"I Cry Over Gaza Images": Gary Lineker Talks to Mehdi about Israel, Refugees, and Messi

British sports broadcaster and former England football legend Gary Lineker isn’t afraid to speak out. Not just about football, but also contentious issues like immigration and Palestine. In addition to some football chat (or as Americans call it, “soccer”), and a paean to Lionel Messi, Lineker tells Mehdi what it’s like to be targeted by the right-wing press for speaking out in defense of refugees - and how he hosted two refugees in his home. He also talks about crying while watching social media videos from Gaza.
“It's slightly bizarre… I just give my honest opinions and generally they're not necessarily political. They're more, I think, humanitarian,” Lineker said. “I've stuck up for the plight of refugees and the awful things and the dreadful circumstances that caused them to perhaps leave their homes, which obviously you would never want to do. So, all I've ever really asked for is a bit of compassion, a little bit of understanding.”
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Founded by Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo has a strong bias for the truth and an unwavering belief in the media’s responsibility to the public. Unfiltered news, bold opinions.
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[@Britishpakistani2023]

Bassam Yusuf, Owen Jones and now Gary Lineker. Mehdi’s new channel is on the right track

[@deend7824]

I'm actually surprised how well his new channel is doing. mashAllah I'm happy for him.

[@afshinbabazadeh3853]

It’s great to listen to an interview that truly respect the listener for being honest , intelligent , and respectful .

[@Elizadoolittle1948]

Gary is a treasure. Protect this man at all costs. Love from Ireland. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@AH--173]

Gary is a great man. Always had a good head on his shoulders.

[@darkhorse381]

Oh so that’s how he scored all those headers

[@sarahadam8334]

Thank you Gary Lineker Thank you mehdi Hasan For speaking out

[@nadershirin7595]

Gary proud of you being a fantastic footballer with no Red card ever and speaking out on the Genocide in GAZA We salute you.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Nobody can defend Israel's actions anymore.

[@HellBot-gi5si]

Your right but just remember, the CIA determined that it was Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians that blew the American Embassy in 1983 in Lebanon. A lot of politicians like Joe Biden and Mitch McConnell had swallow that without getting justice. This why now the Palestinians are between a rock and hard place. A lot of the old American guard don't trust the Palestinians and will not put pressure on Israel.

[@HellBot-gi5si]

Other thing is that Yasser Arafat was hand pick by Nassar of Egypt and sent to Moscow and trained by the KGB to weak havoc on American interest in Middle East.

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

​@@HellBot-gi5siIst that true? I never heard that. Where can l read that?

[@ghofraneoueslati7258]

​@@Keepthepeacesharethelove it's not true, in fact it's the dumbest sh*t I read on the internet today

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

@@ghofraneoueslati7258 thank you very much.

[@tymax6751]

That's a father whose children can really look up to and be proud of. ❤

[@user-qk1yc9st1d]

Well Said

[@marcusm663]

Go Mehdi, a bastion of truth in a sea of Zionist servitude.

[@donnavorce8856]

Well said

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: - Protocols of Zion - Is deemed a Fabricated/Fake Document - If Protocols can be seen signed into Law - Fake Document or Plan Document?

[@marcusm663]

​@@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings Protocols of Zion was evidence years ago of what hey wanted to do. Now they are actually doing it. I would suggest that what they are actually doing is far worse than any words written on paper could ever be.

[@abdell75roussos]

Any comment about Yemen? Thought not. btw, only 1in four think that Hamas did the attacks. The left hate happy, prosperous, healthy, good looking people, this why they hate Israel.

[@SAMIRA0209]

Loving Zeteo ❤❤❤ After Al Jazeera, this is the channel I go to for trustworthy news and unbiased information 🙌🏽 Thank you, Mr. Mehdi 🙏🏽

[@mickyarams]

I would love Medhi to debate that snake oil salesman, PBD, and the block head Joe Rogan

[@rezwanarahman4978]

Try "Democracy Now". They're doing fantastic job.

[@user-qk1yc9st1d]

​@@rezwanarahman4978 I would hv tried but Democracy name itself is a Fake Name. There is nothing really democratic on the planet. No country is based on democracy. Its all about Races , communities, white , black , etc.

[@TheLampini]

Gary is a great man. He refuses to have his conscience silenced over and over again, and he IS being deeply pressured by the establishment in the UK. ❤

[@boyeliza]

Thank you, Gary Lineker, for standing up with the truth.

[@jaimiemclaughlin3126]

Gary is a good man who speaks his mind without fear or favour. Good luck to him 👍🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@bendybruce]

I never knew I was such a terrible person, until I started speaking out against the genocide in Palestine.

[@twinklemagic024]

💯 I’m surprised KZbin hasn’t deleted your comment yet. It seems highly inflammatory 🤦‍♀️🥵

[@bendybruce]

@@twinklemagic024 I'm always amazed to discover when one of my comments actually survives their draconian algorithm lol

[@spinnach2896]

Yes, the genocide committed against them by hamas...

[@SM-mr3wp]

@@spinnach2896

[@patchoulihead2139]

​@@spinnach2896if your heart doesn't break with the images of starving and thirsty children, dying after a miserable life...mother, grandparents slaughtered..every single tree being destroyed in Gaza...then you must seriously look at yourself and question what made you so hateful...it's disturbed me as never before...and about 90% of the world feels the same. The question is why you don't.

[@jhegre]

Listening to these two blokes talking gives me hope that there still is a bit of decency in this world. Thank you guys!

[@sandramacleod45]

At least he is on the right side of history keep speaking up Gary 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇵🇸

[@SA77Notts]

Well done Gazza now use your platform to call for FIFA to suspend Israel #redcardisrael

[@florinadrian5174]

For what good? FIFA is one of the most corrupt organisations in the world, they never do the right thing.

[@THEE_Kisywisy]

Gazza is a completely different player

[@rianaZeinF]

Gazza is Paul Gascoigne

[@AX57RAF]

Gazza is a name generally used for people named Gary in the UK

[@Golkfyerick]

I agree with all the responses here. "Gaz" might lessen any misinterpretation.

[@MosmMAli]

Wow what a decent, intelligent and caring human being 🎉🎉

[@fidelcatsro6948]

''Its not anti semitic to say what Israel doing now is Wrong!'' -😺👍

[@808shamalama]

You mean Israhell led by Satanyahu

[@Sammonkey137]

He is a great human being

[@suryaniahmadsarji5808]

Such a sweet man! Gary Lineker

[@juliewake4585]

I’m pretty sure that the world would be a better place if it had in it a more humanitarian person like you Gary. Thanks for this Mehdi.

[@TheHouseofcoolstuff]

He really has gave his kids an experience that will stay with them for life! They’ll empathy with others and hopefully help those who are less fortunate than them when they’re older. Great role model Gary!

[@medsaleckahmedou9201]

Gray a man of principle and humanity!

[@shakeels6982]

Gary is fantastic. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@Jake-jr2zh]

Israel is beyond being defended.

[@antoniusdeweerd8506]

I fully agree! It’s astounding to me how people in the west can just switch off their basic sense of compassion and humanity while looking at this criminal colonial fascist enterprise… I think in my country (the Netherlands) it’s fueled by the rampant Islamophobia that’s been spreading like wildfire in our post 9/11 society …

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: - Dehumanizing a group of people as Rats is Fascist - Dehumanizing a group of people as Human Animals is Not Fascist?

[@user-vo3fi8bl8j]

Hats of to Gary linekar. A true legend both inside the pitch and outside

[@modk1960]

Great man

[@786superman]

Gary was raised by good parents, God bless them wherever they are, Gary is a courageous and honest mam, he know the storm that may await him, We, UK and the world stands with you.

[@kunaiflex491]

Never been a football fan but gary seems like a great bloke

[@Ghost-nt4vk]

Free Palestine

[@wiseomg]

You are just a sheep for hamas🤡

[@user-uf5sd3yk6g]

Gary linekar was a good footballer and his speaking up here on this issue is admirable and commendable..

[@user-lg1wm8kq6e]

Free souls are agonising over Gaza GENOCIDE and BRUTAL OCCUPATION.

[@abufikri4241]

I am anticipating Gary will be missed dearly He makes BBC unhappy Palestinians never walk alone

[@theliberalthinker3308]

they're naturally unhappy over there

[@siksife5895]

As usual, Mehdi, another amazing interview. Gary Lineker is a living legend. Does anyone fancy a packet of Walkers crisps?

[@fightthepowerman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-UnIOGaJiEhZIsi=Rs2Hq4MGLNcVCAfL Shout out to the this ad were its implied Gary is dismembered by the walkers factory machinery with his extremities being distributed amoungst British schoolchildren. Peak of 90s style advertising.

[@terilynnnelson572]

Thank you for being human Gary Lineker, something we haven't seen much of from the "celebrity" class these days.

[@davidjohnhull]

The problem is that gary can't say everything he thinks

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Probably the greatest complement I can pay to Gary Lineker, is that he seems to be a decent human being. We need more of these in government and main stream media.

[@MrIanito]

Decency is vital. G Lineker reminds us of that. ☘️

[@Shinryuken15]

Such furure online about this lol. Whenever Gary opens his mouth about politics, the right wing go mental. Its ridiculous. Thanks for uploading so soon! Been waiting for this one :)

[@lesleybetts4874]

I met Gary a few times, many decades ago. He was a kind and courteous young man, and I'm not surprised that he is speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. Like him, I also cry often, even when I'm not watching or listening to the heartbreaking coverage, obviously not from mainstream media.. which is disturbing in itself! But the images I can't unsee floating around in my head all day, every day.

[@MrZluay]

Gary is truly a great man, why can't we learn from him? Is it hard to have a bit of humanity in our lives?

[@thegamers9133]

GARY Lineker, top guy. Honestly and integrity is what he's about.

[@samaanibrahim720]

Thank you very much Gray Lineker for being an advocate for refugees, for the people of Gaza and for humanity. You are indeed a good human being. Free Palestine. STOP ISRAEL GENOCIDE AGAINST GAZA.

[@isabeltaylor1762]

What a gem Gary is. Brit living in Australia since 2013 and its people like him that make me have hope and foundation.

[@user-qz8ug5vw2w]

Gary is person of sanity in a crowd of unhinged politically stupid leaders. Sunak is an example. We are so proud of him.

[@akmmoinulhassan6431]

Thank you, Mr Gary.

[@elliottmcintyre9092]

I am a Aussie who can remember Gary Linieker, empathy is the key and what a great influence.

[@modk1960]

Great lad

[@aye3678]

What an amazing guest to have on Mehdi. Gary has always been such a kind hearted soul.

[@CC-jb5id]

As Billy Connolly once said “The desire to be a politician should bar you from life from ever becoming one” We do need more people in politics who are not just looking for a career

[@shaheenmuhammad6468]

What a decent, honorable and good man. Such a humble soul, filled with humanity and empathy

[@americo7965]

Nice one. Love Gary and his humanity.

[@topred526]

Never got a yellow card either!

[@youknow6968]

Linekar is awesome, truly a great human being.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

agreed!

[@StratsRUs]

Top Man !

[@spinnach2896]

Why? Cos he shares some of your narratives?

[@youknow6968]

@@spinnach2896 if you think life is just about narratives, and not rights or wrongs, then I seriously pity you.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

@@spinnach2896 no because Israel is well known for human rights abuses since 1948

[@massford2767]

Excellent interview. Good man, Gary.

[@masc2855]

Love Gary. Absolute star!!!

[@rmspectrum7984]

Thank you for having Gary on, he is a voice of reason in these dark times.

[@Gibsonseven]

Gary is a treasure and I hope he continues to speak out

[@jillprice8507]

Two decent , moral men🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@g8rrard]

Mehdi Hasan a Liverpool supporter! It's always the good guys/girls in media/celebrities who are LFC fans. YNWA. Very very good content as always @Zeteo!

[@bvc1922]

Mehdi broke my heart with this one 😂

[@humbertoramirez8165]

Gary is a true sportsman displaying sportsmanship on and off the field.

[@FreshMountain_Snow]

Bravo Gary !!

[@David_Bower]

Gary's such a nice, and compassionate chap, and by god he looks great for 63.

[@user-dj8ll1op8v]

Zeteo🙌🏾

[@pcliff9473]

National treasure our Gary

[@clive-live]

"Footballs coming home?" Two great principled people A very diplomatic interview Clive Burgess 🔥

[@user-ry8dy6os7e]

My favorite English player, along with Chris waddle. Gary was always a great human being. Thank you for your support.

[@anthonyshannon6744]

I've cried many times over the images coming out of gaza

[@Ciilow24]

Big Big move by Zeteo to bring Gary 😊

[@786Marriam]

What an amazing man with great integrity. May Gary always be blessed!

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

Gary is a legend and a downright decent human. Thanks for the content Mehdi.

[@elvisiscat]

Thank you for standing up for humanity, Gary. And thank you for having this beautiful being on, Mehdi. ✊☮️❤️

[@PRINCEXTHENnNOW]

Gary is right. It's all about humanity first and everything else after. I continue to be a fan long after football. God bless you GL❤

[@thehash5552]

I grew up with Gary in the 80's and I totally love this guy..... a legend....

[@williamchalker9364]

Gary Lineker is just a nice human being! Well done for looking out for the least of these. The good that you have done by defending the weak and asking for more kindness and humanity will come back to you!

[@johnnongben]

He's a scumbag

[@johnnongben]

Crap

[@Ashley.D]

I'm not into football, but I'll always love seeing someone recognise their privilege and wield it against injustice, so Gary's doing well in my books

[@abadali440]

Thank you Gary lineker,, RESPECT

[@thomasjosullivan9179]

Total respect to you Gary.......We must all speak up to Stop the Genocide in Gaza

[@vincentstephenson2397]

Never followed him for football, but I do think he is truly a good man

[@hayatraja7360]

Great Show , thanks 🇵🇸

[@sailyousuf]

Gary Lineker simply a brilliant human being .

[@annakonda6727]

I've never been a fan of football, but I get why Mr Lineker has so many fans. He is a very rare person and we need more like him in the world.

[@BlissfulMusicStudio]

Gary Lineker is a true legend, not just in footballing world but for fighting for just causes and using his platform to speak against injustices.

[@petenorton883]

he never got even a yellow card

[@njayaram3741]

Delightful conversation! Thank you!

[@TruthAlways_]

Thank you Gary. You are on the right side of history

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks so much for posting.

[@mildredmartinez8843]

Mehdi. I like your show very much. You are a person who is not afraid to speak your views. Especially if it is criticism of the heavy handedness of the powerful. I had to leave your interview because I had trouble understanding yohf guest. There Rmare some English speaking guests that I understand quite well. Others I can't. You have many viewers whose first language is not English. I would appreciate it if your guests were a little more conscious of this and speak more slowly and clearly. For my part and I think for many, this would be most useful. Thank you.

[@emma_green]

I too cry over Gaza images. Those of us who are human do. ❤ Gary Lineker. Thank you for using your plattform to spread love.

[@saidmohammed7090]

I got repect Gary for his sportsmanship and his stands for humanity..

[@modk1960]

❤

[@antarjones7888]

What a great conversation!

[@SultanKhan-je2kt]

excellant Programme. JazaAllah ho Khairan Kaseera.

[@user-ds1ts7xl1p]

That was wonderful! As a Mom and a soccer coach, I think some of my favorite memories with my two sons were in our year around soccer involvement. We did spring and fall soccer with the town; we did three sessions of indoor soccer in the winter at John Smith's indoor soccer facility; we did pick games all summer; and we traveled to every tournament we could find. The parents and the kids were fantastic; we fought the town to keep our team together every year. I believe in growing and learning together every year allowed us to build a nucleus that brought us our strength, solidarity, and success. Both my son's skills were amazing, and now seeing my son work with my grandson is awesome. My grandson has gone further than his dad in skills; and he's played year around as we did. It should be interesting this year as he plays Varsity in his high school. He's the only sophomore pulled up from JV , and he deserves it. He's a great kid. ( they all are😊.) What a great episode ; I think it's great Gary hosted refugees . We used to host exchange students from Spain for years, and like Gary said it's a great experience for kids. Lol my boys loved playing soccer with the students from Spain. We'd had about ten that all hung out at our house; they were great. If I had the space/ house, I would want to look into programs to take in refugees. We should try to help. Thank you both 💙💙👍👍💙💙

[@SideQ-rr6my]

Here in the UK, soccer (football to us) is such an integral part of communities across the country. Whether you are playing or just a fan, we have our local rivalries which can run deep, but the national games bring the whole country together and there is always a feeling of togetherness during international tournaments. It is a shame we can't foster the same attitudes year round.

[@user-ds1ts7xl1p]

@@SideQ-rr6my Excellent point; I agree, and wish the same here and abroad. Thank you Have a great day 😊

[@yasermahdi7230]

I was a refugee to the uk when I was 15 in 2006 as a result of US/UK war on Iraq. Trust me no refugee wants to leave his country but my family had to. My family was well off already established good career back home but they've lost their career as a result of this war. I hear so many people in the west complain about refugees as people who like to come in and steal residents jobs but trust we never wanted leave our countries. But the western policies and their interference has caused so much damage to the region and what surprises me is them questioning why we have refugees. Well, you've invaded sovereign countries claiming they are a threat to you while I have never seen an Arab tanks on Uk or US soil?!

[@bevmaynard]

Well said Gary, Stop this GENOCIDE

[@andrewreeve5537]

THANK YOU, GARY LINEKER 👌 The BBC need decent honest people to speak out for what is right. GOOD MAN !!!!!

[@ziadkhalaf198]

What a WONDERFUL conversation, and the ending about Messi is just the cherry on top of the cake.

[@tomhorwat5313]

Wonderful interview Medhi. I also cry in exasperation at what Israel are doing, as I'm sure many decent people in Israel cry. Netanyahu and Putin are stains on humanity.

[@sadianadeem8000]

1st interview with no bad review/comments. Truly shows he’s a good soul. Free Palestine!