Gary Lineker's decision to house refugee seen as 'publicity stunt'

A new survey has revealed that people think Gary Lineker’s decision to take a refugee into his home is just a publicity stunt.

The former footballer, 59, recently shared that he has applied to house a refugee and is waiting for the decision to be approved.

He told the Mirror: “My kids are all grown up so I’ve got plenty of room so if I can help on a temporary basis then I’m more than happy to do so. Why not?”

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Market research company YouGov responded by asking members of the public what they thought of Lineker’s announcement – and 42% said they thought it was all about the publicity.

The question asked: “Gary Lineker has reportedly signed up to take in a refugee into his home. Do you see this more as...?”

The options were “a genuine act of kindness”, “a publicity stunt”, “neither” and “don’t know”.

A total of 2,713 people were surveyed, with 42% saying it was a publicity stunt and 27% saying it was an act of kindness.

The poll showed that 21% didn’t know and 9% said neither.

Lineker has been critical of the way the government has responded to migrants crossing the English Channel.

According to the Mirror, he is set to welcome a refugee into his Surrey pad after going through a charity called ­Refugees At Home.

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The star will apparently be interviewed and visited at home by the charity before it can all go ahead.

The Match Of The Day host is dad to four sons – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus – from his former marriage with Michelle Cockayne.