Gary Lineker's true nature perfectly summed up by refugee who stayed at his home

Edinburgh Live

7 days ago

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Gary Lineker is set to bid farewell to the BBC after his final Match of the Day stint this Sunday, and among the memorable moments from his career that fans recall, is when he opened his home to a refugee in 2020.
The ex-England and Barcelona forward has signalled his departure from Match of the Day come November 2024; however, he promises to continue gracing the BBC as he leads their FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverage.
Yet, following a contentious social media update and allegations of anti-Semitism, this upcoming Sunday's Match of the Day will mark the 64 year old Lineker's swansong on the BBC.
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In a revealing testimony from 2023, Pakistani refugee Rasheed Baluch reflected on Lineker's "sympathetic and human-loving" nature, expressing boundless appreciation for the hospitality shown by inviting him into his home back in 2020.
"He is friendly and open-minded," stated Baluch, who escaped the Pakistani region of Balochistan due to threats against his life as a result of his work in human rights advocacy, reports Wales Online.
"He loved to listen to me when I shared my story about the situation in my country and the plight of my people. Gary was comfortable with my company and conversation. That's why he listened to me attentively.
"Although Gary is a star, he leads a simple life. He is never proud of his status. He is a very sympathetic, caring and human-loving man. He gave me an Oyster card which contained a £100 top-up for my transport to university."
Baluch praised the departing Match of the Day star as a "fantastic cook who served mindblowing meals" during his stay at Lineker's £4million Surrey residence.
Lineker once shared a heartfelt letter from Baluch, where the law student wrote: "I can never forget your hospitality, love and company that you and your lovely, respectful children gave to me."
(Image: PA)
(Image: Rasheed Baluch)
The 64 year old broadcaster himself reflected on the experience, which was facilitated by UK charity Refugees at Home, calling it "hugely positive" and crediting it with providing him "such a different perspective on life."
In 2023, Lineker faced a temporary suspension from the BBC following an impartiality controversy sparked by his social media comments criticising the then-government's asylum policy.
Upon his return to television, Baluch defended Lineker's right to speak out: "He has been given the right of freedom, thought and expression."
Baluch also criticised the negative institutional response to Lineker's statements, saying: "So if the institutions react so negatively against the statement of Gary, it is undemocratic and unfair. Gary has come forward to defend humanity. It should be a point of pride for the British public."
Now, as Lineker prepares to present his final Match of the Day show of this Premier League season on Sunday, it comes after the announcement earlier this month that he will cut all ties with the BBC, following his involvement in an anti-Semitism row.
The row erupted after the English pundit shared a controversial post on Zionism from group Palestine Lobby, which used a rat emoji - a symbol historically offensive towards Jews. Following the ensuing outcry, Lineker is now set for a change of scene.
He remarked: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji.
"If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology. I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that."
He continued: "So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show."