Gary Lineker speaks out after quitting BBC over a row on anti-semitism, where last week, he shared a social media post about Zionism.
This post included an illustration of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult, with the presenter since apologising, saying he would never knowingly have shared anything antisemitic. B
However, this isn’t the first time he has been criticised for his social media posts and public statements.
Back in 2023, the BBC said it had had a “frank conversation” with Lineker after he criticised the government’s asylum policy, saying the language was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.
Earlier in May, Lineker appeared to criticise the new boss of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, telling the Telegraph, external he had “no television experience'”, while urging him not to make changes to Match of the Day.
And in a recent interview with the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said he sensed the BBC wanted him to leave as he negotiated a new contract last year. You can watch a clip of that below.
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Gary Lineker has said in the video above:
“Hi, everyone. Some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never ever have shared it.
“The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology. I would like once again to say I’m sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that.
“I’ve stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, anti-semitism, which I absolutely abhor.
“There’s no place for it and never should be. So I think it’s best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season’s FA Cup or World Cup.
“The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show. It’s been a pleasure and a huge privilege working with the BBC for thirty years, especially hosting Match of the Day, a programme that is so close to my heart and an integral part of my life.
“I’d like to thank all of the quite brilliant, talented, and lovely people both in front and behind the camera that I’ve worked alongside for three decades. Your an absolute best.
“The relationship with the BBC has been long and wonderful, but it’s the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways.
“Thank you also to all of you for your incredible support and love over so many years. It means the world to me. I’ll see you all on Sunday.”
A statement from the BBC: “Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season.
“He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.”
Tim Davie, BBC director general, says: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.
“Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.
“His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.
“We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
An email issued to BBC Sport staff from the director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski:
“You will have seen in the past few minutes that Gary Lineker will be leaving the BBC at the end of the current football season…
“I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you. Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren’t easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news.
“It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service. As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am.
“Let’s finish the season strongly with Gary’s final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead.”
Katie Razzall (Culture editor): There are lots of people who love Gary Lineker and agree with him – that he’s a football presenter and it doesn’t matter what he says on social media.
“But of course, there are many others – and I have to say, people have been emailing me over the last few days, people inside the BBC – saying: “This is just too much. No other BBC presenter would be able to get away with this.”
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