Any hopes in No. 10 that Rishi Sunak’s French charm offensive with Emmanuel Macron would dominate the weekend papers were dashed when the BBC announced on Friday that Gary Lineker had been asked to ‘step back’ from presenting Match of the Day. This decision came after a tweet by Lineker where he compared the language used by the government with regards to its new Illegal Migration Bill – to stop those who arrive illegally claiming asylum – to the language ‘used by Germany in the 30s’. The BBC initially suggested there would be no disciplinary action but changed tack following further comments from the presenter on the issue.
Since that announcement, the BBC has faced a series of setbacks over its sports coverage. Lineker’s Match of the Day colleagues refused to appear on the show, leading the BBC to scrap the usual commentary. Other football shows have also been cancelled as more BBC sports journalists have refused to play ball.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in