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Gary Lineker is facing backlash once more for a tweet that seemed to support the idea of banning Israel from participating in international football because of the conflict in Gaza.
The host of Match of the Day received backlash from members of Parliament and the Jewish community for sharing a tweet from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (BDS) on Saturday.
The post contained a declaration from the Palestinian Football Association, urging for Israel to face repercussions from global sports organizations due to its “genocidal assaults on Palestinian existence.”
The organization, Campaign Against Antisemitism, claimed that 63-year-old Mr. Lineker did not speak out against antisemitism while showing support for Palestinians.
According to a representative for the organization, Gary Lineker is vocal on many topics, but does not seem to address the issue of antisemitism.
“Despite the current surge of anti-Semitism, there has been no response. However, there has been a focus on promoting a suspension of the only Jewish state from global sports. This displays his clear priorities.”
Andrew Percy, a well-known Conservative member of Parliament who is Jewish, was among many members of the party to express disapproval of the former England international football player.
“He stated that Gary Lineker is a commentator on the Middle East who lacks knowledge and is uninformed.”
The BDS movement, which calls for boycotting Israel, is considered a prejudiced and anti-Semitic effort. It is unacceptable for anyone employed by the BBC, funded by taxpayers, to support a movement that is known for promoting hatred towards Jews.
Stephen Crabb, the parliamentary chairman for the Conservative Friends of Israel, expressed his disapproval of this tweet by a BBC figure, deeming it highly inappropriate and particularly concerning considering Lineker’s prominent status.
“The BDS movement is riddled with antisemitism from top to bottom and deepens the divisions in our own society.
“Considering the previous concerns over BBC bias during the Gaza conflict, it is imperative that high-profile presenters are not allowed to independently address these highly sensitive matters.”
Lineker has a track record of stirring up controversy on the social media site.
Football legend Gary Lineker has put his name on a letter urging the government to develop a just and equitable plan for refugees.
In the previous month, Grant Shapps, the minister of defense, stated that Mr. Lineker should focus on football rather than advocating for the government to cancel their proposal to deport asylum seekers and migrants to Rwanda.
A representative from the BBC stated that people should maintain a respectful tone and further expressed that they address any concerns with presenters when necessary.
Earlier this year, Mr. Lineker was involved in a controversy at the BBC due to his criticism of a government policy.
The broadcaster requested that he temporarily step away from Match Of The Day, but he later returned when other commentators refused to participate in BBC sports programs as a show of support.
As a result of the scandal, the BBC implemented stricter social media rules for employees regarding impartiality and respect.
Employees who do not work in the news or current affairs department have a bit more leeway in sharing their personal opinions.
The BBC and Gary Lineker have been requested for a response.
Source: independent.co.uk
