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Gary Lineker rages he’s been ‘hit with threats’ and is now scared to tweet

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Gary Lineker has revealed to being hit with threats after retweeting a post surrounding Israeli sports ban. In an interview with The Guardian, the Match of the Day star touched on the mishap.

The retweet, which has since been deleted by the 63-year-old, was originally from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).

It included a statement from the Palestinian Football Association which urged sporting bodies such as FIFA and the IOC to ban Israel from international sporting events.

However, it’s been reported that Gary misinterpreted the tweet with claims he thought it was saying that a ban had come into place.

Speaking to The Guardian surrounding the incident, he detailed receiving threats from the mistake. He commented: “But it’s not about me. I am not the victim here.”

Although the post has been removed from Lineker’s account, it was seen by millions and received a wave of backlash and criticism.

A spokesperson for the UK-based Campaign Against Antisemitism told The Daily Telegraph: “Gary Lineker has a lot to say about a lot of things, but antisemitism does not appear to be one of them.

“At a time of record levels of racism against Jews, not a peep. But he has found the time to amplify a call to suspend the world’s only Jewish state from international sports. His priorities are clear.”

Despite the retweet causing a lot of controversy, it’s understood the Match of the Day star didn’t breach BBC guidelines, according to The Mirror.

The 63-year-old came under heavy fire last year when he shared his thoughts on the government’s asylum policy on social media.

After comparing the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman’s immigration policy to 1930s Germany, the sports star was briefly suspended from his role as it appeared he had breached BBC guidelines.

However, at the end of last year, a new set of social media rules were introduced for flagship presenters at the broadcaster following Lineker’s controversy.

Although they are now allowed to express their views on issues and policies online, they should stop when it comes to “political campaigning or for activist organisations”.

Speaking about the changes, BBC’s director general Tim Davie said: “We all have a responsibility to treat people with civility and respect, particularly at a time when public debate and discussion, both on and offline, can be so polarised.

“The BBC also has important commitments to both freedom of expression and impartiality – and this rightly extends to social media.

“Clarity on how those working for the BBC use social media is no only important for them and the organisation, but also for our audiences.

“The new guidance, which includes new requirements for presenters of our flagship programmes, is both proportionate and fair and protects these commitments.”

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Source: NewsFinale

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