BAGS OF CHEEK
Lineker accused over ‘crisp ad’ on job
GARY Lineker was accused of plugging his Walkers crisps sponsorship deal before a match shown on primetime BBC.
But despite the Beeb being aware of the incident they will not be probing the star for breaching impartiality rules.
The ex-England player appeared to display a packet of crisps on the desk in a photo tweeted before the FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Newcastle.
It seemed to be against the BBC’s strict impartiality and advertising rules.
As well as his Match Of The Day hosting role, Lineker has been partnered with Walkers since 1995.
In October, it was reported that he had signed a three-year deal worth £1.2million to continue to be the face of the snack brand.
Lineker appeared beside Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Newcastle favourite
Alan Shearer for the tie last weekend which the Gunners won in extra time.
Lineker, 59, had put up a picture on social media of him using the same crisp packet as a face mask with the caption “multi tasking”, but he later deleted it.
BBC impartiality and advertising rules state that any products being advertised must be shown as
“clear” adverts.
The code reads:
“All advertising must be clearly presented as commercial content, distinct from editorial content.
“The nature of an advertising relationship must be transparent so that it is clear to the audience that they are seeing a commercial message. Surreptitious or subliminal advertising is prohibited.”
The move did not go unnoticed by his followers, with a number of them commenting on social media.
One, called Biggsie, wrote:
“Cheeky crisp packet on the table there Gaz. How much are Walkers paying for that?”
Paul McBennett quipped: “Nice product placement @GaryLineker.”
Lineker has appeared in 150 Walkers ads and has teamed up with Lionel Messi, Paul Gascoigne and Victoria Beckham to promote snacks.
A BBC spokesman said: “It was a lighthearted joke which has since been deleted.”
OWN GOAL: Social media fans accuse Gary of product placement