The BBC has declined to ask Gary Lineker to moderate his use of obscene language on social media, despite the Match of the Day host using the F-word twice on Twitter in recent days. Lineker, 57, who has seven million followers, posted tweets—subsequently deleted—that included the expletive in reference to the Mexican wave and a goal by Nacho.
A BBC spokesman stated: 'Gary's social media accounts are his own personal accounts,' indicating the corporation's stance of non-interference. Lineker, who also works for BT Sport, is set to be the BBC's lead presenter for the World Cup over the next month.
In other World Cup news, England's match against Tunisia in Volgograd on Monday is expected to have one of the smallest English followings in recent memory, with the FA having sold around 2,000 tickets, including friends and family. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland may join a potential British bid to host the 2030 World Cup, with the Stormont government reportedly willing to provide significant funding.
The FA has also arranged for Fabian Delph to fly home from Russia by private jet when his wife gives birth to their third child, though it is unclear who will cover the £20,000-plus cost.
