Internet reacts as Gary Lineker is pictured shopping without face mask
20 October 2020, 12:16 | Updated: 20 October 2020, 12:35
The Match of The Day presenter and former footballer apologised and blamed "old age" for his blunder. See the reactions online.
Gary Lineker trended this week after being pictured without a face mask while shopping.
The Match of the Day presenter is known for his pro-mask stance, so fans were shocked to see the former England footballer caught without one in a photo shared by the Daily Star.
Gary Lineker shops without face mask - after slating people who don't wear them https://t.co/WOxNEyxjzF
— 🇬🇧 ℙ𝕒𝕦𝕝 🇬🇧 (@PaulLeMay16) October 19, 2020
The pundit was quick to apologise for his error even ahead of the story being leaked, writing on Twitter: "In my old age, I went into a store and forgot to put my mask on. Was wondering why people were giving me daggers. Realised after a couple of minutes and hastily put it on. Felt awful and embarrassed. Apologies to those present."
In my old age, I went into a store and forgot to put my mask on. Was wondering why people were giving me daggers. Realised after a couple of minutes and hastily put it on. Felt awful and embarrassed. Apologies to those present.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 19, 2020
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to stop the story being shared online and many rushed to react to the blunder and criticise the star.
One simply wrote: "Do as I say, not as I do".
Do as I say, not as I do ... https://t.co/WafftUoUpz
— Susan Hall AM (@Councillorsuzie) October 19, 2020
One Twitter user even suggested he was lying about forgetting it.
Yeah, of course you did.... pic.twitter.com/HmVcvaW40w
— Mister Magoo (@RenweardPress) October 20, 2020
Another commenter remarked: "Gary Lineker the Epitome of a modern day Hypocrite..."
Gary Lineker the Epitome of a modern day Hypocrite... @GaryLineker https://t.co/lCXZ6UlSgQ
— Terry Williams (@KennyandHattie) October 20, 2020
One called him both a "plonker" and a "hypocrite".
He Really Is A Prize Hypocrite Plonker! https://t.co/PbJCBYAWC7
— Bob For A Full Brexit (@boblister_poole) October 20, 2020
Many pointed out Lineker's own past tweets which included the question: "Why would anyone object to wearing a mask in a shop? Not exactly a hardship. What a country of snowflakes we've become."
— Chris 🇭🇰 (@nottmdude) October 20, 2020
READ MORE: Anais Gallagher responds to dad Noel's comments on not wearing a mask
However, not everyone was so quick to judge Lineker so harshly. Some leapt in to defend him and remind others that it's an easy mistake to make.
I did this a couple of weeks ago but I'd only got as far as lobby area. The security man politely reminded me. I was mortified. Easily done. Just as well I'm not someone the right wing media love to have a pop at.
— Steph Geraghty (@StephGeraghty2) October 20, 2020
I’ve done exactly the same! 🙈
— Michelle Coupland (@michelleisnot50) October 20, 2020
Not to worry Gary your only human I forgot to take my wallet when going shopping didn’t realise it until I had put my shopping through the check out now that was EMBARRASSING.
— Philip Brannan (@philipBrannan1) October 20, 2020
Another wrote: "Unfair! I am very much in favour of masks and I can't stand Gary Lineker, but anyone can be forgetful."
Unfair! I am very much in favour of masks and I can't stand Gary Lineker, but anyone can be forgetful.
— Andrew Bennett (@AndrewB66968157) October 20, 2020
Whether or not it was a genuine mistake, we're sure Lineker will be keeping his mask firmly attached to his face from now on.
READ MORE: Ian Brown records anti-lockdown song Little Seed Big Tree
