Gary Lineker calls for 'mathematical equation' to reach divorce settlements

And hit out at lawyers who 'manipulate' proceedings to fuel negativity between couples

Gary Lineker (John Phillips/Getty Images))

Gary Lineker has criticised divorce lawyers who “manipulate” proceedings for financial gain and called for a “mathematical equation” to sort out divorce settlements.

Lineker and his wife Danielle Bux announced their divorce in January. The couple, who were married for six years, both wrote on Twitter how the pair will remain good friends.

The couple divorced amicably via a website, costing them around £400. Discussing divorce with the Radio Times, Lineker criticised other methods in which he says lawyers can “manipulate” couples so that they spend more money.

“Just generally speaking, it’s very easy to get married and very difficult to get divorced,” he said. “And we know that lawyers try to manipulate it to make you spend more money and basically end up hating each other.”

The Match Of The Day presenter suggested a “mathematical” solution to combat the costly procedure and reach a settlement quickly.

“I think there should be a mathematical equation that goes straight to the courts and they sort it out,” he said.

Following the comments, Lineker criticised the Daily Mail for what he called an “outrageously misleading” front page headline which read: “Lineker cries foul over cost of divorce”. The 55-year-old clarified he was talking about legal costs in general and not his own divorce.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.