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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Andy Gregory

Ex-sports minister says BBC has made ‘huge mistake’ by forcing Gary Lineker off air

Gary Lineker Chris Smith David Mellor Ben Bradshaw Tim Davie
PA Wire

The BBC has made a “huge mistake” by forcing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker off air, a former sports minister has warned as the row over freedom of speech escalated.

The broadcaster is facing a growing crisis after presenters and pundits staged an extraordinary mutiny in solidarity with Lineker, who was asked to "step back" from Match of the Day over remarks made on Twitter.

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