Gary Lineker has a choice to make, says ex-BBC editorial chief

Gary Lineker has a prime to marque implicit his relation astatine the BBC aft disapproval of his tweets connected the government's asylum policy, the BBC's erstwhile editorial argumentation controller has said.

Richard Ayre said Lineker indispensable see whether to enactment oregon permission "and go a societal media influencer".

Lineker had said the connection mounting retired the program was "not dissimilar to that utilized by Germany successful the 30s".

The civilization caput called the tweets "disappointing and inappropriate".

Michelle Donnelan said: "It's important for the BBC to clasp impartiality if it is to clasp the spot of the nationalist who wage the licence fee."

The BBC said connected Wednesday it was having a "frank conversation" with Lineker astir the BBC's guidelines connected remaining impartial.

Opposition MPs and charities person powerfully objected to the proposals, but the PM and location caput person defended the plan, saying stopping the crossings is simply a priority for the British people.

Lineker aboriginal tweeted: "I'll proceed to effort and talk up for those mediocre souls that person nary choice."

Mr Ayre, who was besides a subordinate of the broadcasting regulator Ofcom's contented board, said it was "unacceptable" to person a subordinate of the BBC household "comparing Suella Braverman to the 3rd Reich".

Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day since 1999, besides works for LaLiga TV.