A fine insight into his humour, compassion and beliefs.
Gary Lineker’s name has been in the headlines this week, and not much of it is to do with football.
At the beginning of the week the Match of the Day presenter didn’t hold back in expressing his views about the ongoing refugee crisis with his Twitter followers.
After noticing something of a backlash from some sections of the public with regards to the Government allowing more refugees into Britain, he tweeted his concerns.
The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless. What's happening to our country?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 18, 2016
Many applauded Lineker for his humanitarian stance regarding one of the biggest human rights issues that the world is currently facing.
Thank you @GaryLineker for speaking out about this. The world needs more compassionate people like you! https://t.co/gfvl42zxAu
— Care4Calais (@Care4Calais) October 19, 2016
Of course, this being the Internet, he was also heckled, trolled, abused, insulted and threatened. You can read some of those vitriolic comments here, but we’re not going to give them any more oxygen.
The most open critic of Lineker was The Sun, who accused the TV host of ‘peddling a lie’ on the issue, and on a recent front page, they called for the 55-year-old to be sacked for breaching BBC guidelines.
Friday's Sun front page:
Out on his ears#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/Q0qfRoo8tl— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) October 20, 2016
To Lineker’s immense credit, in the days that have followed this front page,  he hasn’t decided to hide, buckle or change his stance in the slightest. In fact, he has openly engaged with the haters and reaffirmed his stance on the refugee crisis.
Here’s how Gary Lineker dealt with….
The immediate reaction after the tweet was sent.
People trying to defame his character by claiming that he once filed a super injunction.
Reaffirming his views.
Wonder what makes some people feel, by sheer good fortune of place of birth, superior to others. I need a lie down.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 19, 2016
Getting a bit of a spanking today, but things could be worse: Imagine, just for a second, being a refugee having to flee from your home.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 21, 2016
Despite all this criticism, he kept his spirits up and maintained a sense of humour.
A relief to get back to football and lots of brilliant foreigners @btsport #championsleague https://t.co/Vrkl0oMybV
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 19, 2016
Must say though, I'm rather chuffed to have been called a 'luvvie'.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 21, 2016
An acknowledgement that the majority of people are decent, caring and kind.
Thank you for a massive amount of support on here. Proof that the vast majority of people in this country are decent, caring human beings.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 19, 2016
Slightly overwhelmed by the support on here today to be honest. Thank you.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 21, 2016
He still managed to take some time out of his busy schedule to feed the trolls.
Still wearing my tin hat. Insult me, disagree, argue, but don't say I'm not entitled to opine because I used to be a footballer. Ta.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 22, 2016
And the best part….
Lineker has been nominated  for the Best Presenter accolade at the National Television Awards. Do you know who one of the sponsors are for this event? The Sun.
The campaign has already started for him to win the accolade, but the Match of The Day host has done his very best to quell this tide of support with a very self-deprecating comeback.
One thing’s for sure, he would definitely get our vote.
Vote for @GaryLineker in National Television Awards, final section, Best Presenter. Sponsored by The Sun. https://t.co/3ZJmkf35rX
— jon courtenay grimwood (@JonCG) October 22, 2016
Please don't. https://t.co/CY08j9DLTW
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 22, 2016
You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE’s Football Friday Live right here…
