Lineker apologises after making ‘bad taste’ joke on Twitter
Gary Lineker has apologised after facing criticism for making a joke about security surrounding the England team in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
The former England captain and TV presenter was responding to a Twitter post from a journalist quoting Roy Hodgson saying people were working “very hard” to ensure England’s safety.
The quote from Hodgson read: “We have people around us who work very hard to make sure we are secure.”
Lineker wrote: “I think we all worry about our defence.”
The Match of the Day host’s remark was described by Twitter user @hellsbells06 as “very bad taste” while @anuragnd added “absolutely not called for mate”.
A further tweet from @dk1504 read: “That’s pretty crass Gary” and @paulsputnik branded it “inappropriate”.
The attacks in Brussels earlier this week claimed the lives of 31 people.
A minute’s silence in memory of those who died was held prior to a number of international football matches on Friday.
The Match of the Day host later apologised, tweeting:
Apologies for my tweet about England’s defence. It was not intended to be disrespectful or in the context it’s been taken. Sorry my mistake.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 26, 2016
England face Germany in a friendly in Berlin on Saturday evening before hosting Holland at Wembley on Tuesday.