Gary Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC earlier than planned, recognising the upset he caused following an Instagram post.
📅 Early Departure from the BBC
On Monday, the BBC announced that Lineker will step down from his presenting roles at the end of this season, instead of staying until the 2026 World Cup as initially planned. This decision comes after he shared a post about Zionism on Instagram that included an emoticon of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic insult.
As a result, Lineker will leave his hosting duties on Match of the Day this weekend. The BBC confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “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.”
💬 Lineker’s Statement on the Issue
Lineker addressed the situation in his own statement, acknowledging the upset caused by his actions. He said, “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.”
He went on to express regret for his actions: “I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. 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.”
📢 Tim Davie’s Response
BBC Director General Tim Davie also commented on Lineker’s departure, saying: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”
He praised Lineker for his long-standing contribution: “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.”
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