A petition has been launched urging the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson, the Top Gear host suspended after a row with a producer .
Just moments after the Corporation announced the move, fans began using the #BringBackClarkson hashtag on Twitter and a campaign was set up on Change.org .
Hundreds of people signed the petition, urging the "freedom to fracas", within minutes of the disclosure the outspoken presenter had been suspended and that the show will not be broadcast on BBC Two this Sunday.
Observers and celebrities were quick to respond with wisecracks and support for Clarkson as news of his suspension began to sink in.
So @JeremyClarkson has been suspended following "a Fracas". Who makes them, Citreon?
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) March 10, 2015
Piers Morgan, the journalist and Clarkson's long-time sparring partner, made an offer to BBC bosses.
I'm available. #TopGear
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 10, 2015
The petition, started by Guido Fawkes, states: "We the undersigned petition the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson. Freedom to fracas. BringBackClarkson".
Among those to sign it was Veronique Favreau, from London, who said: "I pay my TV licence to ensure that irreverent people can express themselves. If you become boarding and politically correct, you may disappear BBC."
Martin Jones, from Blackpool, wrote on the campaign website: "A minority of over sensitive people should not ruin one of Britons favourite shows."
And Peter Maxwell, from Chippenham, said: "I'm signing because Clarkson is a superb presenter and Top Gear is without doubt one the BBC's better programmes. The viewing figures support this."
Clarkson was put on what was called his final warning last year following a racism row after claims that he used the n-word while reciting the nursery rhyme Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe during filming of the BBC2 programme.
A BBC spokeswoman said: "Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation.
"No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time."
The hit series, presented by Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, has also been dogged by rows over racism and sparked a near-riot while filming in Argentina.
Jeremy Clarkson's gaffes
July 2008: Drink-driving - BBC bosses told Clarkson off for supping a gin and tonic while behind the wheel of a pick-up truck.
November 2008: Lorry drivers - With reference to Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, Clarkson joked on the show about how lorry drivers "murder prostitutes".
February 2009: Gordon Brown - The then prime minister was dismissed as a "one-eyed Scottish idiot" during a press conference in Australia.
October 2009: Black Muslim Lesbians - Clarkson said that the BBC was obsessed with hiring black, Muslim lesbians to counter the number of white heterosexuals in its ranks.
July 2010: Burkas and lingerie - During a Top Gear discussion on distractions while driving: “Honestly, the burka doesn’t work. I was in a cab in Piccadilly the other day when a woman in a full burka crossing the road in front of me tripped over the pavement, went head over heels and up it came, red g-string and stockings.”
August 2010: Special needs - Clarkson referred to a Ferrari as 'special needs' and a 'simpleton' as a way of giving it a bad review.
February 2011: Mexico - Clarkson sparked a diplomatic incident, and was forced to apologise to the Mexican ambassador.
January 2012: India - Viewers complained about Clarkson's provocative remarks concerning the country's clothing, trains, food and history.
May 2014: The 'N'-word - Clarkson was forced into a apology after appearing to mumble the word as he sang a nursery rhyme on Top Gear.
July 2014: Slope - Ofcom said he had breached their guidelines, when he referred to an Asian person as a 'slope'.
October 2014: Falklands - Jeremy Clarkson caused offence this time by driving through Argentina using a number plate apparently referring to the Falklands War.
The Telegraph
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