Gary Lineker calls for 'mathematical equation' to simplify costly divorce proceedings

Lexi Finnigan 26 April 2016 • 7:17am

Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux Credit: Carolyn Contino/BEI/REX

Gary Lineker is calling for a “mathematical equation” to help couples divorce quickly and avoid the “manipulative” behaviour of lawyers.

The former England footballer, 55, has gone through two marriage breakdowns and has said he wants to see the whole process simplified.

Lineker claims lawyers boost their fees by manipulating their involvement and consequently create “hate” between the parties involved.

Thank you all for your kind words. @DanielleBux and I had many wonderful years together. We remain very close and the greatest of friends.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 13, 2016

We have shared the most incredible 8 years that I will always cherish. We will remain the best of friends. https://t.co/MUTkatkbOa
— Danielle Bux (@DanielleBux) January 13, 2016

The TV host was married to the mother of his four sons, Michelle Cockayne, for 20 years, and has now split with his second wife, model and actress Danielle Bux.

Lineker, who played for Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, is worth around £20 million but he and Miss Bux, 36, used a government website to formalise their split.

The online divorce site costs around £400, saving the couple tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Mr Lineker said: “Just general speaking, it’s very easy to get married and very difficult to get divorced. And we know that lawyers try to manipulate it to make you spend more money and basically end up hating each other.

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