Gary Lineker is still in touch with two refugees he took in, his son George has revealed.
Gary was told by the BBC to step back from hosting the Saturday edition of Match of the Day in a row over impartiality, prompting other pundits to withdraw from sports coverage, leaving the corporation in chaos.
The ex-striker was hauled to task over a tweet in which he compared language around the Government's small boats programme to that used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Son George, 31, has now said in an exclusive interview with the Mirror he was proud of his dad for standing by his word, and that Gary was "pulled off the show" because he wouldn't apologise".
He went on: "But he will always speak up for people who don't have a voice.
"He is passionate about helping refugee charities - he took in two refugees who he is still in touch with and trying to help.
"It means a lot to him to stand up for people whose only hope is to escape a country with only the clothes on their back. That's why he's been so firm."
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror in September 2020, after welcoming a student from Pakistan, Lineker insisted he's got no apprehensions with welcoming refugees into his home.
The Mirror has launched a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated at the BBC and as the host of Match of the Day. Sign it here.
When asked, he replied: "Not at all. I have had so much connection with refugees over the last couple of years.
"I'm sure it will be fine. I have been thinking of doing something like that for a while.
"My kids are all grown up so I’ve got plenty of room so if I can help on a temporary basis then I’m more than happy to do so. Why not?
"I’m used to young men in my house, I have four lads in their 20s and believe you me I’m sure they will behave better than my lot do. Bloody messy b*****s boys, aren’t they?"
Lineker started campaigning for refugees following the appalling loss of Syrian boy Alan Kurdi, who drowned off the coast of Greece in 2015.
In November 2021, the England legend welcomed a second refugee into his home.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson apologised for the disruption to sports coverage this evening.
They said: "The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that.
"We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans.
"We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon."
