Gary Lineker has hit out at Elon Musk after his son received a death threat over his decision to defend the former England football player in the BBC impartiality row.
The football pundit reached out to Elon Musk and Twitter, asking them why they were allowing abusive messages to be shared on the platform.
George Lineker tweeted a screenshot of a message he had been sent that said: “Social media’s mad isn’t it. Over the last few days, on insta - never had so many nice messages. On Twitter - never had so much abuse.
“It’s not even anything to do with me.”
Gary and George Lineker.
PA
A Twitter user had sent him a direct message in which they called him a “mug” and said he should be “burned at the stake” for defending his father.
Gary Lineker shared the interaction and tweeted: “Is this acceptable Twitter, Elon Musk? And I don’t mean the grammar.”
Elon Musk has not yet responded to his tweet but the account that sent the message no longer exists.
George Lineker had been vocal in support for his father during the impartiality row that rocked the BBC.
He said he should not apologise for “being a good person” adding that he was “proud of the old man”.
Lineker returned to Twitter after being suspended by the BBC as a result of his criticism of the Government’s illegal immigration policy.
In a series of tweets after the impartiality row he said: “After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this.
“I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity.
George Lineker said he had received abuse online for defending his father.
Twitter: George Lineker
“Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming.
“I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.
“A final thought: however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.
“It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
“We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you.”