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has issued a full apology after sharing a controversial Instagram story that included a widely offensive image associated with antisemitism. The Match of the Day host reposted a video from the group Palestine Lobby titled Zionism explained in two minutes, which featured an illustration of a rat - a symbol historically used by Nazi Germany to dehumanise Jewish people. 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."

The post sparked immediate concern among Jewish advocacy groups, with the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism confirming it was submitting a complaint to the BBC.

Lineker's agent also commented on the matter, telling the BBC: "Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed."

The agent added that Lineker deleted the post as soon as he learned about the image's symbolism.

The BBC is now facing renewed pressure to respond as its high-profile presenter finds himself at the centre of a row over online conduct and the boundaries of public broadcasting.

In response to Lineker's post, Campaign Against Antisemitism posted on X: "Nothing to see here. Just Gary Lineker's Instagram account sharing an anti-Israel video misrepresenting Zionism, complete with a rat emoji."

The group added that his "continued association with the BBC is untenable," and called fir his immediate dimissal: "he must go".

A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said they felt "the BBC should ask him to leave now rather than allowing him to dictate his own terms. He has caused great offence with this video - particularly with his egregious use of a rat emoji to illustrate Zionists."

One poster wrote on X: "Hidden in insta stories @GaryLineker displays exactly what he is - complete with the rat picture. @BBC that you choose to accept his behaviour, and keep him on your payroll, is as disgusting as it is shameful."

A CAA spokesperson slammed the 65-year-old sports broadcaster, penning: "Why is it that Gary Lineker keeps sharing content on social media that seems to cater to Jew-haters? Perhaps Mr Lineker is not as naive as he would like us to believe.

"As the BBC's highest-paid presenter and owner of a major media enterprise, maybe he knows exactly what he's doing. We will be submitting a complaint to the BBC over this latest post.

"When it comes to Jews, it seems that our national broadcaster believes that the usual standards simply don't apply."

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