Gary Lineker has claimed shoppers at a Marks & Spencer store gave him a “standing ovation” after he was suspended by the BBC in March.
The former England and Spurs striker returned to TV screens just days later after his Match of the Day colleagues vowed to boycott the show.
Lineker has landed himself in hot water with the BBC’s top brass in recent months for discussing his own political views, particularly on social media.
The 62-year-old sent the broadcaster into turmoil after comparing the language used to launch the Government’s new asylum policy with 1930s Germany.
An image from outside an M&S store
PALineker has since claimed M&S shoppers in leafy Barnes were very supportive of his comments.
He told The Telegraph: “I recall walking to M&S two or three days in, and I got a standing ovation.
“Well, I suppose everybody’s standing in M&S but even so.”
Lineker added: “I didn’t know what to do. I just thought, ‘Please stop’.”
Rishi Sunak pledged to stop the boats as he set out the pillars for which voters should judge his stint in Downing StreetPAThe footballer-turned-presenter recalled the event which took place in March.
Lineker was given a slap on the wrist after writing a controversial social media post about the Government immigration policy.
He said: There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
BBC director-general Tim Davie later apologised for the episode and announced an independent review into its social media usage guidelines.
Tim DaviePAHe said: “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised.
“I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
“Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public.
“The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression.
"That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles.
“The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.”
