BBC presenter and broadcaster Rob Rinder has passionately defended Gary Lineker’s right to speak freely on political and humanitarian issues, even when he finds himself in complete disagreement with the football legend’s views.
Lineker, 64, has become known for his outspoken posts on social media, particularly regarding topics such as the conflict in Gaza.
His public statements have drawn both praise and intense criticism, prompting debates about impartiality and personal expression – especially given his role at the BBC.
However, in an interview with The Telegraph, Rinder made it clear that while he may “vehemently disagree” with Lineker at times, he fully supports his right to speak.
Rinder made it clear that while he may “vehemently disagree” with Lineker at times, he fully supports his right to speak
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“He’s entitled to say what he likes,” Rinder insisted, adding that it would be different if he was presenting the news, “where it’s essential that you present as impartial.”
He continued: “I have sympathy, however, if you are a football pundit. I may vehemently disagree with you, but it would be inconsistent for me to take a view that you should be sacked and shut down. I would never sign or support those who would seek to do that.”
Rinder’s stance is rooted in his lifelong belief in free speech, something he describes as a “fundamental” value shaped by his upbringing and legal career.
As a barrister, he defended individuals across the political spectrum, including members of the far right, arguing that “they have a right to defence.”
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Rinder’s stance is rooted in his lifelong belief in free speech
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“If I’m not going to stand for that person, who is going to stand for me?”
His strong belief in open discourse, even when uncomfortable or controversial, stems from early experiences attending Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park with his grandfather, where he listened to antisemitic views that challenged him to advocate for open dialogue rather than censorship.
“Being offended is one of the risks of living in a shared society,” he said. “But it also protects minority rights.”
Despite his personal restraint from posting on polarising subjects such as Gaza or transgender rights, Rinder respects those who do – if done thoughtfully.
“You ought and should show solidarity where you can. But if you do have a platform, it’s more important to hear and listen, and above all else, to advocate an approach that is rooted in open-mindedness and trying to understand the complexity of a situation.”
His main frustration lies not with individuals like Lineker, but with the BBC itself, for failing to clearly separate its editorial and news divisions.
“There needs to be a bigger push to separate the news arm and the political branches of that really unsung institution,” he said, “And boy does it not sing its tune well enough.”
He said: “If I had to do another job, it would be rethinking how we can advocate and make the country more proud of what the BBC does. Because they’re always fighting fires – like the Gary Lineker fire.”