns with Gary several times online, blasted: "Outrageously disrespectful to Qatar that the BBC didn’t broadcast the World Cup opening ceremony, and instead put out more virtue-signalling guff about how awful it is.
'If they’re that appalled, they should bring home their vast army of employees & spare us this absurd hypocrisy.'"
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