Richard Keys has accused his football broadcasting rival Gary Lineker of hypocrisy over the BBC presenter’s accommodation in Qatar for the World Cup.
Lineker has been one of the most outspoken critics of Qatar and used the BBC’s introduction to the tournament to highlight the country’s human rights issues and treatment of LGBTQ+ people. The presenter has explained his stance on the World Cup hosts, saying the BBC’s coverage has been influenced by perceived mistakes at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
The 62-year-old has come under fire from sections of the media for his approach, with his previous work for Qatari broadcaster beIN SPORTS called into question. The Mail has now published an article claiming Lineker and the BBC punditry team are staying at a £2,500-a-night apartment in Doha on public money.
