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Gary Lineker has told reporters outside his London home that he stands by his criticism of the Government’s immigration policy and does not fear suspension by the BBC.
Mr Lineker has faced condemnation by No 10, Tory ministers and MPs after comparing the Illegal Migration Bill with 1930s Germany.
It comes as Piers Morgan defended the star’s criticism of the UK government’s new asylum policy, arguing that the Match Of The Day host is “not a news reporter”.
BBC director-general Tim Davie warned staff about their use of social media when he took on the role at the end of 2020, and guidelines around social media use have since been updated.
Lineker is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC, not a permanent member of staff, and is not responsible for news or political content so does not need to adhere to the same rules on impartiality.
Last year he was named as the BBC’s top earning on-air talent for the fifth consecutive year, and was paid between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 in 2021/2022 for Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year.
A representative for Lineker declined to comment further.
