Gary Lineker refuses to apologise for celebrating Lionel Messi's stunner against Liverpool

If you can't celebrate greatness, what's the point in anything

Lionel Messi's free-kick goal against Liverpool will go down in history as one of the all-time great Champions League strikes. From a considerably distance, Messi caressed the ball straight into the top corner. If was a moment of genius that had everyone - except Liverpool fans - off their feet in awe.

How lucky are we to live at the same time as this guy? 🐐 pic.twitter.com/qZ4TbJMZv1 — FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 1, 2019

Former England player, current BT Sport pundit and full-time Messi Stan, Gary Lineker was seen celebrating the goal with Rio Ferdinand as they watched from their TV studio up in the Gods at Camp Nou. Lineker seemed to be in utter shock, arms outstretched, jaw dropped, as he embraced Ferdinand.

When you’re waiting for your takeaway and the delivery man comes around the corner. pic.twitter.com/HBjGwRHXIO — FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 2, 2019

He'd just witnessed a magician at work and could hardly contain his emotions. He also loves Barcelona after spending three years at the club in the late 1980s.


Completely understandable, right? Not according to some precious football fans who took issue with him celebrating the goal. Liverpool supporters voiced their disappointment on Twitter.

He was seemingly accused of anti-Liverpool bias, with some fans saying they hoped Jurgen Klopp rejected future opportunities to be interviewed by Lineker.

Next time @GaryLineker wants to interview Klopp I hope the gaffer tells him to jog on. — iDad (@TheOriginaliDad) May 1, 2019

Others were apparently disappointed by a lack of support for the English team in the tie, as if that is a normal thing that everyone should be expected to do.

Nice to see support for the British Team! — Mark Robson (@markrobson14) May 1, 2019

Others were more succinct.

Pair of clowns.. — Martin (@Martinlawles13) May 1, 2019

Pundits should try to act like they are a bit neutral, at least. But hey, who cares. We’re climbing a hill our own way after all. — UnbearableRED - Farmer's League Winners 🕚 (@UnbearableRED) May 1, 2019

Lineker had no time for criticism though, tweeting: "Seem to have upset a Liverpool fans by celebrating greatness last night. Admittedly it was a bit cringe, but as a former player who loves Barcelona. I make no apologies for dancing to the diminutive Dios."

Too right, Gary. Ignore that haters.