Gary Lineker has revealed that he is “under review” by Twitter after the Match of the Day presenter lost his blue tick on the social media platform.
Lineker is a prolific Twitter user, frequently sharing his thoughts with his 8.9million followers. His use of the platform has caused plenty of controversy, with his suspension by the BBC last month coming after he refused to apologise for tweeting criticism of the Government’s bill on illegal migrants.
The 62-year-old was reinstated by the BBC following a huge backlash and he has continued to tweet often, sharing his thoughts on football, politics and more. But his account no longer has the sought-after blue tick, which signifies accounts that have been verified by Twitter.
Lineker is bemused as to why his tick has disappeared. Asked where it had gone, Lineker tweeted: “No idea. I’m under review apparently. @Twitter @TwitterSupport.”
Twitter owner Elon Musk announced last month that from April 1 some users would have their blue ticks removed from the service unless they paid a $8 a month subscription fee for the newly-launched Twitter Blue.
Asked if he was paying the $8 per month fee, Lineker replied: “I’ve actually been paying it for a while. Only for the ‘Edit’ button, but nevertheless.”
Twitter’s explanation of Twitter Blue states: “All Twitter Blue features will be available immediately except the blue checkmark, which will appear on eligible profiles after a review to ensure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria.”
The BBC launched a review of its social media guidelines after the Lineker storm, with BBC director general Tim Davie’s grovelling apology saying the current guidance had caused confusion.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
