Deja vu as Lineker draws fire over 'Bye Bye, Celtic' Tweets

BBC football pundit and former England international player Gary Lineker has come under fire for replicating a gaffe made by rivals ITV last year, after he tweeted “Bye bye Celtic” following the team’s draw in the Champions League.Lineker, who as 1.7million followers, tweeted the message after the club were drawn against Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax.Last year, the ITV sport twitter account tweeted the identical message. ITV issued an apology to the club following the tweet.

Bye bye Celtic!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 29, 2013

Journalist Tom English warned Lineker via Twitter to anticipate “incoming” from club supporters, which he duly received.

@GaryLineker Prepare for incoming, Gary

— Tom English (@TomEnglishSport) August 29, 2013

“@GaryLineker: Bye bye Celtic!” >>>ur a fukking plum lineker.

— Niall Quinn (@Niallquinndj) August 29, 2013

Lineker, who has not deleted the tweet, defended the statement.“Very important to maintain one’s sense of humour at these times, Celtic fans,” he tweeted.“Great draw for you, with massive games and Barca in your pocket.”

Very important to maintain ones sense of humour at these times Celtic fans. Great draw for you, with massive games and Barca in your pocket

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 29, 2013