Gary Lineker: Is Political Impartiality Even Possible?

Patrick and Hannah look at the most recent BBC scandal which addresses sport and politics.

If you were to ask whether ‘political impartiality’ is possible, what would be your answer?

Many would say that politics and impartiality do not match; they are simply opposite sides of a coin. Recent events have brought this debate to the surface with the still unfolding controversy between Gary Lineker and the BBC, whose ‘guidelines’ on impartiality have long been the subject of ire from both sides of the political spectrum.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has been the face of football broadcasting in the UK since 1999. With someone almost universally popular, you would wonder why his job would ever be under threat, however his recent social media activity has brought him increasingly under scrutiny.

Gary Lineker. Source: WikiCommons.

Lineker has never shied from stating his political opinions, and neither have any of his peers, such as Gary Neville, arguably one of the most high profile celebrity Labour supporters. However, Neville is contracted at Sky Sports, and Lineker is synonymous with the ‘politically impartial’ BBC.

 

The tweet in particular, which ironically overshadowed the subject of the tweet itself, was referencing the government’s new small boat policy. The policy plans to crack down on migrants crossing the channel and attempting to seek asylum in Britain. Under these new rules, the home secretary’s prerogative to remove illegal immigrants would supersede their right to claim asylum.

Lineker likened the policy and the rhetoric involved to that of Nazi Germany, ever the political buzz-phrase. Regardless of your opinions on the policy itself, the tweet was evidently not politically impartial, and was therefore perceived to break the BBC’s guidelines.

The issue lies in whether Lineker was subject to these guidelines in the first place. Lineker may be the highest earner at the BBC, but he is employed in a freelance capacity and only for sport presenting, not as a newsreader.

On Friday 10th March, he was asked to step down from his duties as host of Match of the Day until an agreement was reached on his position.

The fallout was swift; every recognisable face in the BBC’s sport department sided with Lineker, and boycotted. The Match of the Day episode after Lineker’s removal was aired with no punditry. Some may have argued this was an improvement, and found the experience very soothing without any ‘expert’ opinions. Others were presumably outraged.

The chaos of the decision quickly prompted a U-turn and a public apology from Director General Tim Davie, who has not escaped his own share of controversy after admitting to facilitating an 800,000 pound loan to Boris Johnson, and also donating a meager 400,000 pounds to the Conservative Party. This has been rightly questioned on grounds of hypocrisy. This has only been intensified by the coverage of the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Many noticed its political slant, with many pundits including Gary Lineker openly criticizing the Qatari state.

Is Gary Lineker only allowed to talk about politics as long as his own government isn’t involved? Or is it only if his opinions tow the party line? In light of all this, the answer to the question of political impartiality, and whether it is even possible, is no closer to being answered.

Source: WikiCommons.

Comments

comments

136 thoughts on “Gary Lineker: Is Political Impartiality Even Possible?

  1. Hi there very nice website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?I’m glad to find numerous useful information right here within the submit, we need develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  2. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I?ll try to get the hang of it!

  3. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always interesting to read articles from other writers and use a little something from other web sites.

  4. This is really attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  5. I would also like to convey that most people that find themselves without health insurance are usually students, self-employed and those that are not working. More than half from the uninsured are really under the age of 35. They do not sense they are requiring health insurance since they are young and healthy. Their own income is typically spent on real estate, food, plus entertainment. A lot of people that do work either complete or part time are not supplied insurance through their work so they proceed without with the rising cost of health insurance in america. Thanks for the tips you reveal through this blog.

  6. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I came across this during my hunt for something relating to this.

  7. Thanks for your write-up. One other thing is individual states have their particular laws that affect home owners, which makes it very difficult for the the nation’s lawmakers to come up with the latest set of guidelines concerning foreclosed on people. The problem is that a state has own laws and regulations which may interact in an unwanted manner with regards to foreclosure policies.

  8. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.

  9. You’re so cool! I do not believe I have read through a single thing like that before. So nice to discover another person with a few genuine thoughts on this subject. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  10. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something regarding this.

  11. Yet another thing to mention is that an online business administration course is designed for scholars to be able to without problems proceed to bachelor’s degree programs. The 90 credit college degree meets the lower bachelor diploma requirements so when you earn your associate of arts in BA online, you will have access to the most up-to-date technologies in such a field. Several reasons why students are able to get their associate degree in business is because they may be interested in this area and want to receive the general knowledge necessary previous to jumping right bachelor college diploma program. Many thanks for the tips you really provide with your blog.

  12. Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!

  13. I’m curious to find out what blog system you are working with? I’m having some small security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?

  14. Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing for your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  15. fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  16. Thanks for your post. What I want to point out is that while searching for a good on the internet electronics store, look for a web-site with complete information on key elements such as the privacy statement, safety details, payment options, and various terms in addition to policies. Continually take time to read the help and also FAQ areas to get a greater idea of the way the shop is effective, what they are capable of doing for you, and ways in which you can take full advantage of the features.

  17. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this during my search for something concerning this.

  18. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So good to find somebody with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is one thing that’s needed on the web, somebody with slightly originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  19. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this topic here on your website.

  20. you’re really a excellent webmaster. The website loading pace is amazing. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent process on this matter!

  21. One important thing is that if you are searching for a student loan you may find that you will want a co-signer. There are many scenarios where this is true because you could find that you do not possess a past credit standing so the bank will require that you have someone cosign the borrowed funds for you. Interesting post.

  22. This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and stay up for in the hunt for more of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

  23. Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who genuinely understands what they are talking about on the net. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people have to check this out and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you are not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.

  24. According to my study, after a foreclosures home is bought at an auction, it is common with the borrower to be able to still have the remaining balance on the financial loan. There are many creditors who aim to have all service fees and liens paid off by the upcoming buyer. However, depending on particular programs, laws, and state laws there may be many loans that aren’t easily handled through the switch of financial products. Therefore, the obligation still rests on the customer that has acquired his or her property in foreclosure. Many thanks for sharing your notions on this website.

  25. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I came across this during my hunt for something regarding this.

  26. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!

  27. From volleyball to greyhounds, you really can bet on just about everything and anything at 888sport. You can even make special bets on cultural events, from things like the winner of the US presidential election, to who is going to win big at this year’s Oscars. The best is about to get BETTER! The main poker screen has been completely overhauled. Where the previous layout felt dated and cramped, the new design is cleaner and feels more modern, with judicious use of space to separate components. 888poker is one of the major players in the online poker world and is a name that the industry trusts. Since its creation – under the name Pacific Poker – in 1997, 888poker has continued to grow its customer base and it can now boast to being the second-largest online poker site in the world.
    https://johnathantmat134800.is-blog.com/29848505/baseball-odds-lines
    Now its time upholster the padded rail with vinyl. The first step to adding the vinyl is exactly the same as upholstering the poker table top. Simply stretch the vinyl tight and get it stapled on all sides.(Figure 3-4) If this is your first poker table you may want to hold off on trimming the extra vinyl until the inside is also completed. Once the outside is completed you should have something that resembles a large drum. You then want to cut the vinyl down the middle and in a star pattern on each end.(Figure 3-4) You have no items in your shopping cart. Neoprene keeps chips and dice from bouncing wildly across the table, while still providing a firm, smooth surface on which to stack poker chips. The protective layer also prevents game pieces from making noise and damaging the table. For questions pertaining to this deal, click the Ask a Question button below. For post-purchase inquiries, please contact customer support. Warranty sold by Consumer Priority Service. View the FAQ to learn more.

  28. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  29. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  30. I blog often and I really thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  31. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  32. What i do not realize is in reality how you are no longer actually much more well-favored than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You know therefore significantly in relation to this subject, produced me in my view believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated until it?s one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. At all times deal with it up!

  33. Admiring the dedication you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  34. It is really a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  35. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I?ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND