Gary Lineker slams ‘dangerous’ alcohol sponsorship in sport

Former England footballer Gary Lineker has condemned the “dangerous” sponsorship and advertising of alcohol brands in sport.

Gary Lineker has said that further restrictions are needed for alcohol advertising in sport

During an interview with GQ magazine, retired England striker and BBC presenter Lineker said he disagrees with the sponsorship of alcohol and gambling companies in sport and called for increased restrictions over advertising.

“I have turned down deals with alcohol firms over the years,” he said. “I don‘t agree with it. The other thing that worries me is all the betting advertising and sponsorship in sport.

“All you ever see is commercials for gambling and apps, it is really dangerous, and I think we need to do something about both of them, alcohol and gambling.”

His comments have been supported by the charity Alcohol Concern, which said more players now need to “follow his lead”.

“We applaud Gary Lineker going public with his criticism of alcohol sponsorship of football,’ said Tom Smith, policy programme manager at Alcohol Concern. “Sadly the game is saturated with it even though huge numbers of the audience are children.

“We need more high profile figures like him to come forward and say that it’s time football is alcohol sponsorship free. We also need more players to follow his lead and say no to personal sponsorship deals with alcohol companies.”

The charity recently issued a statement claiming David Beckham’s recent involvement with Diageo’s new grain whisky Haig Club was “incredibly disappointing”.

Just last month, former Manchester United striker Michael Owen was appointed global brand ambassador for Spey Whisky.

In January this year, The Portman Group –the UK alcohol industry’s guidance body – launched a new code for brands sponsoring sports, music and other cultural events in order to promote responsible drinking.

The Football Association (FA) was one signatories of the new code.

However, four months previous, in September 2013, UK researchers published a study which claimed that restrictions on alcohol advertising during televised football matches “may be justified”.