Gary Lineker Parts Ways with BBC After Sharing Antisemitic Post

In a dramatic turn of events, Gary Lineker, one of the BBC’s most prominent sports presenters, has announced his departure from the network after 26 years. The decision comes in the wake of yet another controversy surrounding his social media activity, this time involving the sharing of an antisemitic video.

Lineker posted a pro-Palestinian video on Instagram which included an illustration of a rat, an image widely recognized as an antisemitic trope historically used by the Nazis to portray Jews. The post sparked immediate backlash from Jewish organizations and the public. Following the outrage, Lineker deleted the video and issued a public apology, stating that he "did not intend to offend."

Despite the apology, Lineker confirmed that he and the BBC had agreed to part ways, meaning he will not host the network’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as originally planned. Social media was quick to react, with many users celebrating his departure. One post read, "Hamas just lost another useful idiot."

This is not Lineker’s first run-in with controversy. In March 2023, he was briefly suspended from the BBC after comparing the UK government’s immigration policy to rhetoric used in 1930s Nazi Germany. That incident also triggered internal criticism at the BBC and led to changes in the corporation's social media policy.

According to several reports, BBC executives had been considering ending their relationship with Lineker prior to the latest incident, and used the post as an opportunity to finalize the move.

Despite stepping down, Lineker is expected to continue his work in independent media through his popular podcast network, Goalhanger.

The BBC, which is not generally considered sympathetic toward Israel, now sees the end of an era. Lineker was not only a key broadcaster but also a highly vocal public figure on social and political issues. His departure underscores the rising tension between media figures’ personal expression and institutional accountability.