Mark Lawrenson criticizes BBC for being “woke” and afraid to cause offence

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has once again made headlines with his candid comments about his departure from the BBC’s sports coverage. The former Match of the Day pundit, who appeared regularly on Football Focus for over 20 years, has not held back in his criticism of the national broadcaster.

Lawrenson, who made his final Football Focus appearance in 2022, recently spoke out about the circumstances surrounding his exit, citing age and race as factors. The 66-year-old expressed his dissatisfaction with the one-year contracts he was offered and the manner in which his departure was handled.

In a recent interview on The Ben Heath Podcast, Lawrenson did not mince his words when discussing the BBC’s alleged fear of causing offence and their perceived shift towards a “woke” culture. He referenced the suspension of Gary Lineker over social media activity and criticized the broadcaster for stifling opinions and restricting freedom of expression.

The former Liverpool star’s comments have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many weighing in on the state of the BBC and the changing landscape of sports media. Lawrenson’s frank assessment of his time at the corporation has shed light on the challenges faced by broadcasters in an increasingly polarized and politically charged environment.

As the dust settles on his departure, one thing is clear: Mark Lawrenson is not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo in sports media. Whether you agree with his views or not, his outspoken nature has certainly left a lasting impression on the industry.