Sky News tried to paint Gary Lineker as a serial troublemaker with an “explainer” listing his so-called “controversial” posts on sewage, Qatar, the Tories, Brexit and migrant policy. Instead, viewers saw nothing but common-sense takes.
🔍 They called it a hit piece…
Sky’s article framed Lineker’s social-media commentary as a pattern of provocation. Yet the examples included pleas to “treat refugees humanely,” calls to “avoid pumping sewage in the sea,” and condemnation of “abuse of migrant workers in Qatar.” Hardly scandalous.
😂 …and it flopped spectacularly
Professor François Balloux nailed the reaction:
“If this was meant to be a hit piece, it’s an epic fail. The list of his ‘controversial’ posts include that we should treat refugees humanely, avoid pumping sewage in the sea, and that abuse of migrant workers in Qatar is wrong. Seriously …”
📹 The rodent emoji that triggered the row
The real spark came when Lineker reposted a video marked with a rodent emoticon—unnoticed until the backlash began. His agent explained:
“Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.”
✉️ Lineker’s apology
Lineker himself stated:
“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in… I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”
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