**Gary Lineker Faces Social Media Storm After Comment on Lionesses’ Chloe Kelly**
Former England footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker found himself in the eye of a social media storm after making a controversial jest about Chloe Kelly’s spirited celebration in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final. The incident ignited widespread debate about the representation of women in sport and the boundaries of humour, prompting Lineker to issue a public apology after deleting his original tweet.
The backlash was triggered by Kelly’s iconic celebration, which swiftly became etched in the annals of English football history. In the high-pressure clash against Germany, Kelly secured England’s first-ever Women’s European Championship by netting a late goal. Overcome with emotion, she whipped off her England shirt, revealing her sports bra, a jubilant act reminiscent of Brandi Chastain’s famous 1999 World Cup moment.
Shortly after the final whistle, Lineker took to social media to congratulate the Lionesses, tweeting: “The @Lionesses have only gone and done it, and Kelly is England’s heroine, bra none.” The pun, a play on the expression “bar none,” was intended as light-hearted. However, the tweet didn’t land as hoped.
While some of Lineker’s followers appreciated his trademark wit, many reacted negatively, branding the post as “sexist” and accused him of trivialising a moment of immense significance for women’s sport. One user lamented: “Seriously, Gary? An epic win, a game-changer for women’s sport, and you reduce this glory to a joke about underwear.” Others questioned whether he would have made a similar joke should it have been a men’s team.
The incident underscores the scrutiny public figures face in the age of social media, where comments are rapidly amplified and dissected by millions. What might have passed as escapist banter in years gone by can now be viewed as undermining, especially during periods of landmark achievement for underrepresented groups. For many, Kelly’s celebration symbolised the growing empowerment of women in football, not merely an exuberant moment to be reduced to a single detail.
In response to the widespread criticism, Lineker swiftly removed the tweet and reached out to one individual directly, clarifying his intention. He explained, “It was just a play on words given the celebration. I do rubbish like that constantly, including for men’s football. I deleted it since many people didn’t catch the context if they hadn’t seen the match.”
Chloe Kelly herself chose not to address the furore. Instead, the forward shifted her focus back to the pitch, where she continues to shine for the Lionesses as they build on their Euro triumph under manager Sarina Wiegman. Kelly remains celebrated not only for her finishing skills but also for her ability to seize the spotlight in decisive moments.
The Lionesses’ path to that crowning final was fraught with drama, particularly during their semi-final showdown, where they trailed Italy deep into stoppage time. It took a miraculous equaliser from substitute Michelle Agyemang to keep their dreams alive, and eventually, it was Kelly’s resilience and poise that secured England’s advance to yet another major final against Spain.
The episode involving Lineker highlights the delicate interplay between playful commentary and unintentional offence, especially when discussing women’s achievements in a field long dominated by men. As women’s football continues its meteoric rise, the conversation about how these athletes – and their moments of glory – are celebrated remains both lively and necessary.
Discourse around the incident has prompted broader reflection within football circles and the media about the respect and recognition afforded to female athletes. For many supporters, the real story remains the Lionesses’ trailblazing success and the inspiration they offer to a new generation of girls dreaming of sporting greatness.
As England prepares for their next challenge, Chloe Kelly and her teammates stand as beacons of progress on and off the pitch, their celebrations and achievements resonating well beyond the final whistle.