Gary Lineker has shockingly resigned from the BBC following the furore over a social media post concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The broadcaster is set to make an official statement on Lineker’s departure come Monday, with whispers suggesting BBC chiefs now find his role “untenable”.
The presenter had already announced plans to bow out from his Match of the Day duties at the conclusion of the season – however, his exit is now being accelerated. He was expected to remain as the face of next season’s FA Cup coverage and take the lead for World Cup 2026.
Lineker is preparing to say farewell to the BBC after hosting his final Match of the Day for this season’s ultimate Premier League fixtures next Sunday. It’s believed that Lineker will publicize his decision by Monday.
The Mirror – where a version of this article was originally published – has reached out to Lineker’s representatives for a statement.
The ex-Barcelona striker faced criticism after sharing a video supporting Palestine on his Instagram, which included a controversial ‘anti-Semitic’ rat emoji from campaign group, Palestine Lobby.
Following a prompt removal of the video from his story, Lineker extended an apology. Sources have acknowledged this incident made his position at the BBC untenable, although Lineker is said to be devastated by the events and deeply regrets his post.
A statement from Lineker read: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.
(Image: 2024 Marc Atkins/Getty)
“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.”
The suggestion that Lineker might be leaving came after the i Paper reported that insiders deemed his role unsustainable.
(Image: The Rest is Football)
It also mentioned that specific details concerning his departure had not been finalized, with speculation mounting as tensions grow within the BBC, and the upcoming weekend could mark his final appearance.
Before the apology was issued, reports surfaced claiming that certain BBC employees were incensed at the broadcaster’s failure to dismiss Lineker in spite of his “repeated offensiveness to Jewish people”.
An unnamed BBC staff member expressed their dismay: “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 stood by his pro-Palestinian stance, commenting: “It’s beyond depraved, what they [the Palestinian people] are going through, unimaginable.”
He further questioned the global response: “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?”.
Lineker then added: “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 been with the BBC for an impressive 26 years, stepping into the limelight as their highest-earning presenter following a sterling football career with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Leicester City and Barcelona, as well as netting 48 goals for England.
Next season will see him pass the Match of the Day baton to Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who are set to share presenting responsibilities across both Saturday and Sunday editions of the show.
