The Gary Lineker saga currently unfolding at the BBC is certainly one of the stranger stories in recent memory.
The Match of the Day presenter was stripped of his duties for this evening's show in light of backlash he has received in recent days after he criticised the British Government's new immigration policy on social media.
The tweet, which was aimed at proposed new policy that gives the right to authorities to immediately deport any asylum seekers without regular due process, compared the rhetoric used by the Tories to that employed in Germany during the 1930s.
A number of Tory MPs have strongly criticised the former England striker as a result, with the BBC opting to take him off air due to a possible breach of their 'impartiality' rules. However, as has been pointed out on a number of occasions, they had little issue when other employees criticised the Labour Party in the recent past.
It is clear that the broadcaster bowed to pressure from the right side of the political aisle on this occasion.
BBC Sport NI account likes Gary Lineker tweets
It seems some within the BBC have turned on Gary Lineker due to his political views, including those running some of their social media accounts.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, earlier today the official BBC Sport NI account 'liked' a number of tweets that criticised the ex-footballer.
That included one from from former DUP leader Edwin Poots, who claimed Lineker's absence from Match of the Day would encourage him to tune into the show later tonight.
The tweets were quickly unliked, although not before eagle-eyed social media users had spotted the pattern.
The BBC would soon release a statement to apologise, saying it was done 'in error'.
This was done in error and is a serious mistake.
It was remedied quickly and an investigation into what happened is now underway.
Not exactly as great show of 'impartiality' from an official BBC account.
Of course, all is okay as long as the Tory party is not the subject of ridicule.
SEE ALSO: Eamon Dunphy Has Given Absolutely Bizarre Opinion On Gary Lineker Controversy
