Jeremy Clarkson petition: campaign in support of Top Gear presenter reaches 500,000 signatures

 
Suspension: Jeremy Clarkson (Picture: PA)
Rachel Blundy12 March 2015

An online petition calling for Jeremy Clarkson to be allowed back to work following his suspension by the BBC has gathered more than 500,000 signatures.

The Top Gear host's supporters have rallied together after he allegedly threw a punch at BBC producer Oisin Tymon in an argument over food.

The alleged fight is said to have broken out after filming in Newcastle last week.

BBC director-general Tony Hall today said he was still "a fan" of Clarkson, but said allegations of a fracas with Mr Tymon were "serious".

Since his suspension was announced yesterday, Clarkson, 54, today laughed off his latest controversy, telling reporters outside his flat in Kensington he was "just off to the job centre".

He also joked on Twitter that the BBC could screen some of his other work in place of Sunday's edition of Top Gear, which has been postponed.

He wrote: "I did some pretty good war documentaries. They could screen one of those."

Posting on the petition on Change.org, his supporters have spoken of their outrage at the prospect of Top Gear being scrapped if Clarkson is not reinstated.

Martin Jones from Blackpool wrote: "A minority of over sensitive people should not ruin one of Britons favourite shows."

Charlie Houghton said: "Jeremy is a bastion of light in a dark PC world."

Veronique Favreau posted: "I pay my TV licence to ensure that irreverent people can express themselves. If you become boarding and politically correct, you may disappear BBC."

The BBC has said it is investigating the allegations against Clarkson, but commentators have speculated he could walk away from the show when his contract runs out at the end of the month.

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