Gary Lineker Condemns 'Dangerous' Alcohol, Betting Brand Sports Sponsorship Deals

BBC presenter Gary Lineker "has called for restrictions to be placed on sponsorship and advertising by alcohol and betting brands around sport," according to Alex Brownsell of MARKETING MAGAZINE. The former England footballer revealed he has turned down endorsement deals with alcohol firms, stating, "I do not agree with it." Lineker added, "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." However, Lineker defended his role as the face of Walkers Crisps, arguing the fight with obesity "is as much about exercise" as diet, and that his ambassadorial role does "no harm at all" (MARKETING MAGAZINE, 8/4).