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24th Jun 2016

Gary Lineker is “ashamed” after UK votes to leave the EU

'We've let down our children and their children.'

Kevin Beirne

The results of Thursday’s EU referendum have sent shock waves around the world.

The United Kingdom has decided to end its 43-year association with the European Union by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1%, leaving many on the Remain side of things feeling largely disillusioned with the whole process.

By and large it was the older generations which voted to leave the EU, with those who would have to live longest with the decision voting largely in favour of the losing side.

As the dust settles, many young people are still trying to come to terms with the fallout of how to deal with an outcome they had not voted for.

While there are certainly voters under the age of 50 who voted to leave, all polling suggests that the majority preferred to stay – with the 18-29 demographic particularly keen on remaining within the EU.

Those aged 50 and above voted largely to leave the EU, with the higher turn out of older voters carrying to vote and securing victory for the leave side.

But just like some younger people voted to leave, there were some older remain voters too – such as former England international Gary Lineker.

The Match of the Day host has come in for some harsh criticism as of late for sharing his political views with his Twitter followers. Throughout the referendum campaign, he has made no secret of his desire for the UK to remain as part of the EU.

Once the results were finalised on Friday morning, Lineker shared his disgust and apologised to younger voters who had wished to stay within the European Union.