British football legend and broadcaster Gary Lineker has once again found himself at the center of a media storm — this time, for calling out his longtime employer, the BBC, in a fiery statement that’s now igniting fierce debate across the internet.
In a bold critique, Lineker said:
“This is the mistake the BBC makes. The BBC tries to appease the people that hate the BBC, rather than worrying about the people that love the BBC.”
The quote, originally made during a candid discussion about the broadcaster’s editorial direction, quickly went viral. Many applauded Lineker for speaking truth to power, accusing the BBC of trying too hard to win over critics at the expense of loyal audiences.
“He’s not wrong,” one Twitter user wrote. “The BBC’s been walking on eggshells trying to please people who will never be satisfied.”
Others, however, criticized Lineker for biting the hand that feeds him — pointing out that, as one of the BBC’s most recognizable faces, he benefits from the very institution he’s publicly rebuking.
This isn’t the first time Lineker has stirred controversy for being outspoken. In 2023, he faced temporary suspension from Match of the Day over political comments — a decision that sparked backlash and a staff-wide walkout in solidarity.
The latest jab has once again placed media neutrality, public trust, and editorial independence under the microscope.
As of now, the BBC has not issued a formal response to Lineker’s remarks, but online discourse shows no signs of slowing down. Whether seen as a whistleblower or a rebel within, one thing’s clear: Lineker isn’t backing down — and he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way.