Gary Lineker has sensationally quit the BBC amid the backlash to a social media post on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. An announcement on Lineker’s departure is expected on Monday from the broadcaster amid reports the BBC’s bosses now considered his position “untenable”.
Lineker was already scheduled to leave his role as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season - but will now leave earlier than planned. He had been poised to continue on as the main presenter of next season's FA Cup and of World Cup 2026.
He will now leave the BBC after presenting his final Match of the Day following the season's last Premier League games next Sunday. It is understood that Lineker will announce his decision on Monday. The Mirror has contacted Lineker's representatives for comment.
The former Barcelona star came under fire after sharing a pro-Palestine video on his Instagram account earlier this week which featured an 'anti-Semitic' rat emoji from the campaign group, Palestine Lobby. Lineker issued an apology after quickly deleting the video from his Instagram story.
A source told The Sun: “Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup. He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy. He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted."
A statement read: "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."
Lineker's reported exit comes after the i Paper said that insiders indicated Lineker's position had become untenable. The report added that the terms of any exit agreement had not yet been confirmed, though tension over the situation is 'thought to be coming to a head' following days of pressure on the corporation to act and next weekend stands to be his last show. Are you sad to see Gary leave the BBC? Take our poll below. If you can't see it, click here
Prior to the apology, it had been reported that some members of staff at the BBC had been left outraged over their failure to sack Lineker despite his "repeated offensiveness to Jewish people".
One anonymous member of staff said: "It is quite simply disgusting that the BBC has not kicked Lineker out. His repeated offensiveness to Jewish people has clearly brought the BBC into disrepute. The interpretation of Zionism he has shared is anti-Semitic and the fact that the BBC thinks it’s acceptable is deeply upsetting to its Jewish staff, myself included."
Lineker has previously defended his pro-Palestine views. He said: "It’s beyond depraved, what they’re [the Palestinian people] are going through, unimaginable.
"I don’t know how the world thinks this is OK. We still seem to be on the side of the people who are doing this. We’re still supplying arms. And you think, ‘Wow, how?’ The vast majority of people see it for what it is now. Palestinians are caged in this outdoor prison in Gaza, and now it’s an outdoor prison that they’re bombing. Israel say it’s self-defence, but really? Self-defence against what now?
"Yes, I understand that they needed to avenge, but I don’t think they’ve helped their own hostage situation at all. People say it’s a complex issue, but I don’t think it is. It’s inevitable that the Israeli occupation was going to cause massive problems, and I just feel for the Palestinians.
“I don’t really care about the backlash. I care about doing the right thing, or what I think is the right thing. Some people can disagree, that’s fine. But I have to look at myself in the mirror. I think if you’re silent on these issues, you’re almost complicit.”
Lineker has spent 26 years with the BBC, where he was their highest-paid presenter. His TV career followed playing days at Tottenham, Everton, Leicester and Barcelona, while he also scored 48 goals for England.
He will be replaced on Match of the Day by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates who will share hosting duties of both Saturday and Sunday editions next season.
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