The controversy has been brewing for some time, with the BBC’s news staff reportedly “boiling” with anger at Lineker’s breach of impartiality rules.
The presenter has continued to make politically charged comments on Twitter, leading to calls for his sacking.
A recent poll by The Mail+ found that 96% of readers believed that Lineker should be sacked due to his comments about small boats.
While former BBC director Roger Mosey expressed sympathy for Lineker, he also argued that presenters should adhere to impartiality rules, otherwise they would be encouraging other BBC employees to question why they cannot give their own opinions on issues. Mosey suggested that the situation was “something of a car crash.”
There are concerns that Lineker’s comments are harming the perception of the BBC, with insiders warning that impartiality must be sacrosanct.
The corporation’s director general, Tim Davie, has described impartiality as “clearly important” to the BBC, but has not made a statement about Lineker’s future with the broadcaster.
Meanwhile, Lineker has continued to tweet on the politically charged topic.