Leaders debate: Footballers have #opinions on politics

The worlds of football and politics collided last night as some pretty frank views were shared across Twitter during the seven-way Leaders' Debate.

Leaders from each of the seven largest political parties took two hours we'll never get back as they answered questions on their policies ahead of May’s General Election.

And several past and present football stars took to Twitter to voice their opinions - which weren’t especially flattering.

Potato-snack salesman and broadcaster Gary Lineker gave Ukip’s leader Nigel Farage both barrels, tweeting: “Always reluctant to offer a political view, but Farage is a d*ck.”

Always reluctant to offer a political view, but Farage is a dick! — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 2, 2015

(Personally, I find Gary’s opinion on starchy carbohydrate-based foodstuffs to be largely accurate, and I can’t see anything in this statement of the bleedin’ obvious to change my mind.) Rio Ferdinand wasn’t impressed either, blaming the politicos on show of not engaging with younger generations, which seems like a valid point.

Unfortunately, None of these people on that stage engage with the generation of today #leadersdebate — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 2, 2015

One-time Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell questioned the leadership credentials of Labour’s Ed Miliband, commenting: “I’ve captained a number of teams and it’s clear to see Miliband is no leader.”

I've captained a number of teams and it's clear to see Miliband is no leader #leadersdebate — Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 2, 2015

Towards the end of the debate, Lineker made an excellent point - suggesting a change in the debate format that could revolutionise political discussion in this country: https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/583733090377273344 But our favourite interjection came from Norwich midfielder Elliott Bennett, who simply said: https://twitter.com/Ebenno88/status/583723540471480320