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Gary Lineker hits back at online abuse over criticism of Calais refugee coverage Gary Lineker hits back at online abuse over criticism of Calais refugee coverage
(about 1 hour later)
Gary Lineker is standing by his criticism of the “hideously racist” media treatment of refugees after his comments sparked online abuse and a call from Ukip to sack him from Match of the Day. Gary Lineker is standing by his criticism of the “hideously racist” media treatment of refugees after his comments prompted online abuse and a call by Ukip to have him sacked from Match of the Day.
The former England captain was drawn into a row about whether adults were being accepted into Britain as unaccompanied children in a scheme to resettle refugees from the Calais camp. The former England striker was drawn into a row about whether adults were being accepted into Britain as unaccompanied children in a scheme to resettle refugees from the Calais camp.
The Sun claimed the picture of one of those who it said had been accepted was “35 if he’s a day” and that it was a “fiasco” for the British authorities to take their ages on trust. The Tory MP David Davies said dental checks should be used to verify ages, in a call later rejected by the Home Office as “unethical”.The Sun claimed the picture of one of those who it said had been accepted was “35 if he’s a day” and that it was a “fiasco” for the British authorities to take their ages on trust. The Tory MP David Davies said dental checks should be used to verify ages, in a call later rejected by the Home Office as “unethical”.
After the first edition of the paper appeared Lineker tweeted: After the first edition of the paper appeared Lineker tweeted about the refugees’ situation.
The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless. What's happening to our country?The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless. What's happening to our country?
His stance was applauded by campaigners for refugees.His stance was applauded by campaigners for refugees.
Thank you @GaryLineker for speaking out about this. The world needs more compassionate people like you! https://t.co/gfvl42zxAuThank you @GaryLineker for speaking out about this. The world needs more compassionate people like you! https://t.co/gfvl42zxAu
But Ukip’s spokesman, Patrick O’Flynn, called for Lineker to be sacked from Match of the Day for expressing political views on the issue. But the Ukip spokesman Patrick O’Flynn called for Lineker to be sacked from Match of the Day for expressing political views on the issue.
If Mr Lineker wants to be Lib-Left political voice then fair enough, but get him off MOTD please.Time to pass baton to Jermaine Jenas anywayIf Mr Lineker wants to be Lib-Left political voice then fair enough, but get him off MOTD please.Time to pass baton to Jermaine Jenas anyway
Lineker later complained that he had also been subjected to much online “stick” for his comments.Lineker later complained that he had also been subjected to much online “stick” for his comments.
One asked: “So how many are you taking into your home then Gary? Very easy to shout racist mate when you’re sitting on a crisp fortune.”One asked: “So how many are you taking into your home then Gary? Very easy to shout racist mate when you’re sitting on a crisp fortune.”
But Lineker stood by his remarks, rounding on one critic by saying: But Lineker stood by his remarks, rounding on one critic.
I'll say what I want on my twitter feed, thanks. However old they are they're bloody human beings, like you....well sort of. https://t.co/j3bq24k7OxI'll say what I want on my twitter feed, thanks. However old they are they're bloody human beings, like you....well sort of. https://t.co/j3bq24k7Ox
Wonder what makes some people feel, by sheer good fortune of place of birth, superior to others. I need a lie down.Wonder what makes some people feel, by sheer good fortune of place of birth, superior to others. I need a lie down.