Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Sophie McCoid

Gary Lineker to invite refugee to come and live at his mansion

Gary Lineker is reportedly set to welcome a refugee to live with him.

The Match Of The Day host, 59, has been critical of the Government's response to migrants attempting to cross the English Channel.

Last month he described the response as "heartless and completely without empathy".

Now it has been reported former England footballer Lineker is ready to offer a refugee a place to stay.

He has been in touch with charity Refugees at Home, according to the Mirror, and has no idea who he will be living with or where they will be from.

Before his application is approved he has to have an ­interview and home visit by the charity which has helped find temporary accommodation for more than 2,250 refugees and asylum seekers.

Ex Everton and Spurs striker Lineker said he is "not at all" apprehensive, and said: "I have had so much connection with refugees over the last couple of years.

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.

"I have met scores of young refugees through football schemes and they are genuinely lovely kids and they appreciate any help they can get.

"I'm sure it will be fine. I have been thinking of doing something like that for a while.

Keep up to date with local news in your area by adding your postcode below

"My kids are all grown up so I've got plenty of room so if I can help on a temporary basis then I'm more than happy to do so. Why not?"

Last month Lineker, father to four sons, hinted he was willing to house a refugee after sharing a screenshot from an email from Refugees at Home.

It came after Tory MP Lee Anderson accused Lineker of "virtue signalling" and suggested he should house "the next boat of illegal immigrants".

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.