It's right that things are to be determined by due process but as things emerge, it can't be denied that he comes over as a loud-mouthed, bombastic, bullying character full of his own importance:-

http://news.sky.com/story/1444054/family-clarkson-said-hed-have-colleague-fired

Over the years he's become more and more obnoxious in his attitude even though it's also obvious that he appeals to a large number of people. Are they like-minded, wish they could behave as he does or do they emulate his antics?

The petition has certainly grown but if a contrary petition had been started at the same time, would it have resulted in abusive, trollish responses such as we often see on discussion forums?