Gary Lineker told 'keep your political views to yourself' in Twitter spat with Jonathan Agnew

BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker has been slammed by cricket host Jonathan Agnew for expressing his political views online.

Agnew told Lineker that as "the face of BBC Sport" he should "observe BBC editorial guidelines", sparking a fierce spat between the two on Twitter.

The former England football captain, who hosts the BBC's Match of the Day programme, has been outspoken in his opposition to Brexit online.

Lineker regularly airs his political opinions on the platform and also appeared at a rally in London campaigning for a second referendum in November.

Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent, suggested that in doing so Lineker had breached the broadcaster's editorial guidelines, which require presenters to be impartial.

But Lineker hit back at Agnew's criticism on Thursday, saying: “Jonathan, I'm the face of my own Twitter account.

"I’ll continue to tweet what I like and if folk disagree with me then so be it.

"Thank you so much for your concern, which, I imagine, wouldn't be a concern at all if you agree with me."

Agnew's tweet followed a series of posts by Lineker on Wednesday as Tory MPs held a confidence vote in Theresa May's leadership.

“Extraordinary to watch us take our country back and rip it to shreds in the process,” he wrote in one tweet.

Another was a retweet of David Cameron’s calls for Tories to back the prime minister, which Lineker shared with crying-with-laughter emojis.

Lineker also criticised the Labour party, writing: “Imagine how hopeless you’d have to be to still be behind the Tory party in the polls. The absolute state of our politics.”

The cricket correspondent suggested BBC presenters should abide by the corporations standards on impartiality.

The BBC's editorial guidelines state: "Impartiality lies at the heart of public service and is the core of the BBC's commitment to its audiences."

Another section reads: "BBC staff and regular BBC presenters or reporters associated with news or public policy-related output may offer professional judgements rooted in evidence.

"However, it is not normally appropriate for them to present or write personal view programmes and content on public policy, on matters of political or industrial controversy, or on 'controversial subjects' in any area."

Pressed by others on Twitter for his views on Brexit, Agnew said he had voted Remain.

A spokesman for the BBC said: “Gary is not involved in any news or political output for the BBC and as such any expression of his personal political views does not affect the BBC’s impartiality.”

Agnew played for England as a fast bowler before becoming the BBC's cricket correspondent in 1991.