England footballing legend John Barnes says the conversation around the Home Office's controversial illegal migrant policy is being "side-tracked" by the Gary Lineker and BBC row. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the former Liverpool player said headlines over the weekend could result in the message that Lineker was trying to get across, and the reason he spoke out in the first place, being 'lost'.
It was announced today (March 13) that Gary Lineker will be presenting Match of the Day this weekend after missing last week’s show due to a dispute over the BBC impartiality rules. The presenter compared language used to launch the government's new asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany in a tweet.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day this weekend after BBC impartiality row
This led to severe disruption of the broadcaster's sports coverage throughout the weekend as pundits walked out in 'solidarity' with Lineker. Speaking on ITV this morning, Barnes said that the interest around the story reminded him of when football players first started taking the knee and how the focus was quickly shifted from why they were doing it, to should they be doing it.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain via video link he said: “I want this conversation to be about the refugees and the about language used rather than us now being side-tracked by Gary Lineker and his right to say something.
“It reminds me of when footballers first started taking the knee. When they took the knee the conversation was about why they are taking a knee.
"It quickly descended into do they have a right to take a knee? and the message was lost. So I want this message to continue in terms of the language used towards refugees and our support for Syrian and Iraqi refugees the same way we are supporting Ukrainian refugees.”
This morning Gary Lineker said in a statement that he and the BBC had 'found a way forward' and looked forward to getting back on air. The BBC also announced that they will be reviewing their impartiality rule which prevents BBC employees from voicing their political opinions on social media.
Gary Lineker said in the statement from the BBC: "I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air."
Writing on Twitter, he added: “After a surreal few days, I’m delighted that we have navigated a way through this. I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity.
“Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming. I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost three decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday.”
Lineker added: “A final thought: however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.
“It’s heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.”
Director General Tim Davie said the BBC will launch an independent review into its social media guidelines, with a particular focus on freelancers outside news and current affairs like Lineker.
His full statement said: “Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this. The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
“Impartiality is important to the BBC. It is also important to the public. The BBC has a commitment to impartiality in its Charter and a commitment to freedom of expression. That is a difficult balancing act to get right where people are subject to different contracts and on air positions, and with different audience and social media profiles. The BBC’s social media guidance is designed to help manage these sometimes difficult challenges and I am aware there is a need to ensure that the guidance is up to this task. It should be clear, proportionate, and appropriate.
“Accordingly, we are announcing a review led by an independent expert – reporting to the BBC – on its existing social media guidance, with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs. The BBC and myself are aware that Gary is in favour of such a review.
“Shortly, the BBC will announce who will conduct that review. Whilst this work is undertaken, the BBC’s current social media guidance remains in place.
Match of the Day aired for only 20 minutes on Saturday without accompanying commentary or analysis from presenters, and Sunday’s edition of Match of the Day 2 will run for a reduced 15 minutes. Football Focus, Final Score, and BBC 5 Live programmes were also replaced with pre-recorded shows as the presenters and contributors to these shows said they would not be involved.
Coverage of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United also aired without a pre-match presentation, and with world feed commentary used instead of regular BBC presenters.
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