Fans take aim at 'pathetic' Gary Lineker & call for BBC to sack England legend after ill-judged joke during Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain & France

Gary Lineker has been branded "pathetic" by fans after he made an ill-judged joke during the BBC's coverage of France's defeat to Spain at Euro 2024.

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• France lost 2-1 in semi-final
• Lineker made political gag
• Fans urge BBC to sack presenter

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  During BBC Sport's coverage of the first Euro 2024 semi-final, Lineker made a joke, claiming that it had been "all about the left" in France this week, a reference to the recent elections in the country. When France went to the polls, a left-wing alliance came out victorious, ensuring Marine Le Pen's far-right party did not take power.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Lineker's controversial comment left a section of fans up in arms.

  @DaveMUFC___ wrote: "Gary Lineker with a pathetic political point there at the end.@BBCSportget rid of this clown."

  @DannyJo01551036 wrote: "Gary lineker just before the second half started was again going on about politics BBC needs to sack him now!"

  @SirHardBoiled77 added: "Trust Lineker to shoehorn in about the left in France during half time in the France v Spain game #bbcsport."

  @CurlySpanner007 said: "Lineker just laughed saying it was all about the left in France and laughed before he handed over to the commentary team.@Ofcomlet’s see what you say about this?"

  @RicoCharpentier concluded: "@BBCSport@OfcomGary Lineker- 'France is all about the Left this week' This is why Gary Lineker should not be representing a publicly funded, supposedly unbiased media outlet It’s not correct I should have to be concerned with @GaryLineker‘s political views watching football."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lineker has been remarkably active throughout the tournament, working for both the BBC and his The Rest Is Football podcast. Following England's penalty shootout quarter-final win over Switzerland, he revealed he had felt emotional about Bukayo Saka's spot-kick, and has even suggested who should replace Gareth Southgate if the Three Lions boss steps down.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Lineker will surely be watching on as England play the Netherlands in the second Euro 2024 semi-final. The clash is on ITV, but the former Three Lions ace will be back in front of the camera for Sunday's final.