This 3 minute clip from 2021 is still being widely shared. It's helpful if you want to understand how Gary Lineker feels about the issue of refugees, about his relationship with the BBC - and about the idea of the BBC telling him what he can and can't tweet.

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When it is for footballers to explain and contextualise these complex issues, to provide humanity, it feels our world is a broken place.

@paulruk The only reflection his tweet would have on the BBC is that they employ kind and considerate human beings. Now, if that’s an issue for the Beeb I guess we know what the real problem is…

He checked with Ian Wright (who said he’d walk out also) and told the production team of his intention (putting pressure on them) The show was being put together right up until 4.30 pm. The idea Lineker made a ‘brave and principled stand’ is laughable

It’s rather sad that climate change and humane treatment of refugees are considered “controversial”. One is, as Gary points out, an issue of human empathy, the other is a fact. If York got totally flooded, and I had to abandon my home, I’d hate to be in the hands of Braverman.

Here's what the @BBC responded to complaints about Andrew Neil and Chris Packham. And, here's what the BBC guidelines say about social media use by non-news freelance talent.

For me its about people like Gary who live in an ivory tower talking about uncontrolled immigration and acting superior when they dont live in areas affected by this. There are real consequences at play here long term.

There is no reason for his suspension. No precedent and no issue with the tweet. I can’t see how he doesn’t have a constructive dismissal claim running into millions. The board have to resign… and then as the government inspired this it could go further.

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