Gary Lineker clarifies 'sexist' Lionesses tweet after backlash

May 2024 · 2 minute read

The football pundit responded on Twitter

Gary Lineker found himself in hot water after tweeting his praise to Lioness hero Chloe Kelly following her team's Euro success against Germany.

MORE: Prince William's sweet words to Lioness captain Leah Williamson revealed as they hugged at final

The former England player shared his thoughts live on Twitter alongside Sunday's match, which saw goals from Ella Toone and Chloe storm England to a 2-1 victory.

WATCH: Prince William presents the Lionesses with their trophy

In celebration after her winning goal, Manchester City striker Chloe whipped off her shirt and spun it above her head while sporting a Nike sports bra - something she was later penalised for by the referee.

READ: Princess Eugenie pens emotional message as she enjoys summertime with family

MORE: Prince William and Princess Charlotte send good luck message to Lionesses

Gary had tweeted: "The @Lionesses have only gone and done it, and Kelly is England’s heroine, bra none."

The message was swiftly called out and branded as "sexist". He later deleted the tweet and explained to one follower: "It was just a play on words given the celebration. I do rubbish like that constantly on here, including on men’s football. I've deleted it as many people didn't see the game so missed the context."

Chloe Kelly celebrating her goal

He added: "I'm glad you got that it was not intended to be in anyway sexist. I'm afraid i can't control other people." Gary followed up his praise on the England team, by writing: "Football is a simple game. 22 women chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, England actually win. Congratulations @lionesses. Fabulous."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday's , goal scorer Chloe said she got "the best yellow card" when she celebrated her success at Wembley.

She said: "I think that moment everything is a blur, you celebrate for what the moment is, not 'Am I allowed to take my shirt off?'

"As you know, I'm taking my shirt off. I'm going crazy because men footballers have been doing exactly the same, so as a woman why can't we? You're an England fan in that moment." The star continued: "The best yellow card I've ever received."

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHLpaammZeWx6q6xGeaqKVfmLKtscGroK2hlah8c3yRa2dxaGJmgXh8k2tmoJmirnqttc2eop6qXaiyubXSrWSloZ%2BjsrS%2FxKxkra%2BVmsFursCcoqWZo518