Gary Lineker, former England footballer and one of the BBC’s most prominent presenters, has announced his departure from the broadcaster following a major social media controversy. The tweet in question featured a video critical of Zionism and included an image of a rat—a symbol long associated with antisemitic propaganda. Although Lineker quickly deleted the post and issued a public apology, the backlash was swift and intense.
Lineker stated he had not realized the offensive nature of the content at the time of sharing and took full responsibility for his actions. Despite the apology, the BBC determined that his continued role had become untenable. This decision was influenced by growing concerns over impartiality, especially in light of past social media incidents involving Lineker.
This isn’t the first time Lineker’s online presence has sparked debate. In March 2023, he was suspended temporarily for criticizing the UK government’s asylum policies and drawing parallels to Nazi Germany. That suspension led to walkouts from fellow presenters and forced the BBC to revise its social media policies.
Lineker’s final appearance on “Match of the Day” is scheduled for May 25, 2025. He will be succeeded by a trio of respected broadcasters—Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan—beginning with the 2025–26 season.
In a statement, Lineker reflected on his 26-year career with the BBC, calling it a “pleasure and a huge privilege,” but acknowledged that it was time for a change. The BBC also expressed gratitude for his years of service, noting the legacy he leaves behind in sports broadcasting.
