Gary lineker's controversial social media posts that led to bbc exit

THAT’S THE QUESTION LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THEIR HEADS AROUND. 15:38, 20 May 2025 Why did a pro-Palestinian post by Gary Lineker prove to be the last straw for BBC bosses

that has led to him being ditched by the broadcaster? That’s the question lots of people have been trying to get their heads around. While some believe criticism of Israel’s military

campaign against Hamas is legitimate because of the extent of civilian casualties and deaths, the Beeb and many others say that Lineker crossed a line when post left him being accused of

anti-Semitism. Former England footballer and Match of the Day presenter Lineker will now leave the BBC earlier than expected, supposedly by mutual agreement, amid escalating criticism

surrounding his recent social media activity. The fallout began last Monday after Lineker, 64, shared a pro-Palestinian video on Instagram. The post included a rat emoji which is a symbol

historically used in Nazi propaganda to dehumanise Jewish people. Widespread condemnation was swift and Lineker deleted the repost and apologised. He denies being anti-Semitic. Article

continues below Pressure increased on Thursday after The Telegraph published a revealing interview in which Lineker expanded on his criticism of Israel’s actions against Palestinian

civilians. In the interview, he appeared to take aim at senior figures within the BBC. Now it seems that plans for Lineker to lead BBC coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been shelved.

Last Tuesday, Lineker issued a statement in which he “apologised unreservedly” for his "mistake". "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained

offensive references," he said in a statement. "I very much regret these references. "I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe

in." The Match of the Day presenter said he deleted the post, “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.” There have been suggestions by critics that the BBC has been quicker to focus on his social media than it has on the humanitarian crisis

in Gaza. Israel's practices in its occupation of the Palestinian Territories have drawn sustained international criticism - along with accusations that it has committed war crimes,

crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Palestinian people - from human rights organisations and United Nations officials. He reshared content from the group Palestine Lobby,

prompting claims from Campaign Against Antisemitism that they would be lodging a complaint. Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, previously issued a response to the backlash. “The BBC’s

reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us," he said. Back in 2023, Lineker was taken off the air for an episode of Match of the Day following comments

about Conservative government language. "We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries," he wrote. "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the

most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?" In a recent interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan, Lineker

questioned the Beeb's social media guidelines. "The impartiality rules were for people in news and current affairs. They have subsequently changed,” he said. "But that left

people like me, who has always given his honest opinions about things. Then they suddenly changed them and you have to go, 'Oh, I've got to be impartial now'. It doesn't

make any sense. "Why worry about the people who don't like you. This is the mistake the BBC makes. The BBC tries to appease the people that hate the BBC. The people who always

attack the licence fee. They worry far too much about that, rather than worrying about the people who love the BBC." "Why shouldn't I have an opinion on things?" Lineker

asked in the same interview with Rajan. "I've always been strong on humanitarian issues and always will be, and that's me. The goalposts were massively moved because it was

never an issue until, suddenly, this point. Article continues below "It was always stipulated in the BBC guidelines that in terms of impartiality, it was for people who work in news and

current affairs. I am very, very thoughtful about what I say. They took me off air and it was a silly overreaction." JOIN THE DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! Get the latest news sent

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