Gary Lineker targeted by taxman because he works in the media, tribunal told

GARY Lineker was targeted by the taxman because he worked in the media, a tribunal heard.

The England footballer-turned-TV presenter, 62, is being pursued for £4.9million by HMRC.

It claims he should have been classed as an employee rather than a freelancer by the BBC and BT Sport.

It comes as part of legislation known as IR35, designed to clampdown on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies.

But James Rivett KC, representing Lineker at a tribunal in London, said the case came from a “policy of looking at people in the media”.

And when HMRC lawyers laughed at his suggestion, he hit out: “This is just a panto laugh.”

He said it had wanted its tax avoidance legislation to apply to Lineker, claiming: “HMRC closed their minds to anything on the contrary.”

Lineker insists all taxes were paid via his media company and is appealing against the demand.

The hearing continues.