Published: 34 minutes ago
GARY Lineker was cleared of racially abusing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger when he signed off a Match of the Day by putting on a mock French accent and waving his arms around.
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Furious viewers - including many Gunners fans - complained after the former England striker mimicked the Frenchman in April.
The sports presenter waved his arms about and said: “Au revoir” as he signed off.
It followed scenes in which the 62-year-old Gunners boss reacted angrily to a free-kick decision during a 1-1 draw against Stoke.
The TV host was later heavily criticised by Arsenal fans on Twitter but today Ofcom revealed they were taking no action.
A spokesman said: “This related to an incident in which Mr Lineker flailed his arms around and, in a mock French accent, said: ’Au revoir’.
“The complaints were that this was racially offensive. After careful assessment, Ofcom has decided not to purse this.
“The incident did not raise substantive issues that could have breached our code relating to generally accepted standards.”
Lineker, 51, said a few days after the programme: “There was no xenophobic attempt at a French accent. I would simply never do that.
“I have been imitated for years and ridiculed about my ears and it really doesn’t worry me. It was never intended to offend Arsene. I’m a huge admirer of his.
“In fact, I spent much of Saturday afternoon actually defending Arsene against some nonsense from Piers Morgan.
“I have also done many similar things with players and managers over the years - some work, some don’t.
“There was no widespread condemnation. Just a few AFC fans took exception, probably because it came from a former Spurs player.
“You are unlikely to meet a less xenophobic person than me. I lived abroad and also spent much of my career abroad.”
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