Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker (pictured) faced an online backlash today after tweeting about the 'hideously racist' and 'utterly heartless' treatment of refugees

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker faced an online backlash today after tweeting about the 'hideously racist' and 'utterly heartless' treatment of refugees.

The retired footballer's comments were met with a barrage of abuse from users of the social media site Twitter, forcing Lineker to defend his views.

On Monday 14 child refugees arrived in Britain from the Calais Jungle migrant camp and two more groups have since followed.

But pictures of them arriving sparked controversy, with politicians among those to question their ages.

Tory MP David Davies said some 'don't look like children', and was later condemned by dentists after calling for tests on teeth to verify the age of child migrants.

Joining the debate, England's record goalscorer wrote on Twitter: 'The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless. What's happening to our country?'

His post was retweeted more than 7,000 times and favourited by 15,000 users. But many took exception to the comment, including former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson.

He replied: 'They are not children you clown. If you care that much why don't you adopt one of these 'children'.'

Lineker was quick to respond, tweeting back: 'racist idiot', but many other users were also critical of his views.

William Stewart wrote: '@GaryLineker How about we look after OUR own before other countries? Answer that one Lineker!'

England's record goalscorer wrote on Twitter: 'The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless. What's happening to our country?'

Two children, one in a black jacket and another in a light blue hooded top, are pictured left arriving in the UK from a migrant camp yesterday. Right is a migrant involved in the age row

Another tweeted: 'Just heard Lineker is going to give all the money he makes from selling crisps to refugees what a saint.'

Jon Gaunt posted: '@GaryLineker so how many are you taking in to your home then Gary? Very easy to shout racist mate when you're sitting on a crisp fortune.'

And Owen Gibbs added: '@GaryLineker I think it has a lot to do with the fact we were told it would be refugee children but we're seeing migrant men.'

In response to the reaction Lineker tweeted: 'Well that tweet led to some serious blocking. The I'm alright Jack mentality is sickening.'

He went on to respond to a number of people before adding: 'Wonder what makes some people feel, by sheer good fortune of place of birth, superior to others.

'I need a lie down.'