A social media post about Zionism that included an antisemitic image is the reason behind England's legendary football striker Gary Lineker leaving the BBC after the final "Match of the Day" of the season on Sunday (May 19, 2025). Lineker's departure is taking place sooner than initially planned due to the controversy generated by his antisemitic image post which was later deleted.
His post had an illustration of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult. The striker tendered his apology and acknowledgment of the upset caused, with BBC director general Tim Davie recognizing Lineker's mistake and praising his contributions to football coverage.
According to the BBC, Lineker will not be part of the the broadcast coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage.
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Lineker and the BBC previously agreed he would step down from MOTD and continue to front the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, but he will now leave for good on Sunday. In a statement at midday, the former England striker apologised for sharing the post.
"I recognise the error and upset that I caused," he said. He added that working at the BBC had been "a pleasure and a huge privilege", but stepping back now "feels like the responsible course of action".
BBC director general Tim Davie called Lineker a "defining voice in football coverage".
After his statement Lineker also posted a video message on his social media confirming Sunday would be his last day.
Lineker said in a statement that he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and had deleted the post “as soon as I became aware of the issue”.
Also Read: Putin, Trump talk on ending Russia-Ukraine war; read Russian President’s full statement
A massive protest sponsored by the Campaign Against Antisemitism to remove Lineker was launched with over 10,000 people signing a petition.
Gabby Logan will replace Lineker as the presenter along with Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.
His post had an illustration of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult. The striker tendered his apology and acknowledgment of the upset caused, with BBC director general Tim Davie recognizing Lineker's mistake and praising his contributions to football coverage.
According to the BBC, Lineker will not be part of the the broadcast coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage.
Also Read: Media gagged from reporting on alleged material found on former New Zealand top cop’s computer
Lineker and the BBC previously agreed he would step down from MOTD and continue to front the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, but he will now leave for good on Sunday. In a statement at midday, the former England striker apologised for sharing the post.
"I recognise the error and upset that I caused," he said. He added that working at the BBC had been "a pleasure and a huge privilege", but stepping back now "feels like the responsible course of action".
BBC director general Tim Davie called Lineker a "defining voice in football coverage".
After his statement Lineker also posted a video message on his social media confirming Sunday would be his last day.
The rat controversy
Last week, the 64-year-old apologised after it emerged he had reposted a pro-Palestine video on social media that criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat. A rat is an antisemitic trope that was used in Nazi Germany to characterise Jews as vermin.Lineker said in a statement that he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and had deleted the post “as soon as I became aware of the issue”.
Also Read: Putin, Trump talk on ending Russia-Ukraine war; read Russian President’s full statement
A massive protest sponsored by the Campaign Against Antisemitism to remove Lineker was launched with over 10,000 people signing a petition.
Gabby Logan will replace Lineker as the presenter along with Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.
