Gary Lineker & Twitter Hot Soup

 


Gary Lineker has been all over the British news for a controversial tweet about immigration which began as a retweet, but it was the reply which got him into hot soup. 

The pundit wrote it's "beyond awful" and called the government's policy "an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s. 



He was removed from his role as pundit on Match of the Day because he refused to delete the tweet. His colleagues joined him in solidarity and in a bizarre twist, the football program aired without commentary. 

Can you believe, 500,000 tuned in to watch Match of the Day on Saturday night and it was watched by 2.6 million viewers, according to BARB overnight figures?

The Premier League match highlights on Saturday was a largely silent presentation. The iconic theme tune and opening sequence were absent. 

There were of course jokes. Twitter can be a funny place too. 

One fan wrote, "Even the Match of the day intro is protesting!"  Another asked, "Why am I sat commentating on Match of the Day myself?"

The consensus is more likely it's a farce, as one Twitter user described it. 

Lineker is now reinstated and the furore is looking like it might die a swift death. 

Lineker is a football hero and legend. He is a beloved part of Britain, appearing regularly on the BBC.  

Social media can be a massive tool, but it can also create problems. 


Twitter
I have mixed feelings about Twitter. It can feel like it's too full of controversy. At times, it makes me feel depressed with the prevalence of negativity. 

However, the writing community is supportive and I've discovered many creative people, as well as learnt so much from the content on there. 

Here's some of my favourites in recent months:
Softer brushes of repose  
color slumber’s dreamscape 
in muted shades of sunsets and twilight. 
"Maybe God made me a painter for 
people who aren't born yet." 

Football - The Beautiful Game
I've posted a YouTube video of some of Lineker's greatest football moments at the top of this blog post. We can always do with a good dose of brilliant football. 

I used to play football back in Australia, or soccer, as we call it there. The game is a religion here. 

Somehow, the debate around freedom of speech & immigration was never an issue. It was that maybe Gary Lineker is too much a part of the fabric in the culture of this country. People could not imagine the BBC or Match of the Day without him. 

Football is just too important to people. It's a massive industry, but it also brings them great joy. I'm reminded of Ian Ayris' book, Abide With Me, which depicts this. Smashing book - read it if you haven't. 


Gary Lineker

Gary Winston Lineker OBE is an English former professional footballer and current sports broadcaster. 

I did not know his middle name was Winston btw. Perhaps there is a tad of Churchillian leadership about him. 

Lineker was a master of the beautiful game. Now he is a player in the social media space. 

Also, Lineker is a sort of creative. He's appeared in cameos, including the wonderful movie, Bend It Like Beckham. 

He's also got quite a way with words if you look at his Twitter posts. 

Lineker is generally not courting controversy, nor looking to get into hot soup, but Twitter will continue to be a place full of chili and curry!

Find Out More 

In case you're interested: 
Lineker Controversy Summary
Gary Lineker IMDB
Gary Lineker - Twitter


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E.M. Blake is the author of 'Dilly Dally Sally' and 'This Silly Bench.' She's also on Twitter and lots of other social media. 

'This Silly Bench,' is currently free to download on Amazon and Kobo for a limited time. The book is quirky and features benches around London and also some from around the world. There are some cool characters too, like Joe the Crow, Matt the greedy rat, a baby gosling on Regent's Canal who has mastered Paddington's hard stare, a family of swans bringing contentment and calm, and many more wonderful animals.  

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