While the 67-year-old, who was in the stands for Gary Lineker's Leicester City debut against Oldham Athletic on New Year's Day 1979, didn't necessarily agree with the star striker turned broadcaster's tweets, he supported his right to an opinion: "I agree with freedom of speech. This is not Russia." Farrell, who runs a cleaning business and whose son, Lee, also used to play for the team - said Lineker was a talismanic figure for the city where he had been a regular sight at his father's fruit and vegetable stall before the pitch called.
Not required for his usual Match of the Day duties, Lineker joined fans in the stands to see his team face Chelsea. Some supporters held signs that read: "I'm with Gary. Migrants Welcome".
While the main subject of conversation among the crowd was the prospect of relegation - they started the day just two points clear of the bottom three - Lineker's falling-out with the BBC was also on people's minds.
This story is from the March 17, 2023 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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This story is from the March 17, 2023 edition of The Guardian Weekly.
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