Gary Lineker, the former England footballer turned prominent BBC sports broadcaster, has issued an unreserved apology after reposting an Instagram story about Zionism that included a disparaging image of a rat. In a statement released on Wednesday, the 64-year-old acknowledged that the content contained “offensive references” and expressed regret for his oversight, stating he promptly removed the post upon realising the implications.
Lineker asserted, “I take full responsibility for this mistake,” emphasising his stance against antisemitism: “I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”
The post he shared originated from the Palestine Lobby, featuring the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes,” and its use of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitic propaganda—sparked significant backlash. This incident comes shortly before Lineker steps down from his role as the main presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme, “Match of the Day,” a position he has held for over 25 years.
Known for courting controversy, Lineker previously faced scrutiny regarding his social media activities, including a temporary suspension from the BBC in March 2023 due to a debate on impartiality after critiquing the Conservative government’s asylum policy. He was also among hundreds of public figures advocating for the BBC to distribute a documentary about Gaza, which was later retracted due to the narrator’s background with Hamas.
Despite the current incident, Lineker recently secured a contract extension to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage until 2026 and will also front the upcoming World Cup tournament in North America. Throughout his tenure, he has remained the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
In light of the recent events, BBC Director-General Tim Davie stated that the broadcaster’s reputation is paramount and highlighted the importance of adhering to social media standards, insisting that its representatives embody the organisation’s values. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for Lineker’s dismissal, questioning the appropriateness of his continued presence at the BBC given his status as both their highest-paid presenter and a media entrepreneur with significant influence.
Amid the backlash, Lineker reiterated his commitment to humanitarian advocacy, emphasising the necessity of mindful communication when addressing sensitive issues, particularly in the context of the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza.