A viral video of Gary Lineker used by far-right activist Tommy Robinson to traduce the football pundit was, in fact, an entirely innocent encounter filmed by two British backpackers, the pair have revealed.
An Innocent Encounter in Puerto Escondido
The clip, which has been viewed millions of times, originated from an impromptu meeting between the former England striker and two friends from the Cotswolds. Alfie and Bradley, both 23, were in the port town of Puerto Escondido on Mexico's Pacific coast around two-and-a-half weeks ago when they spotted Lineker.
"We were having some food in a bar. I was pretty sure that we'd seen his son, Harry, who I recognised, and his daughter-in-law go by," Alfie explained. After paying their bill, the pair walked in the same direction and passed the family walking back. They then had a brief, friendly exchange.
"We're not obsessed with football, we're from the Cotswolds and more into rugby and cricket, so we weren't nervous to talk to him, even though he's a household name in England," said Alfie. "We had a nice little innocent interaction, and then it's turned into something a lot bigger."
How the Clip Was Weaponised Online
The friends posted the short video on their @theraybandits Instagram and TikTok channels, showing a cheerful greeting. However, the version later shared by activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, was edited. It cropped out Lineker's son, Harry, and was posted on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: 'What are you up to here @GaryLineker?' alongside a pair of peering eyes emojis.
This slanted reshare, which has drawn 13.5 million views, was designed to imply the 65-year-old BBC presenter was in an inappropriate situation with the young woman, who is in fact his daughter-in-law, Bella.
Lineker himself responded robustly online, stating: "If you must know, I was going to a chemist with my daughter-in-law, to get some medicine for her unwell husband….my son." He added pointedly: "Hatred is a dreadful weakness."
Backpackers' Disappointment and Attempt to Set Record Straight
Speaking to Metro from Guatemala, where they are continuing their travels, Bradley expressed their frustration. "Obviously the clip has been used out of context, which is a shame, because we like Gary Lineker, even if his political views are controversial," he said.
"It was a nice interaction which has ended up being taken without our permission and used to slander him, which is disappointing." The pair have since posted another video explaining the true context of the meeting, but its reach is dwarfed by the viral misinformation. Robinson's post garnered around 15 million views, while their clarification video achieved about 1 million.
"The fact is when something is out on the internet, it's out," Alfie said. "We've just done all we can to show that this was a wholesome interaction and no slur on Lineker at all."
The broadcaster's son, George Lineker, was less measured in his response, calling Robinson a "f***ing idiot" for sharing the clip. Robinson, who holds sharply opposing views to Lineker on immigration, has not removed the post or backtracked.
The incident occurred while Lineker was in Mexico for a ceremony to be inducted into the International Football Hall of Fame in Pachuca. He later posted on Instagram about his "fabulous week" and "unforgettable memories" in the country.
