Protesters gathered outside the Salford studios where Gary Lineker would usually present Match of the Day following the BBC's decision to take him off air. The corporation has been rocked since the decision to remove the 62-year-old from his role on the football highlights show amid a row over his social media use.
Tonight's Match of the Day will have no presenters, pundits or any of its usual commentators when it airs for just 20 minutes - while BBC TV and BBC Radio 5 Live's sports coverage has also been reduced as other presenters announced they would not be broadcasting in solidarity with the former England striker.
Around two dozen anti-racism campaigners protested outside the BBC studios at Media City this afternoon (March 11) in protest against the Government's new immigration policy which Mr Lineker tweeted about, and to support the presenter. Lamin Touray, 26, was one of the speakers at the Stand Up to Racism demonstration.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "For me it's been quite energising. We've seen other high-profile people put their neck out and speak for what they believe in.
"He's not criticised a race, a gender, a religion - he's criticised the Government, and he's entitled to do that. Their policy, in terms of refugees, is vicious in my opinion.
"It's so dangerous, so divisive, they're making [refugees] the issue. It's divide and conquer, and we need to turn our anger towards the Government."
The controversy was sparked by a tweet from Mr Lineker, on the day Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced plans to tackle the small boat crossings in the Channel. The policy states anyone entering the country 'illegally' would be detained, deported and unable to access support if they become victims of modern slavery.
Criticising the Government's language around refugees, Mr Lineker tweeted: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
"This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?"
Mr Touray welcomed the stance Mr Linker had taken - as well as his colleagues who stood down from broadcasting on the BBC this weekend, highlighting that refugees 'are some of the most vulnerable people in society'.
He added: "I just think this is a huge moment. Big respect to Gary Lineker, Ian Wright, Alex Scott, Alan Shearer, everyone. The solidarity that they have shown - these are high-profile people.
"For me I feel very energised, and there's hope out there that these are big names, and people with influence in the UK, speak out and hold the Government to account and companies like the BBC to account." Protesters chanted in support of Mr Lineker.
They also slammed BBC chairman Richard Sharp, after MPs found last month he had helped former Conservative PM Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan. Current PM Rishi Sunak has tonight weighed in on the debate, defending his Government's immigration policy.
He said: “As Prime Minister, I have to do what I believe is right, respecting that not everyone will always agree. That is why I have been unequivocal in my approach to stopping the boats.
“Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a talented presenter. I hope that the current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved in a timely manner, but it is rightly a matter for them, not the Government.
“While that process is ongoing, it is important that we maintain perspective, particularly given the seriousness of the issue at hand. Forty-five thousand people crossed the channel illegally last year, many of whom have been exploited or trafficked by criminal gangs, putting their lives in danger.
“We need to break this cycle of misery once and for all and the policy we set out this week I believe aims to do just that. It is not only the fair and moral thing to do, it is also the compassionate thing to do.
“There are no easy answers to solving this problem, but I believe leadership is about taking the tough decisions to fix problems. I know not everyone will always agree, but I do believe this is fair and right.”
In a statement issued yesterday, a BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
“The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media. When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
"We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.” BBC director general Tim Davie today told BBC News he believed 'proportionate action' had been taken regarding Mr Lineker.
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