Gary Lineker insists having a social conscience is not 'woke', with the Euro 2024 presenter also saying the BBC made a 'mistake' by taking him off air in March last year.
The 63-year-old, who is the corporation's highest-paid TV host, was temporarily taken off air after lashing out at the government's migrant policy.
Lineker was eventually restored to his position as Match of the Day presenter, with the former Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona star continuing to work for the BBC.
Never one to shy away from voicing his opinion, Lineker has now opened up on that incident.
Gary Lineker insists having a social conscience is not 'woke', with the Euro 2024 presenter also saying the BBC made a 'mistake' by taking him off air in March last year.
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The BBC man says the broadcaster 'knows they made a mistake' by taking him off air.
Speaking to the Noble Rot magazine, he said: “You’ve waited til I’m drunk before throwing that one in.
"I was eating at [Marylebone restaurant] KOL when I found out they’d taken me off the show.
“But they made a mistake. They know that. I think they recognised that.
"It was one of those things, but we’re fine now.”
Lineker also says 'common sense' prevailed.
It was also put to the 63-year-old that the country has become 'Right-wing and divided'.
But Lineker insists the country isn't while also hitting back at claims he's 'woke'.
“I’m not sure this country is particularly Right-wing. I think we’re a very liberal, caring, conscientious country," he said.
“A social conscience is now deemed as ‘woke’ when actually it’s basically about caring.
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"If you care a bit, have empathy, people want to insult you and see that as ‘woke’.”
Addressing his suspension from the BBC further, he continued: “Pretty much everyone apart from the hard-Right supported me. It was stupid."
With the General Election on the horizon, Lineker has so far restrained from wading into politics too much.
He has been critical of the Conservative government over the years, often blasting the decisions of the party on social media.
But Lineker insists he's voted for every party and isn't bias, saying: “I’ve voted for everyone. Green, Liberal, Labour – and Conservative.”
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Gary Lineker has been working for the BBC at Euro 2024 this summer
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Meanwhile, Lineker has been criticised for constantly sticking the knife into the England football team.
The Three Lions' performances at Euro 2024 have left much to be desired, despite Gareth Southgate possessing arguably the strongest squad of the tournament.
And former England star Darren Anderton, speaking to GB News via William Hill, believes he should be careful with what he says.
"He is paid to give his opinion and he believes this describes the performance," he said.
"There is a way to articulate yourself and there has to be a caveat here as England haven't played well but won the group.
Gary Lineker has been critical of England's performances at Euro 2024 this summer
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"So in the grand scheme of things; the outspoken pundits can be a bit better in how they put their point across.
"Players know they haven't played well so they are the only ones who can address it."
