Ex-England striker Gary Lineker to leave BBC after social media post on Zionism
Gary Lineker, a former England captain and the face of soccer on British television for over two decades, will leave the BBC, the broadcaster said in a statement on Monday.
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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 Lineker smiles as he takes his seat in the Royal Box on Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London in July 2023. Photo: AP
'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.
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Lineker repeated his apology, saying he would never consciously repost anything antisemitic.
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