Gary Lineker, the popular Match of the Day host, has been caught wearing his own clothing range during the BBC’s coverage of England’s opening Euros game against Serbia. The BBC has stated that presenters and contributors are reminded of clothing guidelines, even if they are not actively promoting a brand.
Lineker was seen wearing a pale green knitted T-shirt and a sage green jacket, which appeared to be from his Next X Gary Lineker range. The T-shirt is priced at £16, while the jacket costs £55. Despite breaching guidelines, Lineker’s partnership with Next offers a range of timeless and classic pieces that are versatile for any occasion.
In the past, Lineker also faced criticism for promoting a clothing brand on Instagram during the 2018 World Cup. However, he claimed it was a genuine mistake and emphasized that BBC presenters dress themselves without a wardrobe budget.
Other BBC presenters, such as Alex Scott, have also been reprimanded for promoting brands while on air. Scott, a brand ambassador for Reiss, was asked to stop tagging the clothing brand in her social media posts during World Cup coverage. The BBC addressed the issue with Scott directly and ensured it would not happen again.
Similarly, BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker and other on-air talent have faced accusations of wearing and promoting sponsored products, leading to a reminder of the guidelines regarding conflicts of interest. It is essential for presenters to maintain impartiality and avoid endorsing products or services that could compromise their credibility.
Overall, the incident involving Gary Lineker highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to guidelines in the broadcasting industry. Presenters must be mindful of their actions to maintain trust with viewers and uphold professional standards while on air.