Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

Scottish Sun

17-05-2025

GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a "anti-Semitic" post.
The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.
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Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his post
Credit: Getty
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He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley today
Lineker has "apologised unreservedly" after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.
A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.
The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption "Zionism explained in two minutes."
In a statement, Lineker said: "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.
"I very much regret these references.
"I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.
"The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.
"Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.
"I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.
"It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly."
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Last November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.
The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.
But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.
He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.
Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.
But a source said: "He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don't know at this stage.
"Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too."
This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster's social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.
Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC's rules.
Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: "The BBC's reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.
"And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that."
Lineker's agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image's symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.
Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.
The TV veteran slammed BBC's new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he 'has no TV experience' in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.
Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: "He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.
"Ultimately, I don't think they will, because I don't see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights."
Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.
However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.
"I think he wants more journalists - he has come from that background," Gary added.
In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government's new asylum policy.
He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.
But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.
He said previously: "I won't get involved in politics, I never really have.
"Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, 'This could be worse than we think'.
"I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.'
Lineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.
He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season.