Ex-England striker Gary Lineker leaves BBC after Zionism social media post
The ex-England footballer’s departure ends his 25-year tenure as Match of the Day host
Gary Lineker, a former England captain and the face of football on British television for over two decades, will leave the BBC, the broadcaster said in a statement on Monday.
Lineker, 64, had been due to cover the 2026 World Cup for the broadcaster, but his early departure comes after he apologised last week for sharing a social media post from the group, Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, titled: “Zionism explained in two minutes.”
Rats, linked to disease and dirt, have been used to represent Jews in antisemitic propaganda throughout history, including by the Nazis in the 1930s Germany.
He rose to become the BBC’s highest paid star after presenting its Match of the Day highlights show for 25 years. The BBC announced last November he would step down from the programme this year but carry on working for it until 2026.
“Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season,” BBC director general Tim Davie said in a statement.
Lineker repeated his apology, saying he would never consciously repost anything antisemitic.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,” he said.