Gary Lineker has said he is “looking forward” to hosting Match Of The Day on Saturday amid speculation about his future at the BBC. The sports pundit caused a furore after criticising the government's plans to permanently bar asylum seekers who arrive in the UK on unauthorised small boats as "cruel".
Lineker, 62, has faced criticism from members of the Conservative Party after comparing the language used to launch the policy with 1930s Germany. However, support has come from media figures including Piers Morgan and Sky News commentator Adam Boulton.
The Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer described the Match Of The Day presenter’s comments as “disappointing and inappropriate” and said it is important for the BBC to maintain impartiality if it is to “retain the trust of the public who pay the licence fee”. Despite the criticism, Lineker said he stands by his comments, which he made on Twitter, and told reporters outside his home this morning he did not fear suspension from the BCC.
