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

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.

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."

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.

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.