Thetownend.com

So what do people think about this?

I always enjoyed Top Gear, even when they made some awkward comments or did something overscripted that wouldn't pass as anything other than cringeworthy (this happened more often than not in the more recent series). I for one though, will miss Clarkson's presence on the BBC. The three of them were the core essence of Top Gear and no matter who they bring in, they won't ever be able to replicate the 'three blokes in the pub having a laugh and being childish' aspects which were when it was at its best.

I know a lot of people dislike Clarkson, so I expect violent disagreement in this.

I really enjoyed Top Gear and I enjoyed the 'edginess' of it. It wasn't like any other show. But it's not the BBC's fault he's gone, it's his. He let the fans down. I don't agree with some of his decisions, but if you were a fan of Top Gear you can't deny he was a great asset to the show.

I'm sure they'll replace him with someone similar (hopefully Alan Partridge).

Couldn't give a flying one

Saw a tweet earlier from May that he won't be renewing his BBC contract next month

Bet SKY are opening the cheque book in preperation

It was a retweet from someone and having looked at Mays account can't find it  :crash: so may be bollox.

Only watched TG when bugger all else on so not fussed either way

He leaves...

The other two leave and start another show...

I think its a much more complicated situation than the polemics on both sides would have you believe.


It seems that Clarkson doesn't dispute the facts of what happened, and in fact reported the incident himself (the producer who's being vilified had nothing to do with it). Clearly what he did deserves punishment- probably criminal as well as from his employer as it hapenned during work time.

The 'you or I would be sacked if we did this' brigade have a point but are missing the wider picture: sacking Clarkson would appear to damage the BBC and the production team far more than Clarksom himself who could waltz on to another channel tomorrow. On the other hand the Tank-driving types who think JC is god's gift and deserves to be allowed to punch whoever he likes are clearly being ridiculous.

Ideal situation I think would be for Clarkson publically apologise, do some community service and be hit in the pocket, ideally doing the next series without pay while his salary is split between the production team he seems to treat poorly.

As that's not likely to happen while Clarkson is in a surprisingly strong negotaiting position I think the BBC haven't really had much choice. People say that talent doesn't excuse being a dickhead, but life is littered with examples of exactly that.

He acted like a child and then lashed out - seems like the facts aren't being denied. He's an arrogant cunt who has a talent that regardless of what the fuck he does people will pay and that allows him to be an arrogant brat.
If it was me or you we'd be sacked and might well struggle to get another job. That probably wouldn't play too well to the mrs, would it. What did you get sacked for - oh I smacked someone because I wanted steak. Sorry we won't be able to pay the mortgage or buy things for the kids.
There are no consequences for the arrogant brattish cunts like Clarkson, Brand, Ross etc, they play on it and they know it.

I think it's a little more complicated than him punching someone because of lack of steak. I think that might have been the final moment where his annoyance at the way the show is run/a crap year burst out. I think we've all had moments in our lives where the anger has been building up to a certain point and something small and ridiculous finally cracks us. Clarkson is a human being after all.

He also has form because he punched Piers Morgan after Morgan had been hounding him and his family for column space. But whilst that was a public service, this was obviously a situation that should never have happened.

I do think he is genuinely remorseful for what he's done. It's easy to paint him as a money-grabber but frankly he is not particularly different to one of those working-class made-good types who often own something like a gravel merchants or Sports Direct. He had an idea, it worked, made him a lot of money, and there is no reason to hate him for being shrewd or lucky. He's hardly a saint but I do think deep down he is a generally well-meaning person. A bit of an anachronistic dinosaur at times, yes, but a decent person.

This is gleaned from the way he discusses things in his columns and the few times I've seen him with his guard down (Who do You Think You Are and when he did stuff like his WW2 documentaries). Entirely different person in those to the 'arrogant twat' you see sometimes on Top Gear.

Had it's day anyway, there are only so many times you can say cock or power (Not LP obviously) They'll try to resurrect it but meh.

cant believe this was the lead item on the 4.00 news.This country is becoming  a trivial cunt

Do you really believe that? What a complete and utter wast of police time and public funds.


Yes we would. But plenty of people have lashed out and not been sacked. Rugby players, probably a fair few footballers behind closed doors, John Prescott.

Not everyone is equal.
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The BBC have handled this badly, leaks galore. But they have to act to policy and I assume that's what they have done. No doubt Clarkson has acted like a prize tit, and has paid the price. Shame all round really.

i hate clarkson but i hate that annoying hamster twat even more

Clarkson comes across as a bigoted, self righteous cunt and appeals to other bigoted, self righteous cunts.
Top Gear lost its appeal to me years ago, it became a parody. It wasn't 'edgy' as Jay ascertained, if anything it was boringly predictable and repetitive.

Have you seen Stewart Lee's rant about Top Gear? It's on YouTube and I think you'd like it.

Apparently West Yorkshire Police wants the evidence from the BBC so maybe they can press charges...

"John will be John" hit someone who assaulted him with an egg, one could argue the chap on the receiving end deserved it. Equally we could also argue that punch ups with rugby players is between those with similar status.

My problem with Clarkson is he appears to have come across as a bully and assaulted someone who is "lower down the rank", and thus is not in a position to defend himself professionally given Clarkson's money making-abilities and power within the BBC.

It's notable that it was Clarkson that referred himself, not the victim.

Can you could list what is acceptable provocation to "deserve it".

Known by a few round here. First class twat.
Glad.

The point I'm making Batch is Prescott was without provocation physically assaulted and retaliated while perhaps not being aware of what has happened, that is different to what appears in Clarkson's case of verbally and physically assaulting a young member of the crew (who is not in position to defend himself against a very powerful "name") simply for not organising a steak.

I know, I'm playing Devils Advocate. But none the less, some people do get away with hitting people.

Oisin Tymon is 36 and has worked on Top Gear for a decade. Not exactly "young". Unable to defend himself against a name, it appears not - had he put the complaint in the end result would be the same.

yup.

I used to enjoy it but even as someone who isn't anything near a petrolhead, the lack of actual car stuff on the show became tiresome

This will keep Top Gear going for a while longer.  Clarkson could be a cock, but I don't dislike him.  But the programme had become stale.  It needs fresh blood.  I have a feeling that in 12 months from now, folk will be asking why a shake up had not happened before.

Gary Lineker on MOTD...there's another BBC stalwart who's stayed in his post for too long as well.

i have mate-i love it

totally in agreement with that_he's so smarmy he slides ohff the bottom of my screen

That's not the phrase

Gross misconduct. I recently left my job for similar reasons although I didn't deck anyone

This seems to be all over the media...   Hawes where it happened is in North Yorkshire not west!

Cool story bro.

Can`t understand why he reported himself - enjoyed his Brunel and St Nazaire documentaries very much - they all need replacing on Top Gear not just Clarkson - the format had got a bit too samey in the last year or so. Can`t believe how some people really do go over the top with their dislike of the bloke though....is he an alcoholic..?

Why would that be a good reason to hate him? There are much more obvious ones

Great on top gear but it seems a highly unpleasant man. Rightfully sacked.

Your welcome.

Not a fan of Clarkson, and thought the show was toilet, so no fucks given.