Gary Lineker: America is an extraordinarily racist country

Gary Lineker has branded the United States “an extraordinarily racist country” as the BBC became embroiled in a new row over the former England striker-turned-TV presenter's political pronouncements. In an interview with The News Agents podcast, Lineker spoke about the human rights issues in Qatar, where this year's World Cup is being held. He said: "Homophobia is an issue here, women’s rights are a little bit of an issue here. For me, it was always really more about the corruption side of it." After being accused of not speaking up about issues in other countries, he proved those suggestions wrong by aiming a jab at the World Cup's next co-hosts. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Lineker added: "We’re off to America in four years’ time, with Canada and Mexico, but obviously America’s an extraordinarily racist country." The former footballer had already angered the current World Cup hosts by voicing concerns over Qatar's human rights record. The Qataris hit back over what they said was the BBC's “very racist” coverage of the tournament. In his reaction to these claims by the former England striker, Mike Graham congratulated Lineker for being "the most hypocritical man in British television."