Colleagues had repeatedly asked why the BBC’s highest-paid presenter was repeatedly able to ride roughshod over the corporation’s impartiality rules, with apparent impunity.
Yet instead of having care for the BBC’s wider reputation, Lineker moved on from making often pointed asides on Brexit to sharing highly partisan posts criticising Israel, an obviously inflammatory topic.
It followed the publication of a review of the BBC’s workplace culture which found that “untouchable” star names had been allowed to get away with shocking behaviour because managers turned a blind eye.
Presenters must recognise the “crucial role they play as ambassadors for the BBC”.
The Match of the Day presenter team in 2007. Left to right: Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson (Photo: BBC)
When Davie told a media conference that Lineker’s latest mistake had damaged the BBC’s reputation and said all staff must abide by the rules, the writing was on the wall.
Lineker has always maintained that his political posts are within the BBC’s rules.
In remarks foreshadowing Lineker’s expected exit, Shah said the “psychodrama” surrounding the presenter needed to come to an end. “It doesn’t help anyone and it does damage to the reputation of BBC,” he said.
Contract ripped up
A year-long extension taking Lineker through to next summer’s World Cup, awarded after stepping down from his Match of the Day role after 26 years, is being ripped up, The i Paper understands.
It is thought that both parties agreed in discussions last week that Lineker should continue to present Saturday’s FA Cup final and be allowed to bow out by fronting the final Match of the Day next weekend. He is not expected to return for the World Cup next year.
But Davie will also face a backlash from viewers asking why the political opinions of perhaps the UK’s most popular football presenter should cause him to lose his job.
What is likely to be a mutual departure agreement should ensure that solidarity is not repeated over a self-inflicted wound by Lineker who acknowledged he should not have endorsed the post.
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