Gary Lineker has reportedly taken the remarkable decision to quit the BBC amidst controversy stemming from a social media post regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The Sun reports that Lineker, whose departure as the Match of the Day host was already confirmed at the end of the current season, is said to have accelerated his exit, and is now set to leave following his final show next Sunday after the concluding Premier League fixtures. It’s claimed he will make an announcement about his decision on Monday.
The ex-Barcelona forward faced criticism over a video he shared on Instagram, which included an emoji perceived as anti-Semitic, connected to Palestine Lobby, a campaign group.
After swiftly removing the clip, Lineker expressed regret for the incident through a statement, which asserted: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”
He continued to clarify, “The post was removed 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.”
Reports of Lineker’s departure followed the i Paper who claimed sources had indicated his position was no longer tenable. They mentioned that details regarding any severance agreement were still unconfirmed, while speculations suggest tensions may reach a climax after mounting pressure on the broadcaster to address the situation.
Before issuing an apology, it was said that BBC staff members were incensed at the organisation’s inaction against Lineker, given his “repeated offensiveness to Jewish people”.
An incognito staff member expressed: “It is quite simply disgusting that the BBC has not kicked Lineker out. His repeated offensiveness to Jewish people has clearly brought the BBC into disrepute.
“The interpretation of Zionism he has shared is anti-Semitic and the fact that the BBC thinks it’s acceptable is deeply upsetting to its Jewish staff, myself included.”
Lineker has stood by his support for Palestinian rights, stating: “It’s beyond depraved, what they’re [the Palestinian people] are going through, unimaginable.
“I don’t know how the world thinks this is OK. We still seem to be on the side of the people who are doing this. We’re still supplying arms. And you think, ‘Wow, how?’ The vast majority of people see it for what it is now.
“Palestinians are caged in this outdoor prison in Gaza, and now it’s an outdoor prison that they’re bombing. Israel say it’s self-defence, but really? Self-defence against what now?
“Yes, I understand that they needed to avenge, but I don’t think they’ve helped their own hostage situation at all. People say it’s a complex issue, but I don’t think it is. It’s inevitable that the Israeli occupation was going to cause massive problems, and I just feel for the Palestinians.
“I don’t really care about the backlash. I care about doing the right thing, or what I think is the right thing. Some people can disagree, that’s fine. But I have to look at myself in the mirror. I think if you’re silent on these issues, you’re almost complicit.”
Lineker has been with the BBC for 26 years, rising to become their highest-earning presenter. His career in television picked up after his successful time as a player at clubs like Tottenham, Everton, Leicester, and Barcelona, in addition to scoring 48 goals for England.
