After the controversial decision by the BBC to suspend the ever-popular Match of the day presenter Gary Lineker following comments made on Twitter during the week, many people in football have come forward and refused their BBC duties in solidarity with Lineker, including Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton, as shown by Bristol News.
There will be no interview from Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton following the decision taken this morning to refuse any media coverage by the BBC.
In response to this a tweet read, “We won’t be talking to the BBC before or after today’s game.” with the tweet ending with #WeStandWithGary.
The sheer support coming from the footballing world has seemingly been appreciated by Lineker, who took it upon himself to write, “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy that this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating. Thanks again for all your incredible support. It’s been overwhelming.” as referenced on Lineker’s Twitter
After expressing his opinion, he compared language used by the Conservative Party with that used during 1930’s Germany and after the backlash he received by the Government. The BBC, who are designed to be an impartial broadcaster, announced that Lineker would step back from his role as lead on Match of the Day until he comes to an agreement on his use of social media. After the announcement was made, fellow presenters Ian Wright and Alan Shearer also took to social media to express their decision to not take their place on the panel. Alex Scott, Micah Richards and the BBCs commentary team all confirmed they would not take part in the upcoming show. This has lead the BBC to cancel Football focus and broadcast match of the day with no punditry or analysis.
One of the next to announce their decision to support the former England striker was Bristol Rovers manager, Joey Barton. The club are contractually bound to speak to broadcasters after the game but have confirmed they will not be doing so in this instance.
Rovers are on the road today as they head down to Gloucestershire to face Duncan Ferguson’s Forest Green Rovers for a 3PM kick-off.
Writers View
Joey Barton has shown incredible passion and gratitude towards Lineker, who’s being punished for calling out what he believes. The clear ineptitude of the BBC to punish one of the most popular figures in the presenting game has been called out by various people, so anyone who’s used this time to stand by Lineker is a true hero.
Editor’s Note
I don’t often feel the need to add one of these when editing a piece but this is something I feel strongly about. The shear hypocrisy for the BBC to claim impartiality when it suits them and turn a blind eye when it doesn’t needs calling out. This is bigger than just Gary Lineker.
This isn’t the end of the story and the BBC must be panicking right now.
