Gary Lineker is reportedly under threat of losing his position as the lead presenter for the BBC's coverage of this summer's Euros after retweeting a message calling for Isreal to be banned from international football.
The Match of the Day host has not shied away from airing his political views on social media after the BBC published new guidelines last year following a row over Lineker's posts.
The new guidelines threaten disciplinary action or possible termination of employment or contracts.
Lineker's latest social media activity appears to have breached those guidelines with the i reporting he could lose his position as the BBC's lead presenter for the 2024 Euros.
Gary Lineker has caused anger with his activity
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The former England international retweeted a post from a pro-Palestinian campaign calling for Isreal to be banished from all global tournamens.
The tweet also called on FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to "“take an urgent stance towards Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures”.
Lineker's retweet has caused anger among Tory MPs, who have called on the BBC to sanction its highest-paid presenter.
A senior news figure has told the i that Lineker's latest social media activity puts his role covering this summer's Euros under serious risk.
They said: “This is a worse case than usual precisely because it’s in an area that Gary is covering.
“You cannot have a presenter paid for by all licence fee payers who regards the participation of one country as illegitimate as a personal view.”
Another BBC insider added: “Does he really not look more carefully before sharing inflammatory material? It’s typical Gary.
"He’s let everyone know where he stands on Israel, then by deleting it he can just carry on as before. When will the bosses bring this to an end?”
The BBC changed its guidelines last year
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BBC guidelines for public expressions of opinion dictate that "Taking a public position on an issue of public policy, political or industrial controversy, or any other ‘controversial subject’ is likely to be incompatible with some BBC roles".
The report does add that it is 'highly unlikely' Lineker's role as lead presenter for the BBC's coverage of the Euros will be diminished.
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Gary Lineker has caused a stir again
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Defence Secretary Grant Shapps joined his peers in admonishing Lineker for his latest social media row.
Shapps told GB News: "I stick to the politics. I wish he'd stick to the football and I think the world would be a better place."
