May 20 – BBC presenter Gary Lineker, who was expected to host the corporation’s World Cup and FA Cup coverage next year, has confirmed he will be leaving this weekend without a payoff, just days after he apologised for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations.
Lineker, the highest-paid on-air personality at the BBC, has had a thirty-year relationship with the broadcaster, hosting the flagship show Match of the Day. However, his use of social media has frequently created controversy.
Reports about his early departure began to emerge on Sunday evening and were confirmed on Monday by Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general. “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made,” he said. “Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
Last week, Lineker apologised after it emerged he had reposted a pro-Palestine video on Instagram that criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat. 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.”
Yesterday, Lineker acknowledged that the post had “awful connotations,” but said he had not seen the problematic imagery. “I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for,” he said.
“I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
In March 2023, the former England international was temporarily suspended over comments criticising the Conservative government’s asylum policy.
For some, allowing Lineker to host one final show as the season ends next Sunday is a step too far. Danny Cohen, the BBC’s former director of television, said it was right that he is leaving but questioned why he was allowed to front one last show.
“He should not be allowed a final swan song this weekend,” he said. “And why the BBC’s statement does not even mention antisemitism is hard to understand. If the racist content had been directed at another community, I do not believe a presenter would be allowed to carry on for another week. The BBC has a serious and wide-ranging problem with antisemitism. Only much stronger executive leadership can change that.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1747768770labto1747768770ofdlr1747768770owedi1747768770sni@r1747768770etsbe1747768770w.kci1747768770n1747768770