**Gary Lineker to Depart BBC Following Antisemitism Accusations Over Pro-Palestinian Social Media Post**

Gary Lineker to Depart BBC Following Antisemitism Accusations Over Pro-Palestinian Social Media Post

Gary Lineker, the esteemed former England international footballer and a stalwart presenter of the BBC's flagship football highlights program, "Match of the Day," is set to conclude his long-standing association with the public broadcaster at the end of the current 2024-2025 season. This development follows a significant controversy stemming from an Instagram post that led to accusations of antisemitism, related to his commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

**Gary Lineker to Depart BBC Following Antisemitism Accusations Over Pro-Palestinian Social Media Post**

The incident that precipitated

this decision involved a post on Lineker's personal Instagram account. Intended to show support for the Palestinian cause amid the war in Gaza, the post reportedly featured an image of a mouse alongside a video critical of Israel's actions.

This content was met with a strong backlash on social media, with some
individuals and groups interpreting the imagery as employing antisemitic
tropes. Formal complaints were subsequently lodged against Lineker.

In response

to the escalatingcriticism, Lineker deleted the contentious post. He also issued a public apology, stating, "I recognize the error and distress I caused, and I reiterate my apology.

Stepping back now seems like the responsible action. I have championed
minorities, humanitarian causes, and all forms of racism throughout my life
including, of course, antisemitism, which I vehemently detest. It has no place
and never should."

Despite the apology

the BBC and Lineker reached a mutual agreement regarding his future role. BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed the matter, confirming, "Lineker acknowledged the mistake he made. Consequently, we agreed on his departure from presenting any programs after the end of the current season. He has always been a prominent voice in BBC's football coverage for over two decades."

Lineker's contract with the BBC was originally set to run through the 2024-
2025 season, and he was widely expected to be a central figure in the
corporation's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His departure marks the
end of a significant era for BBC Sport. Notably

Lineker had appeared in his usual presenting role for the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace just prior to the official announcement of his impending exit.

This is not the first instance

where Lineker's public pronouncements have brought him into conflict with the BBC's impartiality guidelines. In 2023, he faced a temporary suspension after comparing the language used by the UK government regarding its asylum policies to that of 1930s Germany.

Furthermore, earlier this year, he publicly criticized the then-incoming BBC
chairman, questioning his television experience and suggesting he should not
interfere with "Match of the Day."

Gary Lineker enjoyed

a distinguished playing career, starting at Leicester City before moving to Everton, Barcelona (1986-1989), and Tottenham Hotspur. He concluded his professional career in Japan with Nagoya Grampus in the 1994-1995 season. As a prolific striker for England, he earned 80 caps, scoring 48 goals, including 10 across the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (where he won the Golden Boot) and the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

The termination of Lineker's prominent role at the BBC highlights the increasing scrutiny public figures, especially those associated with publicly funded broadcasters, face regarding their social media conduct and personal views on sensitive geopolitical issues.

It also underscores the challenges the BBC navigates in upholding its impartiality commitments while managing high-profile personalities.

My Egypt

Gary Lineker to Depart BBC Following Antisemitism Accusations Over Pro-Palestinian Social Media Post