Everton success story lost in ‘extraordinary blizzard’ of Gary Lineker controversy – Ian Herbert
Everton have seen their good work with refugees clouded by an “extraordinary blizzard” of media controversy, says the Daily Mail’s Ian Herbert.
The Mail journalist detailed (The Daily Mail, 15 March, page 67) how the Toffees community department has aided asylum seekers in Liverpool.
However, he has also suggested that the recent BBC controversy over Gary Lineker’s tweet on the government’s new immigration policy has overshadowed the club’s good work.
“The story of those who seek refuge within these shores became lost in that extraordinary blizzard of controversy about the right to tweet but it is still there, of course,” wrote Herbert.
“If only Everton had garnered as much publicity for the way they work, quietly, resolutely and without ceremony, on this monumentally complicated issue.”
Madness
The Lineker tweet and the storm which followed was remarkable. Considering the issues which cloud the UK at present, it’s amazing that a football pundit and his view on a political issue can take centre stage. Numerous BBC presenters also ‘stood with’ Lineker and it did feel like the whole situation was blown significantly out of context.
However, it’s refreshing to see Herbert highlight a positive story in what has otherwise been a gloomy week. The story involving Everton’s community department is the news which should have been reported. This is a real-life example of how a football club is embracing the issue of immigration and actively looking to make a change.
It’s such a shame the Lineker saga fell at the same time. Let’s hope that unseen work such as this gets more coverage going forward. Furthermore, let’s all hope football doesn’t become at the forefront of one of the country’s biggest political dilemmas again.