Gary Lineker's colleagues are reportedly 'embarrassed' by his criticism of England manager Gareth Southgate, in the latest sign of discontent within the BBC towards the Match of the Day host. The flashpoint comes weeks after Lineker faced backlash for wearing his own clothing range on air.
Lineker, who earns £1.35 million a year from the BBC, branded England's performance against Denmark as 's***' on his podcast 'The Rest is Football', which he hosts and is owned by his production company Goalhanger. He also suggested Southgate was 'tactically inept', sparking a backlash from players including Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
According to The Telegraph, BBC staff at Euro 2024 felt 'unhappy, uncomfortable and embarrassed' by Lineker's direct criticism of Southgate. Staff were also reportedly embarrassed by Lineker and pundit Micah Richards drinking red wine while dissecting the Denmark game on the podcast.
Lineker later poked fun at the furore, stating: 'If Albania fail to win tonight, England are officially through to the last 16... I wish people would stop being so critical of them.' Southgate insisted he was 'oblivious' to Lineker's remarks but admitted he knew 'the one word' the pundit uttered.
The BBC guidelines state presenters should not 'appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest.' Lineker was seen wearing a pale green T-shirt and sage jacket from his Next collection while presenting coverage of England vs Serbia.
