Gary Lineker branded 'hypocrite' after blaming oil drillings for 46C European heatwave

Gary Lineker has blamed Europe’s heatwave on oil drilling as the former footballer launched yet another social media rant.

Lineker, 62, shared an image of soaring temperatures across the continent.

It showed how mercury hit 46C in Spain and Italy, 42C in Greece and 40C in France.

The Match of the Day host also wrote: “Yeah, it’s a bit hot, but it’s summer.

Gary LinekerPA

“Let’s keep drilling for new oil. Who cares about about our kids and their kids’ future anyway?”

The former Spurs striker faced a backlash from Twitter users over his outburst.

Lineker, who was paid around £1.35million in 2022/23, even faced criticism for driving several gas-guzzling cars.

One user wrote: “Alright, Gazza, this you in your oil powered AMG 63 automobile?”

Tourists listen to their guide as they gather under a shadow during a heatwave, in Ronda, Spain on July 17, 2023.Reuters/Jon Nazca

Another simply said: “Biggest clown in the country.”

A third added: “Gary is a hypocrite. And he’s not even bothered that you know that.”

Lineker previously voiced support for eco-zealots spoiling sports fixtures from the campaign group Just Stop Oil.

Speaking at Wimbledon, the outspoken BBC host said: “I completely understand where they’re coming from.

Temperatures have been tipped to reach 46C in some parts of the MediterraneanReuters

“Disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity.

“I get it. I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. It is a difficult one.

“I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events or other things.

“You don’t want things to be disrupted but at the same time they will really be disrupted with climate change.”

$\u200bJust Stop Oil at Wimbledon$ Just Stop Oil at WimbledonPA

However, Europe’s heatwave has led to disruption across the continent as British holidaymakers fear unbearable getaways abroad.

Italian authorities have issued red alerts in as many as 16 cities.

A special telephone line was also set up in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia after mercury reached 46C.

Serbia put the entire nation on the highest level of alert and North Macedonia is meanwhile facing emergency measures for the next seven days.

‘Hypocrite!’ Now Gary Lineker blames oil drilling for 46C European heatwave