Two British backpackers have come forward to clarify the context behind a viral video of Gary Lineker that was shared by far-right activist Tommy Robinson to imply inappropriate behaviour. Alfie and Bradley, both 23, filmed the encounter with the former Match of the Day host in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, around two and a half weeks ago.
The friends, who run the @theraybandits Instagram and TikTok accounts, had just left a bar when they spotted Lineker walking with his son Harry and daughter-in-law Bella. They exchanged pleasantries, with Lineker responding 'hey boys' and giving a thumbs up. The original video showed Harry and Bella, but Robinson's shortened version omitted them, leading to false insinuations.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted the clip on X with the caption 'What are you up to here @GaryLineker?' and a pair of peering eyes, drawing 13.5 million views. Lineker responded that he was 'going to a chemist with my daughter-in-law, to get some medicine for her unwell husband…my son.'
Alfie told Metro that the interaction was 'innocent' and that they liked Lineker despite his controversial political views. 'It was a nice interaction which has ended up being taken without our permission and used to slander him, which is disappointing,' Bradley said. The pair have released a clarifying video, but it has garnered far fewer views than Robinson's post.
Lineker's son George called Robinson a 'f***ing idiot' for sharing the clip, while Lineker himself retweeted a post suggesting Robinson had incited libellous claims. Robinson has not removed the post. Lineker, who was in Mexico for an induction into the International Football Hall of Fame, described his trip as leaving 'unforgettable memories.'
