[Stockland Hillman]

Mods could probably do with splitting this thread as  it's news coverage really.  Worth noting his contract has been renewed after previous controversies.  The real issue here is the BBC focusing on the wrong aspect - Lineker is only the story in the minds of the right wing who wish to attack the BBC.

It's ridiculous we're in a situation now where somebody suggesting that language associated with Nazism is a bad thing leads to calls for them to be fired.    Impartiality means freedom to criticise a government, as does the most basic principles of human rights.  Government staff in all public service broadcasters should be free to express their own opinion, including those at the BBC.

But that's not the case. There are guidelines for BBC staff to be impartial on current politics and Gary Lineker as a recipient of licence fee money is required to uphold that. There are other broadcasters available if he wants freedom to express his own opinions.

I listened to the Media Show podcast on this and they made the point that If Lineker had been more nuanced and said something like "I support the refugees and refugees should be treated more humanely", there likely wound't have been an issue. It's the direct point about a government minister linking them to Nazi Germany where the issue is. Agree or disagree with the statement it was political and deliberately controversial. And you simply can't do that and take a wage from the BBC.

The BBC has already been clear Lineker is covered by the social media rules.

It's the diminishing the long established Jewish view on Nazi comparisons that's a bigger BBC problem 

This from a Talk TV interview: Jewish Chronicle Editor Jake Wallis Simons says Gary Lineker’s tweet comparing the Government’s migration law with Nazi Germany “is offensive”.

"There is no moral argument in favour of genocide against the Jews... there is in favour of a policy against small boats"

Looking at this issue it's possible to be anti the governments ludicrous policy choices but also see the Lineker needs to be dealt with - If your live broadcaster and can't follow the rules, you can't be trusted to be on air.