Gary Lineker has left the BBC with immediate effect following a backlash over a social media post about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The former England striker, 64, had been scheduled to host the next World Cup but will now depart after presenting his final Match of the Day next Sunday.
The controversy began when Lineker shared a pro-Palestine video on his Instagram story that included an 'anti-Semitic' rat emoji from the campaign group Palestine Lobby. He quickly deleted the post and issued an apology, saying he would 'never knowingly share anything antisemitic'.
A source told The Sun that Lineker acknowledged his position was 'untenable' and offered to step down at the end of the season. The BBC is expected to announce his departure on Monday, with insiders saying tension over the situation had 'come to a head'.
Lineker had previously defended his pro-Palestine views, stating he did not 'care about the backlash' and felt compelled to speak out. However, some BBC staff expressed outrage over his 'repeated offensiveness to Jewish people', calling for his dismissal.
The presenter, who has been with the BBC for 26 years and was its highest-paid star, will now leave earlier than planned. His final Match of the Day will air after the last Premier League games of the season next weekend.
