Jeremy Clarkson wades into Gary Lineker BBC guideline 'breach' row with verdict on Euros controversy

Guidelines established by the BBC state presenters mustn't appear on-air wearing clothes they promote elsewhere.

Its rules state: "Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest."

The BBC refused to comment on individual incidents but a spokesperson said following the incident: "Presenters [and] contributors provide their own wardrobe and all presenters/contributors are regularly reminded of the guidelines in relation to clothing, even if they are not doing proactive promotional work."

The seeming breach in the rules has hit headlines and caught the eye of Clarkson, who agreed it was "rightly" a "no-no" for the Beebs presenters to wear clothing they endorse.

However, he also admitted he could see things from Lineker's point of view and claimed it was unlikely to be a conscious decision to flout the rules.

Writing in his latest column for The Sun, Clarkson joked he first thought Lineker was in trouble simply for "wearing such a garment [a t-shirt] when he is 63 years old".

"But no. It turns out that the t-shirt in question is sold by Next, a brand that Gary advertises," he continued.

"That’s a no-no at the Beeb, and rightly so. But speaking as a 64-year-old man I must confess that sometimes I appear on my farm show wearing a Diddly Squat baseball cap."

However, Clarkson clarified he often does so because there are pressing matters to tend to on his Chipping Norton farm, meaning his wardrobe decisions take a back seat.

"It was probably the same with Gary. He just needed some threads and that t-shirt was better than appearing topless," Clarkson sympathised.

"That’s how men of our age think, I’m afraid. 'Can you see my genitals?' No. 'Well I’m dressed then.'"

It's not the first time in recent days Clarkson has decided to weigh in on topical debates surrounding the England football team at the Euros.

Following Gareth Southgate's team's disappointing performance in their 1-1 draw with Denmark, the Clarkson's Farm host issued a cheeky dig in response.

The same match also landed Lineker in hot water once again when he described the performance of Harry Kane and co as "s**t".

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Brian May sparks fury with politics rant as he fumes at 'disastrous' Brexit and makes election stance clear
  
• Gogglebox star on Universal Credit defends lavish trips abroad amid backlash after five holidays in six months
  
• Corrie's Vicky Entwistle sparks concern amid Jay Slater family updates with cryptic post: 'I hope not!'
  

WATCH HERE: Andrew Pierce blasts Gary Lineker for BBC guideline 'breach' - 'Gets away with what he likes!'

Both Southgate and Kane had to face awkward questions about Lineker's remarks and whether or not he was out of line before they face Slovenia in the final group game on Tuesday.

A BBC source addressed Lineker's scathing critique of the performance, telling the Daily Mail: "We encourage all our pundits to be honest with their opinions and to be themselves.

"We have a good balance of people on our coverage who are able to talk about the right topics in a way that informs and educates the audience."

Lineker didn't make the comments on the BBC but rather on his podcast, The Rest Is Football.