Jack Graysmark

ALT Bectu has responded to the BBC’s decision to tell Gary Lineker to step back from Match of the Day. Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu, which represents thousands of BBC workers responding to the suspension of Gary Lineker, said: “This is a deeply concerning decision from the BBC. It will give the appearance that they have bowed to political pressure from ministers to take someone off air for disagreeing with the policies of the current government. “Taken with the ongoing controversy over the appointment of the BBC Chairman, who has a much more important role in upholding the reputation of the BBC, and who has not stepped back while under investigation, it also risks given the impression of double standards on these issues.”