Caught Wet Shopping Without Wearing A Mask, Gary Lineker Bombarded With Criticism

JAKARTA - Gary Lineker apologized and blamed his 'old age' after he was seen shopping without wearing a mask. Whereas during the previous months, he lectured other people who did not wear masks.

The 59-year-old Match of the Day host can be seen hanging around Marks & Spencer picking desserts. He does not wear shields on his nose and mouth.

Ironically, this event occurred after the British football legend repeatedly told others to wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In April, the BBC star tweeted: "How can there be a debate about whether we should wear masks?

"Even if it's only a one percent chance of making you safer. Even if it's only a one percent chance of stopping you from spreading the virus to others. Even if it only saves one life then it should be of use."

On July 2 he also wrote: "Can't understand why anyone would object to wearing a mask. A painless gesture to ensure you don't spread the virus to others, and great for hiding bad breath."

And on July 14, he added: "Why would anyone mind wearing a mask in a shop? It's not that difficult."

He also tweeted: "Wearing a mask, of all things, is the clearest thing we can do to help reduce the spread of the virus and the smallest sacrifice. Brainless."

The presenter at the time even posted a photo of himself on Instagram outside the same M&S branch in Barnes, southwest London, with the caption: "I don't want to take any chances."

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old buyer who saw Lineker shopping without a mask on Sunday said: "It's just hypocrisy on another level. He even tweeted a recent photo of himself wearing a mask in front of the same M&S shop and had people- people to wear masks in supermarkets.

"If it was someone else, I wouldn't mind. But it's frustrating for someone who tries to take on high morale as much as he does."

clarifying this incident, Monday night Lineker tweeted: "In old age, I went to a shop and forgot to wear a mask. I wondered why people were judging me. I woke up after a few minutes and hurriedly put it on."

"Feeling bad and embarrassed. Sorry for those in the supermarket," wrote the 1986 World Cup top scorer.

In my old age, I went into a store and forgot to put my mask on. Was wondering why people were giving me daggers. Realized after a couple of minutes and hastily put it on. Felt awful and embarrassed. Apologies to those present.

- Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 19, 2020