The only thing which led governmental nonentities to be outraged was that a popular pubic figure said it as it is. in the past politicians would have simply ignored it or, if forced to comment, have put him down with some comic one liner to the effect that he doesn't know what he is talking about. But no. They have to express their deep upset at what he said. When we become, once again, a tolerant and responsible nation willing to share the burden of offering a home for those not so fortunate, then we can start to complain about wild and unjust comparisons with Nazi policies.
****in hell....no commentators either it'll be great, and probably get it's highest viewing figures for years https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64925373 "After it was announced he was stepping back, pundits Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas all said they would not appear on the show, while Alex Scott hinted the same. In a later statement, a spokesperson said: "Some of our pundits have said that they don't wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary. "We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry." Later, MOTD commentators Steve Wilson, Conor McNamara, Robyn Cowen and Steven Wyeth shared a joint statement online saying they "do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme" on Saturday."
Amazing how this stuff gathers momentum, isn’t it? All these spineless people scared to break ranks and honour their contracts in case they’re ostracised by their mates.
Or you could say…..All those amazing, loyal people willing to stand by a wronged comrade in solidarity.
Yes, you could… but I didn’t see them boycotting Qatar. I’m not animated by what Lineker tweeted - he’s entitled to his view and didn’t say it on MotD but his own Twitter account, so personally don’t see any disrepute there - but I’d be interested to see how some of the MotD regulars would have been treated going forward had they chosen to participate in the show alone, particularly if they simply stated that they didn’t want to be involved in the politics.
Surely they are taking a bigger risk by declining to work? Unlike Lineker and the pundits the presenters and commentators will be much more dependent on their BBC income, even if they are all freelancers nowadays. Contracts might all be cancelled if MOTD tonight is a hit with the viewers……
I’m guessing none of them boycotted Qatar because the things that happen over ther doesn’t affect them or their mates personally. Just human nature I think
This is a statement the BBC put out in 2018 after Lineker was criticised for expressing views on Brexit... "Gary is not involved in any news or political output for the BBC, and as such, any expression of his personal political views, does not affect the BBC's impartiality," What's changed since then, I wonder?
The chairman and director general of the BBC both being permanently lubed up in case a Tory needs some relief?
Yep always stuns me how politicians and high profile achievers spend 10 years plus defining their views and selling them then get derailed and side tracked so easily overnight
