Gary Lineker says he’s never had more ‘love and support’ during immigration row

© BBC Gary Lineker caused an online storm with his comments on the government’s new immigration policy

Leicester legend Gary Lineker, who is at the centre of an online storm after his comments about Tory anti-immigration plans, has posted an emotional message about the support he has been receiving online. The former striker sparked a big backlash after he compared the language used to launch a new asylum policy with 1930s Nazi Germany.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman branded the TV presenter’s comments “irresponsible” and many people have been calling for the BBC Sports presenter to be sacked. A BBC source told the PA news agency the corporation is taking the matter “seriously” and expects to have a “frank conversation” with the 62-year-old.

However, Lineker said he had been moved by the support. On Twitter he wrote: “I have never known such love and support in my life than I’m getting this morning (England World Cup goals aside, possibly). I want to thank each and every one of you. It means a lot. I’ll continue to try and speak up for those poor souls that have no voice. Cheers all.”

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Immigration minister Robert Jenrick, said Lineker is “so far out of step with the British public” after he called the Government’s proposed measures “cruel”. On Tuesday, Lineker wrote on Twitter about a Home Office video, in which Ms Braverman unveiled the Government’s plans to stop migrants crossing the Channel on small boats, and said the UK is being “overwhelmed”.

The ex-England striker wrote: “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.”

Lineker is not a permanent member of staff at the BBC and is a freelance broadcaster not responsible for news or political content, so different rules apply on impartiality. Ms Braverman told ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) that she was “very disappointed” by his comments.

She added: “Equating our measures – which are lawful, necessary and fundamentally compassionate – to 1930s Germany is irresponsible and I disagree with that characterisation.”

GMB presenter Susanna Reid also grilled Ms Braverman after the minister said there is “likely billions” of migrants “eager” to come to the UK, saying: “On what planet is that likely and how is that not inflammatory language?”

Fans responded to Lineker online. Samuel West said: “Adding my voice to the chorus of approval for your principled and powerful stand. Onward!” Amy Lawrence said: “It is so important that big voices speak for the voiceless and show the care and compassion sadly lacking in some positions of power. Keep going Gary!”

Goalkeeping legend Neville Southall added: “You’re an easy target because you speak the truth. Keep being as determined and singleminded as you were as a player. You must know your doing something right when Tories start whinging about you. Respect.”

However Bray Ash said: “He broke impartiality rules that’s the issue. Either leave the BBC or stick to the rules of the BBC. He cannot have his cake and eat it.”

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